Air India Premium Economy Review

Flying long-haul can be a test of endurance, especially when you're squeezed into an economy seat. The dream of stretching out, enjoying better food, and having a more relaxed journey often comes with a hefty business class price tag. But what if there was a middle ground – a sweet spot between budget travel and luxury?

Enter Air India Premium Economy. As India's national carrier undergoes a significant transformation, its Premium Economy offering is designed to elevate your travel experience without breaking the bank. But is it truly worth the upgrade? This comprehensive Air India Premium Economy review will delve into every aspect, helping you decide if this class is your ticket to a more comfortable flight.

Why Consider Air India Premium Economy?

For many travelers, the standard Economy class, while budget-friendly, often lacks the comfort needed for longer journeys. Business Class, on the other hand, can be prohibitively expensive. Premium Economy bridges this gap, offering enhanced comfort and services at a more accessible price point. Air India's Premium Economy aims to provide a "lot more for a little more," combining comfort with exclusive privileges.

The Journey Begins: Booking & Airport Experience

Booking Air India Premium Economy is straightforward, typically available directly through their website or travel agents. Once booked, the benefits begin even before you step onto the aircraft.

Priority Services at the Airport

One of the immediate perks of flying Air India Premium Economy is the streamlined airport experience. You'll enjoy:

• Priority Check-in: Skip the longer queues with dedicated counters, saving you valuable time.
• Priority Boarding: Settle into your seat without the usual rush, allowing for a more relaxed start to your journey.
• Priority Baggage Handling: Your checked luggage will be among the first to arrive at the carousel upon landing, reducing wait times.

Baggage Allowance

Air India Premium Economy passengers generally receive a more generous baggage allowance than Economy. For domestic flights, Premium Economy Classic and Flex passengers are allowed 25 kg (55.1 lb) of checked baggage. For international flights, such as those to the USA, Premium Economy customers can typically check two bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs). The carry-on allowance is usually 7 kg (15 lbs). Always double-check your specific ticket details, as allowances can vary by route and fare type.

Onboard Comfort: The Heart of the Premium Economy Review

The true test of any Premium Economy product lies in the inflight experience. Air India has invested in enhancing comfort and amenities to make your journey more enjoyable.

Seating: More Room to Breathe

This is where Premium Economy truly shines. Air India's Premium Economy seats offer significant improvements over standard Economy:

• Wider Seats & Extra Legroom: Expect more personal space with wider seats and increased legroom. On retrofitted A320neo aircraft, seats feature a 32-inch pitch and a 4-inch recline. Some wide-body aircraft may offer even more space.
• Deeper Recline: The enhanced recline allows for more comfortable resting, a crucial factor on longer flights.
• Adjustable Headrests: A 4-way adjustable headrest provides better neck support for a restful journey.
• Amenities at Your Fingertips: Look for features like a Portable Electronic Device (PED) holder and USB charging ports, ensuring your devices stay powered throughout the flight.

In-flight Entertainment (IFE)

Long flights fly by faster with good entertainment. Air India Premium Economy offers an upgraded IFE experience:

• Personal Screens: Enjoy a personal screen, often a 13.3-inch HD touchscreen on newer aircraft like the A350.
• Extensive Content Library: Access Air India's 'Vista Stream,' a complimentary wireless in-flight entertainment library boasting over 1,000 hours of content, accessible on your personal electronic devices.
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones: These are often provided to enhance your audio experience and minimize cabin noise.

Dining: An Elevated Culinary Experience

Forget the standard economy meal trays. Air India Premium Economy aims for a superior dining experience:

• Gourmet Meals: Savor complimentary hot gourmet meals served on premium chinaware. You'll often find a selection of regional and global delicacies.
• Beverage Selection: A wider selection of beverages is available, including alcoholic options on most international flights (exceptions apply).
• Enhanced Presentation: Meals are served with proper cutlery, adding a touch of sophistication.

Amenities Kit

On select international flights, Air India Premium Economy passengers receive bespoke amenity kits, often designed by TUMI and featuring skincare essentials from Verso. These kits typically include an eye mask and comfy socks, among other items, to enhance your comfort.

Service Quality

Air India is focusing on elevating its service standards across all cabins. In Premium Economy, you can expect attentive and personalized service from the cabin crew, aiming to make your journey pleasant and comfortable.

Is Air India Premium Economy Worth the Price?

This is the million-dollar question for many travelers. Air India positions its Premium Economy as "affordable luxury".

• Cost-Effectiveness: For domestic routes, the upgrade can start from as little as ₹599 extra over standard Economy tickets, making it a highly accessible upgrade. For longer international flights, the price difference, while more substantial, can still be a fraction of a Business Class ticket.
• Long-Haul Value: On flights lasting 8-9 hours or more, the added legroom, recline, and improved amenities can significantly enhance comfort and reduce fatigue, making the upgrade well worth it.
• Comparison to Business Class: While Premium Economy offers a noticeable step up from Economy, it's important to manage expectations. It does not provide the fully flat beds or extensive lounge access typically found in Business Class. However, it does offer priority airport services and often lounge access.
• Consider Your Needs: If you prioritize comfort, a better dining experience, and a more relaxed airport process without the full splurge of Business Class, Air India Premium Economy presents a compelling option.

Tips for Flying Air India Premium Economy

• Check Aircraft Type: Air India is progressively rolling out Premium Economy on more aircraft, including retrofitted A320neos and new A350s. The experience can vary slightly between aircraft types. The A350s, for instance, are generally highly rated for their Premium Economy cabin.
• Review Routes: Premium Economy is available on a growing number of domestic and international routes. Check if your specific route offers this cabin.
• Book in Advance: As Premium Economy cabins are typically smaller than Economy, seats can fill up quickly, especially on popular routes.
• Avoid Last Row: Some travelers suggest avoiding the last row of Premium Economy as recline might be slightly limited.

Conclusion

Air India's Premium Economy is a strong contender for travelers seeking an enhanced flying experience without the premium price tag of Business Class. With its focus on improved seating comfort, elevated dining, superior entertainment, and priority airport services, it offers a compelling value proposition, especially for long-haul journeys. As Air India continues its transformation, this cabin class is a clear indicator of its commitment to becoming a world-class airline.

Have you experienced Air India Premium Economy? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the main differences between Air India Economy and Premium Economy?

A1: Air India Premium Economy offers several upgrades over Economy, including more spacious seats with greater legroom and recline, a dedicated cabin, enhanced dining (hot gourmet meals on chinaware), improved in-flight entertainment with noise-cancelling headphones, amenity kits (on international flights), and priority airport services like check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.

Q2: Do Air India Premium Economy tickets include lounge access?

A2: Yes, Air India generally provides its Premium Economy passengers with exclusive airport lounge access, along with priority boarding and dedicated cabin crew services.

Q3: On which routes can I fly Air India Premium Economy?

A3: Air India Premium Economy is available on a growing number of routes. It is offered on over 40 domestic routes, including key metro routes like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Bengaluru, and on 18 international routes, such as Bengaluru-San Francisco, Mumbai-San Francisco, and Mumbai-New York. It's also being expanded on retrofitted A320neos and is available on their A350 fleet.

Q4: Is the food in Air India Premium Economy better than Economy?

A4: Yes, the dining experience in Air India Premium Economy is superior to Economy. Passengers receive complimentary hot gourmet meals served on premium chinaware, with a wider selection of regional and global delicacies and an expanded beverage menu.