USTraveller1 - 06/02/2012 10:16 GMT
I recently flew from Newcastle to LAX (via CDG) using the Air France 'Premium Economy' offering.
I flew out on Christmas Eve and returned on the 7th January.
Having upgraded to business class on numerous occasions over the past few years for nominal sums I have found that in the past 12 months or so airlines are offering this option less and less, with many (such as Virgin and BA) virtually never giving this option.
Seeing 'cattle class' seats on long haul flights deteriorate rapidly over the past few years (in both seat pitch and standard of cabin service) I decided to try premium economy for the first time. At almost £1200 for the ticket it wasn't cheap but I have to say I found the fare good value for money.
Being able to check in and board with business class was definetly a nice touch, especially over the busy festive period. Being allowed two bags was also helpful as I was visiting family in the US and so had a stack of gifts!
Once on board I thought the seat was excellent, admittedly I'm not a tall guy (like 5ft 10) but there was plenty of space to stretch out and I loved the air france 'fixed shell' design meaning I could push my seat back without intruding on the person behind me (or having my personal space affected by the seat in front).
Seats were in a 2-4-2 config and I chose an aisle seat that was part of a 2. As I say, the seat was roomy, the tv screens were a good size and with noise reducing headphones provided watching a movie was a pretty pleasant experience. Plenty of movies for every taste and some good tv shows (Friends, Soprano's etc) all on offer.
The little touches were nice (bottle of water, amenity kit etc) but they don't mean much to me, I'm paying extra for the extra legroom and hopefully the ability to be able to sleep a little on a 11 hour flight....which I did manage to do.
Don't get me wrong, business class this is not. But for the price you pay (around half the cost of a business class ticket) I thought this class represented good value for money and was definetly worth the extra. After checking out the different carriers on line I think AF have the best product on the market at the moment with the fixed shell seat and I'd definetly fly with them again.
Interestingly business class and first were virtually empty on both flights but premium economy was full, maybe a sign that people have no problem paying a little extra for some comfort on long journeys but aren't prepared to spend the ridiculous amounts airlines are charging for a business class ticket these days.
