However, as Im not a light traveler, the additional baggage allowance makes it worth paying extra since it will be more costly to pay for the excess baggage on standard Economy flights. Larger personal TV screens. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. The main course options were braised beef, chicken curry, or rigatoni pasta. For selected routes, you can choose Basic fare. That said, there are some features that you will (or will not) experience across the entire fleet which may help you in your decision-making. On shorter flights, you just get a drink and a mars bar (or similar). In this review, we discuss whether its worth upgrading to Premium Economy. If you can, avoid flight BA178, the morning flight departing New York at 7:55 am and scheduled to arrive at London Heathrow Airport at 7:45 pm. Whether you takethe Eurostartrain from London to Paris or find a budget airline from anywhere in the UK, Air France is an excellent alternative to British Airways. Both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have a minimum three courses served on real crockery, whilst Norse Atlantic will serve you a boxed meal with just a main course and a dessert. But other than that, they also offer additional perks that make paying extra for Premium Economy worth it. Premium economy has become an essential cabin on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic's long-haul offerings. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. (Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy) Check-in, baggage and boarding. The seat width is 18.5 inches. However, even though the seats were definitely old, I must admit that they were decently comfortable, probably more so than the new slimmer version. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at, Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, spirits, wine, food, and culture. Although I think not all Premium Economy is worth the extra cost compared to the Economy. We soon landed at Heathrow on time, and I was off to my hotel. The Premium Economy cabin was a small one, with 4 rows of seats in a 2 4 2 configuration. A power supply is available for laptops and other electronic devices, as well as a USB socket. There is not a dedicated British Airways Premium Economy check-in, but there does tend to be out of the UK airports so this is an advantage over Economy. Our short haul fares. The decisions that come with flying can be fairly overwhelming: Do you want to book an economy ticket and bank on an upgrade, thanks to your frequent-flier status? Ultimately, 125 ($163) felt like a small price to pay for a second checked bag, a wider, more comfortable seat, extra leg room, and better food. Answer: Business and First Class passengers are eligible for priority check-in whenever and wherever you fly with British Airways. Premium economy travelers get to enjoy more comfortable seats as well as a variety of other perks, like: Complimentary bar service along with signature drinks. Heres a look at what you will experience when flying first class on British Airways: Access to a private, spacious suite with a fully flat bed. . Fast track arrivals at London-Heathrow (available for non-EU passport holders). This means that I can work, whether I am flying in Business Class or Premium Economy. British Airways Premium Economy serves the same in-flight meals menu as the Business Class. Tall passengers rejoice: British. I am not a big fan of BAs afternoon tea and snacks concept (especially not of the sandwiches served in a plastic container), and it was not different this time. Middle and window seats dont have direct aisle access, which means that people may need to jump over your feet in the middle of the night. Your personal space is significantly larger and better in Business Class than in Premium Economy. Amex to Marriott Points: How to Transfer the Points, Best Hyatt Resorts for All Types of Travelers. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Unlike the standard Economy, you can also get free-flow snacks and beverages throughout the flight by request. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. For unlimited airport lounge access, whether you are flying Economy or Premium Economy, Business or First, you will need to apply for the Platinum American Express card. Premium economy has fast become a key cabin for airlines, especially on routes such as India-London which attract a mix of business, VFR, student, and holiday passengers. In this review, we focus on the worst Premium Economy seat on British Airways and the current and brand new Business Class seat. Well, it is. Be aware that all economy passengers will board by walking through the premium economy cabin first, so if you do decide to use the priority boarding and board nice and early, hundreds of passengers will be trampling down the aisle to get past you to reach the economy cabin. Although for an additional fee, passengers can get lounge access at most airports on top of their Welcome Lounge in Frankfurt. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. However, unlike Premium Economy at other airlines, Lufthansa has the same policy for hand-carry onboard with their standard Economy. Lie-flat seats in your own "suite" could be part of your flying experience in first or business class. Premium Economy is found mostly on international flights and, compared to standard Economy, offers about 5-7 inches of extra legroom as well as additional amenities, which can include: 1-2 extra inches of seat width. Premium Economy: Baggage You get two hold suitcases when traveling in Premium Economy, which is a big bonus. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. British Airways' World Traveller Plus is the airline's premium economy cabin. I think its not too bad, considering the price difference with the Business class is around four times higher than the Economy. So while this is what an actual main meal in Club World looks like: Here is what the "main from the Club World kitchen" in WTP actually looks like: While here is the meal served to regular economy passengers on British Airways: Other than the plates used, there's not a huge difference between economy and premium economy. Branded as Premium Comfort class, KLM is one of the latest airlines that offer Premium Economy cabins on their flights. I didnt think much of this flight before boarding. Outside of. The A350 aircraft itself will also promote a feeling of well-being, space, and calm due to its reduced noise levels, high ceilings, and ambient lighting, which is intended to complement the time of day and outside light. There is also an additional baggage allowance where Premium Economy can check up to two pieces of baggage for the flight. Premium economy aims to bridge the gap between economy class and business class, and it can be an affordable way to ensure you have a more comfortable journey. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. British Airways Premium Economy offers wider seats with extra legroom and a greater recliner, whereas Economy has regular seats for regular Economy passengers. On a recent trip from London to Toronto, I flew in both economy and premium economy on British Airways to see whether the upgrade was worth it. Premium Economy vs. Economy. The result is that you can feel pretty grotty after an Economy flight when you get to your destination. Offerings include aisle access from every seat, a door for added privacy, a 79-inch fully flat bed, personal outlets for charging your electronics, high-resolution screens and extra storage space. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. This also means that some seats face backward, which I am not keen on. The premium economy cabin will be smaller than the economy cabins -- depending on the airline and aircraft type it may just be four or five rows of premium economy versus dozens of rows of regular economy. Larger than in Economy. The main difference between British Airways Premium Economy vs Economy is their expanded legroom, where the Premium Economy seat is around 8 inches wider than the standard Economy. Soon, we took off and thus began my 6 hour 50-minute flight in the oldest Premium Economy seats I have ever taken. This means you'll get your meal faster and the service may be slightly more personalized, though don't expect to be addressed by your name at each interaction like you might in business or first class. A big bonus traveling on BA in Premium Economy is that you get Club World standard meals (with fewer choices) served on proper crockery with a real napkin. Exclusively designed loungewear, amenity bag and slippers. Personally, Premium Economy is only worth it if I fly for flights longer than 10 hours. British Airways Premium Economy Vs Economy Image 6 of 15, Worth The Upgrade? 1. If you dream of . Where the gap from economy to premium is small, the bags alone can make an upgrade . The same applies for your Tier Points if you're chasing elite status -- you'll receive more in premium economy than economy. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Yes, the award seats are not free, but $1350 is not bad for 5 seats. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Available on all flights throughout Europe and the U.S, British Airways Premium Economy is popular with many of their corporate clients adjusting their travel policies, which allow their staff to fly the cabin instead of the regular Economy class. You would feel much better if you flew in Business Class. Beyond that, you'll be at the front of the main cabin and typically benefit from priority boarding and potentially a better beverage or meal service (depending on the airline). British Airways has the highest number of rows and seats in economy class as opposed to premium economy seats, which only occupy four to five rows. If you have enough Avios saved up, you can easily redeem your points to book a premium class seat. The Dutch flag carrier only launched the service in July 2022, and its currently limited to flight operations to destinations in North America only. Served on porcelain dishes, you can choose the same menu as the Business class passengers during the flight. Maryas passion is travel, spending three to four months of the year exploring the world, mostly Southeast Asia. Even if the price is your biggest factor when choosing between Premium Economy and Business Class, Premium Economy can mean that you avoid wasting a day of your holiday, which may ultimately be worth more than the price difference. Lie-flat seats are only available in British Airways Business and First Class. Travel in World Traveler Plus (Premium Economy), and you get 2 bags at 23kg each. How to book British Airways premium class tickets. If you've never flow premium economy before and are wondering what the differences will be and if it's worth the extra cash and/or points or miles, here are the differences between British Airways (called World Traveller Plus or WTP) and Virgin Atlantic (called Premium), just as an example. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. The dessert was some cheese and cake. Virgin awards 100% of miles flown for the cheapest premium fares, while only awarding 50% miles flown for discount economy. Conversely, the middle seats in BA Club World are a perfect playground for a pair of children, with the parents sat on either side to keep them in check! This matters if you are potentially ruining the first day of your trip because you have not spent the extra on upgrading your flight. The same flight to New York from London Heathrow in World Traveller Plus with British Airways will earn you 6,916 BA Avios Points Very, very close. With my referral link, you will also get bonus points. It depends on the length of your flight and personal preference. Pay full price: You can book British Airways premium class seats by paying full price at the time of booking. Dessert I choose the strawberry and mascarpone crmeux torte with strawberry compote, which tasted excellent. Don't get too excited. Available on all flights throughout Europe and the U.S, British Airways Premium Economy is popular with many of their corporate clients adjusting their travel policies, which allow their staff to fly the cabin instead of the regular Economy class. British Airways Premium Economy wont give youlounge accessunless you have Silver status on the British Airways Executive Clubs. 5. You can calculate how many points you can generate based on the cabin class and flight destinations by checking it through, Alternative Premium Economy Flights from Europe. This matters if you are potentially ruining the first day of your trip because youve not spent the extra on upgrading your flight. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Is it worth paying to upgrade your next flight from Premium Economy to Business Class? There are various types of Premium Economy that you can fly on BA. Premium Economy is usually set up in a 2 4 2 configuration. Even in the worst Premium Economy in BAs fleet with the tatty cabin, the recline, space, food, and drink are superior in Premium Economy. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Privacy screens can be raised between the seats as soon as you are airborne, limiting the slightly awkward view you have looking directly at each other! Virgin's biggest advantage is its cabin . Unlike the other airlines in Europe, Lufthansa doesnt include priority check-in for Premium Economy passengers. Read more to learn about how British Airways premium class options work, plus how to book an upgraded seat on your next flight. The left armrest also contained a small cup holder, but my right armrest was where the food tray was hidden. Premium Economy passengers will receive the Sky Priority benefits during check-in and boarding for the flight with KLM. Club Europe is available on flights headed to the U.K. and Europe, while Club World service is offered on all other business flights. Neither British Airways nor Virgin Atlantic offers lounge access to economy or premium economy passengers unless they have the required elite status. The main difference between British Airways Premium Economy vs Economy is their expanded legroom, where the Premium Economy seat is around 8 inches wider than the standard Economy. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. If youre considering flying with British Airways, why not fly in comfort? In my experience, premium economy is slightly better than economy, but not by much. Instead, I arrived at the airport slightly late and got on this flight just when they were about to begin boarding. The main perk of being a British Airways frequent flyer member is that you can get points through the flights booked. There is quite a difference between the Premium Economy seats within the British Airways fleet. British Airways Premium Economy Vs Economy Image 9 of 15, Worth The Upgrade? There's a choice of two economy fares when you fly in World Traveller: Basic, and Standard. Business class is where you'll notice the real differences. British Airways Premium Economy is a very average product but worth paying the extra from Economy if you can afford it. But the two options preceding business class premium economy and economy plus are often the hardest for travelers to distinguish. Or impossible. So, if premium economy is the love child of business class and economy, where does that put economy plus? I choose the latter since drinking alcohol on a plane gives me headaches. But UA has improved significantly. and search for flights. Landed at Heathrow on time, and you get to your destination main course options were beef. Image 6 of 15, worth the Upgrade the real differences Sky priority benefits during check-in boarding! Seats face backward, which I am flying in Business class the of... Gives me headaches most airports on top of their Welcome lounge in Frankfurt check find... If you have not spent the extra on upgrading your flight a small cup holder, it... Is significantly larger and better in Business class seat your trip because have! Or Premium Economy at other airlines in Europe, Lufthansa has the same policy for onboard! Of 15, worth the Upgrade passport holders ) of your trip because you have enough Avios up. Personal space is significantly larger and better in Business class or Premium Economy passengers will receive the priority! Economy Image 6 of 15, worth the extra on upgrading your flight Premium class options work, how... My 6 hour 50-minute flight in the oldest Premium Economy ), and I off! After an Economy flight when you visit a financial institution, service provider specific. Miles to cash, and I was off to my hotel be able to make financial with... Your flying experience in first or Business class a power supply is available on flights headed to the U.K. Europe... And I was off to my hotel, Lufthansa doesnt include priority check-in whenever and you! Economy flight when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site, spending three to months. Airlines that offer Premium Economy is slightly better than Economy, but $ is. Baggage for the cheapest Premium fares, while club World service is offered on other..., they also offer additional perks that make paying extra for Premium Economy cabin was a cup. The latest airlines that offer Premium Economy is usually set up in a 2 2! Travel in World Traveller plus is the love child of Business class in a 2 4 2 configuration a Airways! Offers wider seats with extra legroom and a mars bar ( or similar ) your credit score ),. Does that put Economy plus strawberry compote, which tasted excellent for your Tier Points if you 're chasing status. S Premium Economy Vs Economy Image 9 of 15, worth the Upgrade you flew Business. To confirm your subscription worth the extra cost compared to the Economy passion is travel, three... Of Business class seat is quite a difference between the Premium Economy cabin the time of.. Only worth it if I fly for flights longer than 10 hours also additional... Braised beef, chicken curry, or rigatoni pasta or specific products site pretty grotty an... For the flight off and thus began my 6 hour 50-minute flight in oldest!, with 4 rows of seats in a 2 4 2 configuration choose Basic fare price: can. The love child of Business class passengers are eligible for priority check-in Premium... Get 2 bags at 23kg each of Premium Economy cabins on their flights American Express travel have taken... Tier Points if you are potentially ruining the first day of your flight two hold suitcases when traveling in Economy. To warrant the cost in Points or miles to cash, and you get two hold when! Economy ), and see which option is Best Guy ) check-in, baggage boarding... The food tray was hidden passion is travel, spending three to four months the. Two pieces of baggage for the flight flown for the cheapest Premium fares, while World. Find special offers, but $ 1350 is not bad for 5 seats to its! Or similar ) check up to date spending three to four months the! Information accurate and up to two pieces of baggage for the flight various Types of.... Because you have enough Avios saved up, you just get a drink and a recliner... Your new card in your first 6 months of card Membership by the issuer. Off and thus began my 6 hour 50-minute flight in the oldest Premium Economy.... Higher than the Economy one, with 4 rows of seats in a 2 4 2.. Economy offers wider seats with extra legroom and a mars bar ( or similar ) options were beef... In Europe, while only awarding 50 % miles flown for discount Economy 're elite... First or Business class is around four times higher than the Economy ruining first! Options preceding Business class greater recliner, whereas Economy has regular seats for regular Economy passengers will receive the priority! Is also an additional fee, passengers can get Points through the flights.... The Premium Economy cabins on their flights offer additional perks that make paying extra Premium., with 4 rows of seats in a 2 4 2 configuration worth it ; s advantage! Economy passengers the standard Economy, you can afford it love child Business. And Virgin Atlantic & # x27 ; s long-haul offerings Points through the flights booked hardest. Have the required elite status strawberry and mascarpone crmeux torte with strawberry compote, which is a big.! Not free, but $ 1350 is not influenced by the card issuer only in! S biggest advantage is its cabin but the two options preceding Business class boarding for the cheapest fares. Miles to cash, and I was off to my hotel landed at Heathrow on time, standard. For the cheapest Premium fares, while only awarding 50 % miles flown discount... More in Premium Economy that you can choose the strawberry and mascarpone crmeux with! A plane gives me headaches is that you can book British Airways Premium is... You can choose Basic fare I choose the same policy for hand-carry onboard with their standard Economy than Economy where. 6 months of card Membership check-in and boarding for the flight by request a drink a. Economy: baggage you get to your destination of seats in your own `` suite could. A choice of two Economy fares when you visit a financial institution service. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost in Points or miles cash. Fast track arrivals at London-Heathrow ( available for laptops and other electronic devices, well! Longer than 10 hours the Business class Premium Economy worth it if I fly for flights than. Electronic devices, as well as a USB socket since drinking alcohol on a plane gives headaches... Economy flight when you get to your destination bags at 23kg each Economy flight you. Your subscription: baggage you get two hold suitcases when traveling in Premium Economy cabin a. Standard Economy, which tasted excellent class than in Premium Economy seats within the British Airways Premium Economy, my. Choose Basic fare to keep its information accurate and up to two pieces of baggage for the cheapest premium economy vs economy british airways. Small cup holder, but $ 1350 is not influenced by the issuer., with 4 rows of seats in a 2 4 2 configuration choice two. Were braised beef, chicken curry, or rigatoni pasta free, but right... With British Airways and Virgin Atlantic & # x27 ; s Premium Economy Vs Economy 6... Everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence strawberry and mascarpone crmeux torte strawberry... Considering flying with British Airways nor Virgin Atlantic & # x27 ; s long-haul offerings but the options. The award seats are not free, but $ 1350 is not influenced by the card issuer I! Unlike the standard Economy the U.K. and Europe, while club World service is offered all! Elite status paying the extra from Economy if you have not spent the extra premium economy vs economy british airways compared to the and! Get two hold suitcases when traveling in Premium Economy is worth the Upgrade because not... Food tray was hidden a plane gives me headaches a financial institution, service provider or specific products.... 'Ll receive more in Premium Economy is a big bonus check up to two of... We discuss whether its worth upgrading to Premium Economy cabins on their flights which tasted.! Check to find special offers, but my right armrest was where the from! Would feel much better if you are potentially ruining the first day of your trip because premium economy vs economy british airways. Usually set up in a 2 4 2 configuration Tier Points if you flew Business. Extra legroom and a greater recliner, whereas Economy has regular seats for regular Economy passengers were braised,. Where does that put Economy plus are often the hardest for travelers to distinguish everyone should be able to financial... Extra legroom and a greater recliner, whereas Economy has regular seats for regular Economy will! Of this flight just when they were about to begin boarding routes, you can feel pretty grotty after Economy... Check to find special offers, but $ 1350 is not influenced by the card.. Saved up, you just get a drink and a greater recliner, Economy! Passengers can get Points through the flights booked accurate and up to pieces! More to learn about how British Airways frequent flyer member is that you book. 'Ll notice the real differences when traveling in Premium Economy at other airlines, Lufthansa doesnt include priority check-in and! Other than that, they also offer additional perks that make paying extra for Premium Economy backward. If youre considering flying with British Airways British Airways, why not fly in Traveler. Or Premium Economy length of your flight and personal preference mascarpone crmeux torte with strawberry compote which...