Premium Economy Seating

In 2005 we flew World Traveler Plus on British Airways. We had more seat room, I think the seats leaned back a little farther, and it had a foot rest. At that time it was about $200 per ticket more than coach and we thought it was worth it. On our return trip we had been upgraded to Club World which was fantastic with lie flat beds. We didn't do anything to get upgraded and we aren't sure why we were, but we really enjoyed it.

Jerry, check out seat guru http://www.seatguru.com/charts/premium_economy.php. You can check out the seat maps which should give you all the details that you need. I think it is worth the extra money, particularly on the way to Europe. You do sleep better even if it's just and improved incline rather than a true lie flat. Pam

Sherry and Pam, Thanks for the info on the premium economy seating...safe travels to you.

We paid an extra 100 on United last year for Economy Plus. In my opinion it was worth it. No change in the other services [INVALID] meals, etc. but extra five inches made a lot of difference in comfort. I would do it again.

We used Virgin Atlantic's premium economy round trip SFO to London in June, 2008. It was very comfortable, lots of leg room, and they kept bringing food and champagne. We flew United 777 this summer, just regular economy, totally miserable for comfort (and we had two on the side), crummy entertainment system, and minimally acceptable food. We have decided that all future trips will be VA premium economy to London, then train or budget airline to get to other cities.

We just can't do Economy any longer. We just got back and flew Economy Plus on United both ways. When I looked to the back of the plane and saw the economy section, I could swear they are more crowded together than ever - people looked miserable. There were many empty seats in Economy Plus, so people did not seem to be paying to upgrade (which was good for us because we had two full rows to ourselves!). We were fairly comfortable in Economy Plus.

On our first trip to Europe we flew BA's premium economy and it was totally worth it, and on the trip back we got upgraded to Club World business when they found out it was our anniversary. After that trip we've always booked premium economy and tried to upgrade to business with miles/points. I would rather pay a little extra going over and coming back and enjoy ETBD living while over there. If you can afford it, you won't regret it. I agree as well to use the cheaper European airlines when hopping between countries. EasyJet and Ryan Air are inexpensive alternatives. Have a great trip!

We flew Virgin Atlantic's Premium Economy to London. That was in a separate cabin (upstairs on a 747); seating and leg space was better. i am not sure the food was any different than Economy; but the comfort is worth the price. Return trip we also got upgraded (seems to happen to quite a few people)- we were new members of the mileage club. Virgin Atlantic definitely worth the extra fare

British Airways is advertising on their website that they are "upgrading" their premium economy seats and their coach seats. The premium economy seats after upgrading will incline a bit further, but I didn't see any actual measurements stated. Perhaps better meals, IFE, I'm not sure about the rest. I haven't tried Prem Eco yet, but if we don't have enough miles for business in a couple of years, we will certainly opt for the Prem Eco. I'm surprised American hasn't jumped on this bandwagon yet.

We have used Premium Economy the last two trips to Eurpoe. The first one on Virgin Atlantic was about $400 more each way, but we had seats that were 4 inches wider, 6 inches more leg room, about twice as much recline in the seats, a food and leg rest, and better food served on china, and two flight attendents for about 30 people. This when coupled with less restrictive luggage allowances, early boarding, and a seperate check in line made it worth every penny. Last summer we were on SAS and also were booked in their Economy Plus section, this was equally nice, but even better was that on the return we were moved to their Business Class, more like traditional First Class, because economy was overbooked they moved us up so they could open our original seats for those being moved from economy. This seems to be the standard practice, pay for the Premium Economy, and you are the first to move up to First Class, some things do roll up hill.

To all who have so kindly shared their Premium Economy seating advice[INVALID][INVALID]THANK YOU!

We flew British Air to London on to Barcelona Premium Economy and were disappointed. We had flown to New Zealand on Air New Zealand, Premium Economy and it was FABULOUS. Air New Zealand flies to London, so we are taking it to Europe next spring. They have new planes and a new premium economy package...you should check it out on their website. It starts the vacation the minute you get on the plane!