‘An unremarkable experience and difficult to justify the cost’
Are premium economy flights worth the extra cash? This airline was not and here is why.
It’s the No 1 quandary about premium economy flights – are they worth the extra cash? We try the cabin category out on American Airlines.
The seat
The premium economy cabin has 28 seats in three rows configured 2-4-2 and a back row with four seats. The leather seats are 48cm wide with a pitch of 96cm (38 inches) but only 15cm (6 inches) recline. My emergency exit seat has a ridiculous amount of leg room. Despite the location near the toilets, I am not bothered by people waiting in this generous space, as passengers mostly stay seated for this overnight flight. The swing-up footrest is fairly useless. A better option is the fold-out leg rests in the bulkhead seats in the centre, although they have less legroom. In other rows, seats have standard fold-down footrests. The armrest is wide enough that you don’t have to fight your neighbour for it. Passengers receive a pillow, blanket, noise-reducing headphones and an amenity kit with socks, eye mask, earplugs, lip balm, pen, toothbrush and toothpaste. On the downside, the exit row has no view as the window is too far in front.
Technology
Each seat has a power outlet, USB port and wi-fi access (for a fee). Noise-reducing headphones are provided.
The menu
There’s no printed menu but I am offered “beef or pasta”. I choose the pasta, which is creamy fusilli mixed with broccoli. It comes with a green salad (lettuce and a few shreds of red capsicum), bread roll, cheesecake slice, cheese spread and crackers. Beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks are complimentary. Continental breakfast is served two hours before landing. The chocolate pastry is warm and delicious, the vanilla yoghurt is a decent brand (Chobani), but the sliced fruit is tasteless.
Entertainment
On my exit seat, a small touchscreen folds out from the armrest. There’s a great selection of movies, television shows, sports and music (including from Apple TV+ and Apple Music), which can also be streamed to your own laptop, tablet or phone using the American Airlines app. The Lifestyle channel features educational content from Skillshare and Rosetta Stone so you can learn while you fly.
Service
Interaction with the crew is minimal on an overnight flight, but the service is no better than economy. They do not elaborate on the description of the dinner options, and when I ask if there is usually a hot breakfast offered on this route, the attendant replies “I don’t know”.
Luggage allowance
Premium economy passengers can check in two 23kg bags for flights between the US and Europe plus a carry-on bag and personal item. Flights to or from Australia allow for two 32kg bags.
Loyalty scheme
American Airlines’ AAdvantage program is part of the One World alliance, so I earn Qantas frequent flyer points.
At the airport
Premium Economy passengers do not have lounge access but can use the priority check-in counters and get priority boarding at the gate. Luggage is also tagged priority.
In the know
Various aircraft types are used for the multiple daily departures of the LAX-LHR route, from slightly different sized Boeing 777s to the Airbus A380, with some operated by British Airways. This means seat features such as the legroom and leg rest versus footrest can vary. This also applies to American Airlines’ SYD-LAX route.
What it costs
One-way premium economy fares are $1480, based on airline website search two months from publication.
The verdict
Overall, it is an unremarkable experience and difficult to justify the significantly higher cost compared with economy.
Louise Goldsbury was a guest of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
If you love to travel, sign up to our free weekly Travel + Luxury newsletter here.
