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What is the verdict on Premium Economy seats on long international flights?
Posted on 8/28/18 at 1:25 pm
Posted on 8/28/18 at 1:25 pm
I'm not going to lie, I'm a cheapskate. I always fly coach. Even on ridiculously long international; flights. I will splurge on a hotel but I fly as cheaply as I can.
However, I'm thinking about heading to Thailand in November (15th-29th). I can get flights for around $800. But I see I can get premium economy (China Southern and others) for $500 to $600 extra. On a 16 hour flight from NYC to China
I'm thinking that if the seats are appreciably more comfortable, it's definitely worth it. Because seriously, 16 hours is insane. It's quite possible I might go insane.
Thoughts?
However, I'm thinking about heading to Thailand in November (15th-29th). I can get flights for around $800. But I see I can get premium economy (China Southern and others) for $500 to $600 extra. On a 16 hour flight from NYC to China
I'm thinking that if the seats are appreciably more comfortable, it's definitely worth it. Because seriously, 16 hours is insane. It's quite possible I might go insane. Thoughts?
12
Posted on 8/28/18 at 1:28 pm to Lsupimp
We flew Premium Economy on one of the legs of our flight to Bali. It's essentially equivalent to domestic Business Class. So it's nicer, but honestly it's not that much nicer than economy.
Now, when we were in the first class cabin? That was insane and worth every penny. Even after the flight from LAX to Taiwan, I wasn't ready to de-board the plane.
Now, when we were in the first class cabin? That was insane and worth every penny. Even after the flight from LAX to Taiwan, I wasn't ready to de-board the plane.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 1:29 pm to Lsupimp
I got bumped to Premium Economy on my last Lufthansa flight because of United status and I never thought I would pay for more than coach, but man if it wasn't a crazy amount I would do it for sure. The service and seats were better than business class on older planes for the legacy US carriers. If you can scope the seats before hand I would definitely consider it.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 1:49 pm to usc6158
Premium Economy on International flights has it's own section on several airlines. There's no way in hell I'd fly in plain old coach on an overseas flight. We're usually in business class with a lay down bed.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 1:54 pm to Lsupimp
My company allows Premium Economy on business trips, but that's it. In my experiences, it's better, but nothing huge - a little more room (depends on carrier/plane), served earlier and get off the plane quicker. Sometimes more open seats and better chance to have an empty seat next to you on those long haul flights (most people won't pay that extra charge on those).
This is me. I wouldn't pay out of pocket for the upgrade, especially not the $500-600 you mentioned.
These flights suck either way, unless you are in Biz.
Check the flights on SeatGuru and see the differences.
quote:
I'm not going to lie, I'm a cheapskate. I always fly coach. Even on ridiculously long international; flights.
This is me. I wouldn't pay out of pocket for the upgrade, especially not the $500-600 you mentioned.
quote:
On a 16 hour flight from NYC to China
These flights suck either way, unless you are in Biz.
Check the flights on SeatGuru and see the differences.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 1:59 pm to Lsupimp
Google the carrier, type of aircraft and ticket class and I am sure you will find a very detailed review. They all vary, some are better than others.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 2:23 pm to hiltacular
quote:
They all vary, some are better than others.
This. Do your research as the seat size/pitch varies from airline to airline. I've flown PE on British Air and it was very nice to have more room and business class food menu. We didn't have lie flat seats like a lot of biz class has but they went much further back than economy seats. I'm cheap like you and usually fly economy but I had some points that allowed me to upgrade on a flight to europe.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 2:27 pm to Zappas Stache
quote:
I'm cheap like you and usually fly economy but I had some points that allowed me to upgrade on a flight to europe.
Count me in the cheap flyer camp. I fit just fine in an economy seat. I'd rather spend the fare difference on an excellent dinner after I arrive, or a longer stay. Train yourself to sleep sitting up, buy a decent neck pillow & good noise cancelling headphones. I sure as hell don't care about any plane food upgrades; it's all borderline awful & I bring my own.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 4:20 pm to Lsupimp
I'm also a cheapskate. At one time I frequently flew over the Atlantic, an 8 to 11 hour flight depending on which way I was going and which city I flew in/out of. No lie, it sucked. But Biz Class seats were much more expensive so I just flew with the poors.
If I was on a 12 or 16+ hour flight and it was a once or twice in a lifetime thing, then I would probably upgrade to business at least.
Flying that long in coach is truly miserable. Especially if you can't get any sleep and its a full flight.
If I was on a 12 or 16+ hour flight and it was a once or twice in a lifetime thing, then I would probably upgrade to business at least.
Flying that long in coach is truly miserable. Especially if you can't get any sleep and its a full flight.
This post was edited on 8/28/18 at 4:21 pm
Posted on 8/28/18 at 4:44 pm to Lsupimp
Checkout what the seat is like and what you're getting with it.
Little things like using the premium check-in and security lanes that some come with it make a difference on top of the better seat, food, etc.
Little things like using the premium check-in and security lanes that some come with it make a difference on top of the better seat, food, etc.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 5:56 pm to Mikey P
quote:
I'm also a cheapskate. At one time I frequently flew over the Atlantic, an 8 to 11 hour flight depending on which way I was going and which city I flew in/out of. No lie, it sucked. But Biz Class seats were much more expensive so I just flew with the poors.
What's the deal with flying economy and being poor or cheap? Business class is 3x or more the cost of economy seats, if not more usually. My wife and I can go to Europe and stay for a week for cheaper than just the business class tickets. 6-8 hours flights have never bothered me.
If I was going to Asia or west in general for a 12 hour plus flight, I definitely think Premium Economy would be worth the upgrade though. Especially if you can get a good deal on flights.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 6:28 pm to baldona
quote:
What's the deal with flying economy and being poor or cheap? Business class is 3x or more the cost of economy seats, if not more usually
Yeah, never understood this. No way I'm paying thousands for a more comfortable seat for 8-12hrs. Those seats usually cost more than my whole vacation.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 7:13 pm to speckledawg
I got bumped up to First class once in my life from LAX to Papette on Air France and it was awesome. And I've flown all over the world stuck in coach. Now at my age, it almost drives me insane. So I'm considering it. The airline with the best price though, China Southern, has some pretty shitty issues with service and flight delays so I'm wavering. If Singapore Air or Cathay or JAL or ANA prices drop to the $500-$700 difference range I'll probably do that.
Posted on 8/28/18 at 8:12 pm to baldona
quote:
What's the deal with flying economy and being poor or cheap? Business class is 3x or more the cost of economy seats, if not more usually.
Points and miles. I’m flying business class from Miami to Milan on September 12 for 50k miles plus $5.60.
Posted on 8/29/18 at 4:48 am to Lsupimp
I have not tried premium economy, but we did spring for $80 or so extra per seat for extra leg room on a Virgin/Atlantic flight to London. Worth it.
At first, we paid for the extra room seats only on the way over.
On that flight, there were some empty "regular" seats nearby. I sat in one for a minute to see the difference. Holy sardine can. Those few inches make a big difference.
As soon as we arrived, we forked over the $$ for extra room on the way home.
At first, we paid for the extra room seats only on the way over.
On that flight, there were some empty "regular" seats nearby. I sat in one for a minute to see the difference. Holy sardine can. Those few inches make a big difference.
As soon as we arrived, we forked over the $$ for extra room on the way home.
Posted on 8/29/18 at 5:46 am to Lsupimp
Definitely. On trans Atlantic type trips. Why? Depends on airline and seating options generally, but usually a separate section. Dedicated overhead space. Earlier pre-boarding. Seats are a little bigger and spread out. Sometimes better food and drink.
Posted on 8/29/18 at 6:07 am to Lsupimp
Flew Qantas from DFW to Sydney last year. Premium Economy on a A380.
Better food, had a glass of champagne within 60 seconds of taking my seat, closed off cabin, 40 or so seats with more than 5 dedicated flight attendants, better food , way bigger seats, more leg room, better headphones, I could go on. For a 12+ hour flight, it’s well worth it.
Better food, had a glass of champagne within 60 seconds of taking my seat, closed off cabin, 40 or so seats with more than 5 dedicated flight attendants, better food , way bigger seats, more leg room, better headphones, I could go on. For a 12+ hour flight, it’s well worth it.
Posted on 8/29/18 at 6:35 am to Lsupimp
My thought process is if I can’t do it right to enjoy it why am I doing it. I should have ample disposable income to travel like I want. If I am going halfway across the world and have the money to do so... then I try to feel as good as I can when j get there. One lost day of productivity costs more than the $500-600. I also say to myself... will I remember the $500-600 in a few years or will I remember the experience.
Posted on 8/29/18 at 9:03 am to Twenty 49
PE is nice if you are not elite because you get priotiry boarding and luggage. You get a slightly larger seat, and a slightly better meal. Beyond that, it is the same.
I would pay maybe $100 each way for it, no more.
I would pay maybe $100 each way for it, no more.
Posted on 8/29/18 at 9:11 am to CaptainJ47
quote:
My thought process is if I can’t do it right to enjoy it why am I doing it. I should have ample disposable income to travel like I want.
"Right" to me doesn't focus on the flight....it focuses on the amount of time I get to spend at the destination, the kind of activities & experiences I have. As long as the flight isn't endlessly delayed, re-routed, or unsafe, I don't feel deprived in the least by flying coach. It's 8-12 hrs of my life, I can handle it.
Travel doesn't have to be luxury to be amazing.
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