Premium Economy Class - Is it worth the extra price ?

 

When we want book air tickets, we just open any popular travel portal or visit  a travel agent and quickly book tickets which are cheapest. We are least bothered with things like “class of booking”, and by default our tickets are booked in the “Economy Class” since that has the seats with the lowest fare. “Class of Booking” is travel trade parlance that is something similar what we have in the railways. There Sleeper / Second  class is the lowest class with the lowest fare, but there are higher classes also like AC chair car, 3 tier AC, 2 tier AC etc. Similarly in airlines, the Economy Class is the lowest priced class, but there are other higher prices classes also like Business Class and First class.

Since I gave the example of railways, like the sleeper class in railways, the economy class in airlines is not the most comfortable way to travel long distances. Most people who book in economy class especially on long haul flights like from India to Europe or India to USA, complain of  stiff back, pain in the legs, body aches etc by sitting for long hours in the seat.

To avoid this discomfiture, the only apparent solution is to fly the class higher than economy class , which for all practical purposes is business class, where you get better seats,  reclining seats to almost flat beds and all the luxuries of a pampered passenger!!  A lot of economy class passengers  – either travelling for business or leisure – would readily travel in business class but are left aghast at the exorbitant pricing for business class tickets.

So what do we do ? Continue flying economy class and endure the suffering ?

Wait – there is a solution !!

PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS

More space, more free baggage, more service and a host of other privileges: long-haul travel in Premium Economy Class comes with many amenities. Consequently, you’ll enjoy a relaxed flight to your destination

This is a special class now available in many airlines across the world and also those flying from India – notable among them being Air India, Vistara (both these airlines have this class on some domestic routes also), Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, Delta Airlines, Swiss Airlines, Air Francs, Qantas, Air New Zealand and many more.

What are the features of this class ?

Comfortable Seating

First of all more leg space and a roomier cabin. It is possible because the seat pitch -  the distance between two rows of seats is larger here -  so the leg room automatically is greater. On an average the leg room is almost 18 – 22% more than normal economy class seats

Seats can be reclined more !! So you have a more comfortable seating position especially on long haul or red eye flights. You want to recline the seat back and you are afraid to disturb the passenger in the seat behind? No such issues in Premium Economy class as the space between seats is quite large

In some airlines a calf rest and footrest is also built right into your seat. For the ultimate snoozing position, just recline and stretch out.

Airport Privileges

A lot of airlines offer fast track at airports including priority boarding and baggage handling .  So let the other economy class passengers look at you with envy when you board earlier than them and also receive your baggage much before theirs!!

Some airlines also give lounge access to Premium Economy class passengers

On board Enhanced Experiences

A welcome drink with a warm welcome into the cabin

A special amenities  kit filled with essentials like an eye mask and lip balm

Specially curated dining menu served in fine bone china or high end  cutlery

Varied choice of inflight entertainment and that too on bigger and better screens

In-seat AC Power Outlet and USB Port

Choice of leading newspapers and magazines besides the in-flight magazine

Wide variety of beverages including flavoured teas/coffees, a selection of wines, champagne along with delectable snacks – offered on a few airlines

Then Why is Premium Economy not so popular ?

The obvious question – is flying by Premium Economy class costly ? Is it worth the cost ?

So to make things clearer, I have given below a comparative study of Premium Economy/ Business class for specific sectors. Please note fares give below are indicative and have been taken from respective airline websites.

 

Flights	Premium Economy	Business
Air India  (non Stop flight) Mumbai San Francisco 26 Aug San Francisco Mumbai 04 Sep	2,36,000	4,40,124
Vistara Mumbai Singapore 19 Aug Singapore Mumbai 22 Aug	36,047	93,100
Singapore Air Mumbai Singapore 17 Jul Singapore Mumbai 24 Jul	35,555	91,521
Lufthansa Mumbai Frankfurt 10 Jul Frankfurt Mumbai 19 Jul	1,04,700	1,90,314
Virgin Atlantic Mumbai London 16 July London Mumbai 23 Jul	1,48,163	3,57,000
Vistara Mumbai Delhi 23 July Delhi Mumbai 25 Jul	14,086	54,109

 

The table above illustrates the stark difference in rates for various sectors between Premium Economy and Business.

The benefits of Premium Economy have already been give before – its almost like a mini Business Class !! You get a whole lot of privileges normally reserved for Business class passengers, a much more comfortable journey, and you reach your destination fresh, without the rigours of Economy Class.

SO,

If you are booking  Senior citizen parents on a flight to the USA and  need more comfort for them

OR

You have a meeting the same morning you land, and need to have a few hours good sleep on the flight

OR

You already have knee and back pain and cannot possibly endure seating in a cramped economy class seat for a long duration

OR

You are travelling with an infant and just need more space to manage the infant

The obvious choice is Premium Economy!!