Premium Economy is a relatively new airline class. It lies - a more comfortable place with more legroom and more perks - between Economy Class and Business Class, for passengers who may prefer life in the pointy end of the plane, but who do not have the cash for First Class. You will need some cash however; Premium Economy fares are a couple of hundred pounds more than Economy fares. Cheapflights' experts look at what's on offer from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, bmi, Air France, SAS, Air New Zealand and transatlantic low-cost carrier Zoom Airlines so you can fly in greater comfort.
Note: Premium Economy fares may not be available on all routes so it is important to check your airline's website.
Class: World Traveller Plus
Kick back: Seat pitch is 96cm (38in), which is the distance from the back of your seat cushion (where it meets the upright support) to the back of the seat in front of you. Seat cushion width is 47cm (18.5in). The angle of seat maximum recline is 17cm (7in); overall length of seat back upright is 66cm (26in).
What are the perks? A separate cabin with four rows of seats; a personal in-seat entertainment system (12 video and audio channels); laptop power point and individual phone. All BA's long-haul flights feature the World Traveller Plus cabin.
Baggage allowance? Due to current UK airport security restrictions, only one piece of hand luggage is allowed. Checked luggage allowance is two bags. The maximum dimensions per bag (H+W+L) are 158cm (62in) and the maximum weight per bag is 23kg (51lbs).
Class: Premium Economy
Kick back: Seats are bigger and wider than in Economy, with a headrest, a leg rest, a seat pitch of 96cm (38in) and a seat width of 53cm (21in).
What are the perks? The numerous perks include dedicated check-in, boarding, disembarkment and baggage reclaim, a pre-flight drink and complimentary newspaper, a devoted cabin crew, meals served on china dinnerware, an after dinner liqueur and a selection of fruit from the fruit bowl. There is also a personal seatback television showing the latest movies, TV shows, video games and up to 14 audio channels.
Baggage allowance? One item of cabin baggage, no heavier than 6kg (13lbs), maximum 56cm (22in) long x 36cm (14in) wide x 23cm (9in) deep. The total maximum luggage weight per passenger is 23kg (51lbs).
Airline: bmi
Class: Premium Economy
Kick back: 96cm (38in) of legroom and adjustable footrest, headrest and lumbar support.
What are the perks? On short-haul flights the perks include priority seating; advance seat selection at time of booking; bmi business lounge access at airports; priority check-in; in-flight menu for purchase; complimentary newspaper; and priority baggage delivery. Long-haul, the perks include a separate cabin with dedicated cabin crew. There are telephones, laptop power and dataports at each seat and entertainment via seat-back screens. Cuisine is international and modern; alcoholic and soft drinks are free. Advance seat selection is available at time of booking. Newspapers and magazines are provided and a comfort kit is provided on the inbound leg of the journey.
Baggage allowance? In line with current security regulations, one piece of cabin baggage is allowed. The maximum dimensions of the bag must be 56cm (22in) long, 45cm (18in) wide and 25cm (10in) deep (including wheels, handles, side pockets, etc). On short-haul routes to and from Heathrow, the weight should be maximum 10kg (22lbs). From Manchester (US and Caribbean routes) the cabin baggage allowance is 12kg (26lbs). On short-haul routes to and from Heathrow, the checked baggage allowance is 20kg (44lbs) in unlimited pieces. From Manchester (US and Caribbean routes) the checked baggage allowance is 64kg (141lbs) in two pieces. Maximum hand baggage dimensions are: 55x40x23cm. On long-haul routes (or on a business fare), two pieces of hand luggage are allowed. On economy flexible, economy or economy saver fares only one piece of hand luggage allowed.
Class: Alizé, a special service class for destinations in the Caribbean Islands and Indian Ocean.
Kick back: wide, ergonomic seats that recline up to 123 degrees with massaging foot rests. And a feather pillow and blanket.
What are the perks? Dedicated check-in counters, priority hold baggage and "board at your convenience"; priority disembarkment and delivery of baggage. This class has a private cabin. Dining is refined with a welcome drink and aperitif service. Meals - classic or Creole cuisine - are served on porcelain crockery with wines and champagne. A selection of French and international newspapers and magazines is available. Individual video programme on wide screen with titles available on request. Tax-free product sales. Earn Flying Blue Miles more quickly.
Baggage allowance? One piece of hand luggage and an item such as a purse or laptop computer. Cabin baggage should weigh up to 12kg (26lbs). In general the checked-in baggage allowance is 30kg (66lbs) however some destinations such as the US, Canada, Mexico, Papeete and several destinations in Africa follow the piece concept rule: two pieces of baggage (the three dimensions should not exceed 158cm).
Airline: SAS
Class: Economy Extra
Kick back: wider, more comfortable seats (47cm or 18in) with 96.5cm (38in) seat pitch in a separate cabin.
What are the perks? Check-in at Business-Class counters; fast-track security (where available) and priority boarding. Video/audio-on-demand on personal screens. Laptop power outlet at each seat. A cocktail and snack; three-course dinner and coffee/tea with liqueurs; drinks, fruit and cold snacks between meals; and a light meal prior to landing. Earn 150 per cent EuroBonus points. Newspapers, magazines, comfort kit and a personal water bottle.
Baggage allowance? One piece of hand baggage a maximum of 8kg (17lbs) from the UK, two pieces on flights not originating in the UK. Checked-in baggage allowance on European flights is 20kg, on Intercontinental flights 30kg. On flights to and from the US two bags a maximum of 32kg (70lbs) each.
Class: Pacific Premium Economy. This class - between Business Premier and Pacific Economy - is available on 747 and 777 aircraft on long-haul routes.
Kick back: 96.5-101cm (38-40in) in seat pitch and 50 per cent more recline than Pacific Economy.
What are the perks? In-seat remote control allowing you play, stop, fast forward and rewind whenever you want to; individual high-resolution screen; a wide range of audio and video on-demand entertainment options including the most recent blockbuster movies, TV programmes, audio programmes, a CD music collection at every seat; dedicated kids' section; modern cuisine, with an emphasis on New Zealand flavours; Pacifica Organics skincare products in all premium bathrooms.
Baggage allowance? One piece of cabin baggage with a maximum weight of 7kg (15lbs). Checked luggage allowance for journeys between UK and New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Japan and the Pacific Islands is 20kg (44lbs). Flights between New Zealand and London via Los Angeles carry a checked luggage allowance of two pieces, each up to 23kg (50 lbs).
Class: Premium Economy
Kick back: 91cm (36in) seat pitch.
What are the perks? Seat selection, dedicated check-in and reduced check-in time (90 minutes prior to departure), complimentary alcoholic drinks, choice of meal and one snack and complimentary headsets.
Baggage allowance? One piece of cabin baggage with a maximum weight of 5kg. Checked luggage allowance is 30kg (66lbs).
Oonagh Shiel
© Cheapflights Ltd
Updated September 2008
