Unless your company will be paying for your business classseat, most travelers are forced to check out cheap traveloptions, including cheapairplane tickets and discounttravel deals in deciding how best to fly to theirdestinations.
The popularity of business class has grown significantly inrecent years because of the advent of lie flat seating in business cabins. Unfortunately its price remains out of thereach of most passengers.
Another trend though is also rising in popularity: premiumeconomy. Many airlines that flyinternationally now offer a dedicated cabin more luxurious than economy at aprice significantly cheaper than business class. Some travelers opt to fly premium economybecause the relative comfort of the cabins can make the difference between arrivingjetlagged and out of sorts vs. arriving refreshed and ready to greet the day.
Premium economy cabins from various airlines offer similaramenities including:
- A dedicated check-in line and priority boarding.
- Free checked baggage allowances.
- Larger, more comfortable seats with enhanced legroom and adjustable headrests.
- An amenity kit with earplugs, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, and an eye mask.
- Complimentary newspapers and bar service.
- Enhanced meal choices often served on fine china.
- On-demand personal video entertainment featuring television programming, movies, games, audio books and music.
- Power outlets for laptops and mobile devices.
Thefollowing are some of the airlines who offer a separate premium economy cabinson international flights:
- Air New Zealand
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Air France
- Cathay Pacific
- Qantas
- Thai Airways
- Virgin Australia
Theupcharge for premium economy seats varies by airline, route, as well as otherfactors. The following are some examplesof the differences:
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Air New Zealandcharges more than four times the price of an economy ticket for business classseat, yet only a little more than double for premium economy.
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Qantas chargesbetween seven to eight times as much for a business class seat vs. about 150percent more for premium economy compared to coach.
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Virgin Atlantic chargesabout 4 and times more for a business class seat, but only about 50 percentmore for premium economy.
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