From: Singapore
To: Sydney
Cabin: Premium Economy
Rating: 8.5/10
Flight number: QF 2
Airplane: Airbus A380
This was my first time flying Premium Economy with Qantas, and l wasn’t sure what to expect – was it going to be closer to economy, or closer to business class, or somewhere in between.
You must obviously be thinking though, anything is better than economy, but remember, premium economy is nearly 50-100% more expensive than economy!
In short – definitely worth the extra money! But keep reading if you want to know why!
Airbus A380
Qantas have 12 Airbus A380’s, generally used on routes between the East Coast of Australia to London / US, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The Qantas A380 is configured to have 14 First suites, 64 Business seats, 35 Premium Economy seats and 371 Economy seats. Qantas intends to progressively refresh its whole A380 fleet to bring it in line with the A330 cabin quality (e.g. upgrade the existing Skybeds to the Business Suites which are top of the line).
Before the flight!
While being in Premium Economy doesn’t permit use of the lounge, l visited the Qantas Singapore lounge – one of the best lounges l have visited! My detailed review is available here.
On the flight!
The seating arrangements are 2- 3 -2, and you are on the top deck of the A380. The premium economy cabin is tucked behind the business class seats, so you do get access to their toilets, and the slight benefits that come with it (e.g. nicer soap). There is a small economy section behind the premium economy cabin.
There is a wider seat pitch (38 inch v 31 inch in economy), 9 inch recline (50% more than international economy) and 19.5 inch seats compared to 17.7 inch in economy. This makes a huge difference between getting some sleep on the plane, or not having a stiff back when you land! You get enough room to move past your neighbour as well.
There are double armrests between seats, and a small drink space which means there is a bit more extra space between you and your neighbour.
You get a doona in premium economy (rather than the standard blanket in economy), which lets the body breathe better, but provides more warmth! Plus the amenity kit (by Country Road) and the headset is much nicer than what you receive in economy.
Dining and in-flight service
You don’t get the nice turndown service you receive in business class, but you do get great service! The service manager / supervisor introduces themselves, and addresses you by your name. There is also a pre takeoff drink – l opt for an orange juice but there is also sparkling wine or water. The dedicated premium economy crew was as attentive as they are in business class.
Below is the menu. Unfortunately, the food itself is the same as you would receive in economy, but you do get the table cloth / metal cutlery.
Overall
If you can afford this bit extra, premium economy is well worth it! It makes a huge difference when you land, and this offering is as good as some business class seats l’ve been on.
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