This is one of life’s great questions – at least for passengers. Is premium economy really worth it?
There is no sun lounger. There is no private door. But there is often a fairly significant price increase compared to normal old economies.
To answer the question, Nicky Kelvin, head of The Points Guy UK, pits the premium economy cabins of two of Britain’s most popular airlines – British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – against each other in a video battle.
Untouched Atlantic Ocean
Nicky flies from London Heathrow to Tampa in a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-900neo, paying 22,500 Virgin Points and £394 in taxes and fees.
The seat has a pitch (the distance between the seat and the front seat) of 38 inches, a width of 18.5 inches, a 13.3 inch entertainment screen, and the seats are in a 2-3-2 -configuration arranged. .
Nicky Kelvin (above) of The Points Guy UK flies with Virgin in an Airbus A330-900neo from Heathrow to Tampa
Food for thought: Nicky’s Premium Economy Virgin Atlantic meal
Nicky reveals that Virgin Premium Economy cabin seats can be charged wirelessly
The judgment?
The mugs started the experience off well.
Nicky told MailOnline Travel: “Virgin Atlantic offered beautiful real mugs for that quintessentially British cup of tea. There was also a special selection of premium snacks in the kitchen, wireless charging and the entertainment screen was big and crystal clear.”
On the other hand, Nicky revealed that no equipment package was offered on his day flight (Virgin only offers it on night flights) and that the headphones did not have noise cancellation.
Nicky’s Airbus A330-900neo is being prepared for departure from Heathrow
British Airways
On the return journey, Nicky flies to Heathrow from Newark Liberty International Airport in a BA 777-200 and pays 10,400 Avios plus £412 in taxes and fees for a berth in a World Traveler Plus cabin, BA Premium Economy parlance. Fares start at £706, excluding Avios.
The seat is the same height and width as Virgin – 38 inches and 18.5 inches respectively – but has a smaller 12 inch entertainment screen.
Nicky flies a BA 777-200 from Newark Liberty International Airport to Heathrow and pays 10,400 Avios plus £412 in taxes and fees for a berth in the World Traveler Plus cabin
BA’s premium economy seats (above) share Virgin’s seat height and width – 38 inches and 18.5 inches respectively
The division is now 2-4-2.
The judgment?
“Paper teacups didn’t satisfy my British soul,” complains Nicky. “And there were no dedicated snack options, just water, juice and biscuits in the galley – the same offerings for Economy passengers.”
There were some victories.
Nicky praises British Airways’ premium economy breakfast, describing it as “extremely rich”.
Nicky added: “Although it was a day flight, an amenity package was offered. Breakfast can often be a “smaller” meal on flights, but this BA World Traveler Plus breakfast was substantial.
“In addition, the seat was very comfortable and spacious. Even though the plane was older, the product inside was new and fresh.”
Nicky’s BA 777-200 at the gate of Newark Liberty International Airport
Source link
James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
