Emirates premium economy review: Is the $6400 upgrade worth it?
This international airline’s premium economy is not only a ‘giant leap’ up from economy but also gives business class a run for its money.
This international airline’s premium economy not only is a “giant leap” up from economy but also gives business class a run for its money. And it is worth every cent.
Take a seat
The premium-economy cabin has three rows in a two-four-two configuration. The seats have a pitch of 101.6cm, a width of 50cm and a recline of 20.5cm. I am on the window in a group of two; the seat is comfortable and new, with pale leather padded seats. There’s a pocket pouch for books and water bottles, a small alcove in the seat in front for the amenities kit, and a slide-out table for dining. There is quite a lot of room between the seat and the window for bits and pieces, including the blanket and pillow provided, and my jacket.
The 20.5cm recline has its pros and cons. When the seat in front is reclined, there’s not a lot of room for getting in and out. For those who like to move around, I would recommend booking an aisle seat. On the other hand, it’s quite comfortable for sleeping – not the flat bed of business, but a big step up from the sardine conditions of economy. On this long flight I manage five to six hours and wake up feeling refreshed. Amenity kits are provided and have toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, eye mask, earplugs and a bookmark. There are three roomy, clean bathrooms that service only premium economy so there’s never a wait for the loo.
Tech talk
Complimentary wi-fi is available but I don’t turn it on; flying is a wi-fi-free sanctuary for me. A pair of headphones is provided and the screen console has a variety of charging plugs. I fully charge my iPhone quickly.
That’s entertainment
The 34cm screen is located in the seat in front and is touch controlled. The entertainment options are, without doubt, the best I’ve encountered on an international flight in a long time. I am excited by the new release films and leave my fully loaded iPad in the bag, untouched. The options include this year’s Oscars winners Conclave, A Complete Unknown, Emilia Perez, as well as The Apprentice, Wicked and Maria. There are also new television shows such as The Penguin and season four of True Detective.
On the menu
The in-flight service is similar to business class and it’s a huge step up from economy. Expect proper cutlery, glassware and linen napkins. We have two dinner options, lamb machbous, which is marinated in Middle Eastern spices with aromatic rice and roasted pine nuts, and roast chicken with baked potatoes. I have the lamb and it’s a hearty, generous, flavoursome dish served with a spiced pumpkin salad, bread and a full-sized chocolate mousse cake. Three wines are on offer – Yarra Valley 2018 Chandon Brut, Robertson Winery No. 1 Constitution Rd chardonnay, both Australian, and a French Chateau de Sales 2014 red. I have the latter and it is served in a glass with a generous pour, perfect for aiding sleep. Breakfast is fruit, chia seed pudding, an omelette with beans and sausage or pancakes. It is also very good.
In the bag
Premium-economy passengers are allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage up to 10kg and 35kg of checked baggage.
At your service
The service is attentive and understated. Nothing goes unnoticed, yet staff aren’t gushy or pushy. The balance is just right.
On the ground
Premium economy has its own check-in counter at Sydney airport. When I arrive for this late-evening flight, there is a crowd of passengers checking into business and nobody at premium economy so I am checked in more promptly than those in business and that’s a win. There is no lounge access.
Make your points
Emirates has its Skywards program, which allows passengers to accrue Qantas frequent flyer points.
In the know
I am offered a paid upgrade to business class for $1100 when I check in online. On the way home from Europe I am offered an upgrade for $1550, all the way from Athens to Sydney. This is another advantage to going premium economy. Also, try to book your seat early as being stuck in the middle in a row of four seats is not as pleasant as being in one by the window.
The bottom line
The writer paid $6400 return to go Sydney-Oslo–Athens–Sydney. One-way premium-economy flights from Sydney to Dubai are from $2995, based on a website search departing two months from publication.
The verdict
This flight has changed my life. The new plane, food, entertainment, service, cleanliness and general vibe of the flight has me landing after 14 hours in very bright spirits. I feel alive and ready to go. The seats aren’t what you get in business class, but they are such a giant leap up from economy, and are so reasonably priced, I would never fly economy again if I had the choice. This is a serious rival to the business-class offerings of many of its competitors, redefining mid-tier flying. Bravo Emirates for an excellent step-up in class.
Elizabeth Meryment travelled at her own expense.
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