ITA Airways Premium Economy Review

Embarking on a long-haul journey can be a mixed bag – the excitement of a new destination tempered by the thought of hours spent in a confined space. This is where Premium Economy steps in, promising a sweet spot between standard Economy and the luxurious Business Class. But how does ITA Airways' Premium Economy offering truly stack up?

This comprehensive ITA Airways Premium Economy review dives deep into what you can expect, from the comfort of your seat to the quality of the in-flight service, helping you decide if this Italian flag carrier's premium offering is the right choice for your next adventure.

What is Premium Economy, Anyway?

Before we delve into ITA Airways specifically, let's clarify what "Premium Economy" generally means. It's a travel class designed to offer enhanced comfort and services beyond standard Economy, without the full cost of Business Class. Typically, this includes more spacious seating with greater recline, improved dining options, and additional perks both on the ground and in the air. It's about making your journey more comfortable and enjoyable, especially on longer flights.

ITA Airways Premium Economy: An Overview

ITA Airways, Italy's national airline, has been making strides to establish its presence with a modern fleet and a focus on the customer experience. Their Premium Economy cabin is available on long-haul intercontinental flights, including routes to the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, primarily operated on their new Airbus A330-900neo, A350-900, and A321neo aircraft.

The Premium Economy cabin is designed as a dedicated, quieter space, often separated by curtains from other classes. This creates a more exclusive environment, typically featuring a smaller number of seats (up to 24 on an A330-900neo, 17 on an A330-200, and 12 on an A321neo), which can significantly enhance your sense of personal space.

The Seat Experience: Comfort and Connectivity

When considering any flight, the seat is paramount. Does ITA Airways Premium Economy deliver on comfort?

• Generous Space: The seats are designed for enhanced comfort, offering extra legroom and an ergonomic design with extensive recline. You'll find leg- and footrests to help you settle in for a truly relaxing experience. On some aircraft, such as the A330-900neo, you can expect a comfortable 40 inches of pitch (the distance between rows) and a seat width of around 20 inches, with up to 7 inches of recline on the A321neo. This is a significant upgrade from standard Economy, providing up to 40% more space.
• Thoughtful Touches: Upon arrival at your seat, you'll typically find a soft pillow and a fleece blanket, contributing to a more comfortable journey.
• Power at Your Fingertips: Staying charged is essential for many travelers. ITA Airways Premium Economy seats are equipped with universal power outlets, USB-A, and USB-C charging ports, ensuring your devices remain powered throughout the flight.

While the seats themselves are generally praised for their comfort and design, some early reviews on newer aircraft have noted concerns about the durability of certain components, such as tray tables. However, the overall consensus points to a significantly improved "hard product" compared to standard Economy.

In-Flight Amenities & Service: A Taste of Italy in the Sky

Beyond the seat, the in-flight experience is shaped by the amenities and service. What can you expect when flying ITA Airways Premium Economy?

• Dining Experience: Prepare for a culinary step up. You'll be greeted with a welcome drink, and meals are served on trays with tablecloths, porcelain crockery, steel cutlery, and glass cups, elevating the dining experience. The catering service is inspired by Italian cuisine, with options for various dietary needs. You'll also receive a bottle of water and can choose from a selection of drinks, wines, espresso, and even a traditional limoncello. While some older reviews mentioned welcome drinks in paper cups and a lack of a physical menu, the general offering aims for a more premium feel.
• Entertainment System: Time truly flies when you're entertained. ITA Airways offers a robust in-flight entertainment system with individual screens at each seat. Depending on the aircraft, screen sizes vary (e.g., 15.2 inches on the A330neo, 11.6 inches on the A350, and an impressive 15.6-inch 4K touchscreen on the A321neo). You can enjoy a wide selection of Italian and international films, popular TV series, music, and games. Noise-cancelling headphones are provided to enhance your viewing and listening pleasure.
• Connectivity: Stay connected with dedicated internet packages available for purchase.
• Service Quality: The cabin crew generally aims to provide attentive and professional service, contributing to a pleasant journey. Some travelers have even noted pleasant surprises like hot towel service on certain aircraft.

Pre-Flight Perks: Starting Your Journey Right

The Premium Economy experience often begins before you even step on the plane. ITA Airways offers several ground benefits:

• Priority Services: Enjoy priority check-in, priority boarding, and priority baggage claim, designed to save you time and reduce stress at the airport.
• Generous Baggage Allowance: A significant advantage of ITA Airways Premium Economy is the increased baggage allowance. You are permitted to check two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 23kg (50 lbs), at no additional cost. This is double the allowance for standard Economy fares on many routes.
• Lounge Access: While lounge access is not a standard inclusion for all ITA Airways Premium Economy tickets, it is available for Volare Premium and Executive members, or can be purchased. Some credit cards (like Amex Platinum or Priority Pass) may also grant access to partner lounges. It's always best to check your specific ticket type and loyalty program benefits.

Value for Money: Is ITA Premium Economy Worth It?

The ultimate question for many travelers is whether the additional cost of Premium Economy is justified. Based on reviews and stated benefits, ITA Airways Premium Economy offers a compelling value proposition, especially on long-haul flights.

• Compared to Economy: The significant increase in seat comfort (more legroom, recline, wider seats), enhanced dining, and priority services make it a noticeable upgrade from standard Economy. If you value personal space and comfort, particularly on overnight or extended flights, the investment can greatly improve your travel experience.
• Compared to Business Class: Premium Economy provides a comfortable middle ground. While it doesn't offer the lie-flat seats or full-service luxury of Business Class, it comes at a considerably lower price point. For travelers who want more than Economy but don't want to splurge on Business, it's an excellent compromise.
• Ideal Scenarios: ITA Airways Premium Economy is particularly appealing for:
  • Long-haul travelers: The extra space and comfort become invaluable on flights lasting several hours.
  • Business travelers on a budget: It offers a more conducive environment for work or rest than Economy without the Business Class price tag.
  • Leisure travelers seeking comfort: If arriving at your destination well-rested is a priority, Premium Economy can make a big difference.

Some travelers suggest that while the "hard product" (the seat and cabin) is excellent, the "soft product" (service consistency, amenity kits) could be further refined to match competitors. However, many agree that if you can find a good fare, especially by bidding for an upgrade, it represents solid value.

Tips for Booking ITA Airways Premium Economy

• Book in Advance: As with most travel, booking your ITA Airways Premium Economy ticket well in advance can often secure better fares.
• Consider Upgrade Bids: ITA Airways sometimes offers passengers the opportunity to bid for upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy (or even Business). This can be a cost-effective way to experience the premium cabin.
• Check Aircraft Type: While Premium Economy offers are generally consistent, slight variations in seat features (e.g., screen size) can occur between different aircraft types (A330neo, A350, A321neo).

Conclusion

ITA Airways Premium Economy presents a compelling option for travelers seeking a more comfortable and enhanced flying experience without the full expense of Business Class. With its spacious, ergonomic seats, dedicated cabin, improved dining, and useful pre-flight perks like increased baggage allowance and priority services, it delivers a solid product, especially on long-haul routes.

While there might be minor inconsistencies in amenity kits or service compared to some top-tier airlines, the core offering of comfort and space makes it a worthwhile upgrade for many. If you're looking to elevate your journey and arrive feeling more refreshed, an ITA Airways Premium Economy review confirms it's a strong contender.

Have you flown ITA Airways Premium Economy? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ITA Airways Premium Economy available on all flights?

No, ITA Airways Premium Economy is primarily available on long-haul intercontinental flights to destinations in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, operated by their wide-body Airbus A330-900neo, A350-900, and narrow-body A321neo aircraft. It is not typically available on short or medium-haul domestic or European routes.

What is the baggage allowance for ITA Airways Premium Economy?

Passengers flying in ITA Airways Premium Economy are typically allowed two pieces of checked baggage, with each bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs). This is a more generous allowance compared to standard Economy fares.

Do ITA Airways Premium Economy passengers get lounge access?

Lounge access is not a standard inclusion for all ITA Airways Premium Economy tickets. It is generally granted to Business/Superior Class passengers, Volare Premium and Executive loyalty program members, or can be purchased. However, some travelers may gain access to partner lounges through eligible credit cards or specific routes.

What kind of food and entertainment can I expect in ITA Airways Premium Economy?

In ITA Airways Premium Economy, you can expect a dedicated catering service with meals inspired by Italian cuisine, served on real dishes with proper cutlery and glassware. You'll receive a welcome drink, a selection of beverages, and often an espresso and limoncello. For entertainment, each seat features an individual screen with a wide selection of Italian and international movies, TV series, music, and games, along with noise-cancelling headphones.