Due to the current economic downturn, smart business travelers who are trying to save but still enjoy a sense of comfort in the air have turned to the various premium economy products introduced by several airlines. Usually costing 1.5x to 2x the original price of a regular economy ticket, premium economy seats boast more leg room, a more exclusive cabin and, in some cases, special dining, noise-cancelling headphones, larger PTV screens, lounge access, priority boarding and dedicated cabin staff.
With most of the perks of business class but with a ticket price that doesn’t break the bank, savvy travelers have begun to flock to the premium economy option and airlines without this product are beginning to take notice. Two airlines with future premium economy classes include Malaysia Airlines, who will be be introducing the new class in their new A380s, and Cathay Pacific, which hinted that they may role out the new product in 2012.
Below is the current list of the Top 10 Best Premium Economy Classes for 2011. Rankings are based on customer reports, SkyTrax rankings, seat pitch, width and comfort, perks associated with the premium economy class seating (is it J- or Y+) quality.
10. ANA (All Nippon Airways) Premium Economy
Seat Pitch – 42″
Seat Width – 18.5″
Aircraft – B777, B747, B787
Extras – Footrest, slippers, noise-cancelling headphones, lounge access prior to flight (http://simpliflying.com/2009/is-premium-economy-here-to-stay-a-brand-review-of-all-nippon-airlines/)
Cons – Service is exactly the same as economy, dining options are also the same as Economy
Rating – C+
ANA Premium Economy Seat
ANA New Premium Economy Seat
9. Air France Premium Voyageur
Seat Pitch – 38″
Seat Width – 19″
Aircraft – A340, B777, B747
Extras – Shell seats, leg rest, amenity kits, pillow and cover are business class standards, meals served before Economy, touchscreen video
Cons – Meals are the same as Economy class, no lounge access
Rating – B-
Air France Premium Economy Seat
Air France Premium Economy Amenity Kit
8. British Airways World Traveller Plus
Seat Pitch – 38″
Seat Width – 18.5″
Aircraft – B767, B777, B747
Extras – Amenity kits, pillow and cover are business class standards, meals served before Economy, dedicated cabin
Cons – Meals are the same as Economy class, no lounge access
Rating – B-
British Airways Premium Economy Seat
British Airways World Traveller Plus Amenity Kit
7. Japan Airlines Premium Economy
Seat Pitch – 38″
Seat Width – 18.9″
Aircraft – B777
Extras – Amazing meals with Deal&Deluca Ice Cream and champagne available, noise-canceling headphones, amenity kits
Cons – Seats are not as comfortable as other Premium Economy products, more of Y+ as opposed to J-
Rating – B
6. Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy
Seat Pitch – 38″
Seat Width – 21″
Aircraft – B747 and A340
Extras – Priority check-in and boarding, welcome drinks on board, premium dining, amenity kit
Cons – In-seat power requires special adapter for use (Virgin allows you to rent the adapter for a jaw-dropping $100 or 69 Pounds), although dining is considered “premium, meals are very similar to economy class meals.
Rating – B+
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Seat
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Amenity Kit
5. Air New Zealand Premium Economy (Old Seating)
Seat Pitch – 39″ (B777), 38″-40″(B747)
Seat Width – 17.8″
Aircraft – B777, B747, B767, B737, A320
Extras – Priority check-in, Business Premier dining, self-service bar, 8.4″ high-resolution AVOD system, crockery used for dining, 42 Below Cocktails available, amenity kits
Cons – Not as great as the new Spaceseats available on select B777s.
Rating – A-
Air New Zealand Premium Economy Seat
Air New Zealand Premium Economy Cabin
4. EVA Air Elite Class/Deluxe Class
Seat Pitch – 38″ (B747) 40″ (B777)
Seat Width – 18″
Aircraft – B777, B747
Extras – Shape-memory seats, 8.4″ Touch Screen, amenity kits, quilts available, wider selection of meals, Pioneer in premium economy service with numerous accolades
Cons – No Priority Check-in, No Noise Canceling Headphones
Rating – A-
EVA Air Premium Economy Seat
TIE – 2. Air New Zealand Spaceseats (New Seating)
Seat Pitch – 41″
Seat Width – 19″
Aircraft – B777
Extras – Priority check-in, Business Premier dining, self-service bar, 10.6″ high-resolution AVOD system, crockery used for dining, 42 Below Cocktails available, amenity kits, shell seats with privacy compared to business class, a premium economy seat that is almost as great as a business class product, 2-2-2 configuration with direct aisle access, snacks on demand order through touchscreen, freshly prepared pizza or tasting plate, earrings and Complimentary amenity kit including Clarins skincare products Full sized pillow and soft polar fleece blanket for resting
Cons – No lounge access, not many Air New Zealand planes have it, NOT PRICED like premium economy hence its lower ranking
Rating – A
Air New Zealand New Premium Economy Seats
TIE – 2. Turkish Airlines Comfort Class
Seat Pitch – 46″ (B777)
Seat Width – 19.5″
Aircraft – B777
Extras – Very generous seat pitch, pre-flight drink service (champagne available), business-class like service onboard, wide selection of excellent meals, noise-cancelling headphones, amenity kits, 10.6″ personal touchscreen monitor
Cons – No Priority Check-in, No Lounge Access
Rating – A
Turkish Airlines Premium Economy Seat
Turkish Airlines Premium Economy Amenity Kit
1. Qantas Premium Economy
Seat Pitch – 38″ (Middle Seats) – 42″ (Side Seats)
Seat Width – 19.5″
Aircraft – A380, B747
Extras – Footrest, 9″ Recline, 8.4″ Entertainment Screen, Pre-flight Champagne, Comfort Amenity Kit, Priority Check-in. Right price for Premium Economy
Rating – A+
Qantas Premium Economy Seat
Air Traxx Top Ten 