Bridging the gap between Economy and Business Class, Premium Economy has proved a winner for both business and leisure travellers.
Airlines are constantly vying for the business and tourist dollar, making the commercial skies over Australia as competitive as ever. For the consumer that’s a good thing. With increased competition comes lower airfares and new and improved products and services, both on the ground, and in the air.
Sometimes though, the cheapest fare isn’t always the best. On those long international flights, nothing makes the going easier than a bit of extra room, with some quality extras thrown in for comfort and convenience.
One of the hottest trends in international flying, is the Premium Economy cabin. For those times when Economy just won’t do, and when Business or First is simply out of the question due to the exorbitant cost, Premium Economy is the perfect alternative.
More leg room, an extra wide seat, enhanced meal and beverage options and even a greater baggage allowance and priority boarding make Premium Economy a tempting choice when flying internationally.
Read on as we unveil the airlines offering Premium Economy on flights to and from Australia.
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA
Virgin Australia was the first Australian airline to add premium economy to their aircraft. Premium Economy seating is located in a dedicated section on the airline’s long-haul 777-300ER aircraft flying between Australia and Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi.
Read: Virgin Australia to start Melbourne to Los Angeles and Perth to Abu Dhabi
Seating
- Nine-inch recline
- Generous 41-inch seat pitch (most seat-pitch of any airline flying from Australia)
- 6-inch personal TV
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- In-seat power and USB
- Dedicated cabin crew
Check-in
Priority check-in is offered to all guests flying Premium Economy, with a dedicated Premium Check-in counter.
Food and Beverage
Champagne cocktails and canapés can be enjoyed pre-departure with an A La Carte menu selection during the flight. Similar to Virgin Australia’s International Business Class, all meals are served plated on crockery, with complimentary wines and liquors to match. Nespresso coffee is served throughout the flight and a self-serve pantry can be found with various drinks and snacks.
QANTAS
Available on all long-haul Qantas A380 and Boeing 747 aircraft, Qantas Premium Economy offers a dedicated cabin space with extra room and dedicated cabin crew.
READ: Qantas to fly non-stop Perth to London
Seating
- Nine-inch recline
- 38-inch seat pitch
- 6-inch personal TV
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- In-seat power and USB
Check-in
A dedicated premium check-in line, plus a priority boarding lane is offered to all guests flying premium economy.
Food and Beverage
Guests can choose from a Neil Perry Rockpool inspired menu with multiple options, all served on Marc Newson-designed crockery. Meals can also be ordered ahead of time via Q-Eat. Sparkling wine or beverage of choice is served pre-departure and snacks and drinks are served via the self-serve bar.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Available between Sydney and Singapore on select Singapore Airlines A380 and 777-300ER aircraft and select routes Singapore to Europe.
Seating
- Eight-inch recline
- 38-inch seat pitch
- 3-inch personal TV
- In-seat power and two USB ports per seat
Check-in
A dedicated premium check-in line and counter, plus a priority boarding lane are offered to all guests flying premium economy.
Food and Beverage
Passengers can choose from a choice of three main meal selections onboard. Alternatively, guests can reserve a meal ahead of time via Book the Cook on the Singapore Airlines website. Champagne is available throughout the flight.
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific is the latest airline to offer a premium economy cabin. This upgraded service is available on most of the airline’s flights between Australia and Hong Kong, as well as on many of Cathay Pacific’s connecting services throughout the world.
Seating
- Eight-inch recline
- 38-40-inch seat pitch
- 6-inch personal TV
- Noise-cancelling headset
- In-seat power and two USB ports per seat
Check-in
Guests will enjoy a dedicated premium check-in line, plus a priority boarding lane at the gate.
Food and Beverage
Choice of meals available with a similar menu to economy class. A snack pack is provided mid-flight with a selection of premium beverages.
BRITISH AIRWAYS
World Traveller Plus is available on British Airways flights between Sydney, Singapore, and onwards to London.
Seating
- 38-inch seat pitch
- Personal TV
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- In-seat power and two USB ports per seat
Check-in
A dedicated premium check-in line and counter, and a priority boarding lane at the gate.
Food and Beverage
Meals can be pre-ordered up to 24-hours in advance. A three-course meal is served with a selection of two main meals from the business class menu. Fine wines and premium beverages are available throughout the flight.
