LEVEL Airlines Premium Economy Review

Navigating the world of long-haul flights can often feel like a trade-off between comfort and cost. Economy class can be a squeeze, while business class might stretch your budget too far. This is where Premium Economy steps in, promising a sweet spot. But how does LEVEL Airlines, known for its affordable long-haul routes, stack up in this middle ground? This comprehensive LEVEL Airlines Premium Economy Review will delve into every aspect of the experience, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your next journey.

Is LEVEL Airlines Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade? A Detailed Review

Are you tired of cramped seats and limited legroom on long flights, but not quite ready to splurge on business class? Many travelers find themselves in this exact dilemma, seeking a more comfortable journey without breaking the bank. LEVEL Airlines offers a Premium Economy cabin designed to bridge this gap, providing enhanced comfort and amenities at a more accessible price point. But does it deliver on its promise? Let's take a closer look at what you can expect when flying LEVEL Airlines Premium Economy.

The Booking and Pre-Flight Experience

Booking your LEVEL Airlines Premium Economy ticket is straightforward, typically offering a noticeable step up from standard economy fares. Once booked, the Premium Economy experience begins even before you board. Passengers benefit from priority boarding, allowing you to settle into your seat without the usual rush. While dedicated Premium Economy check-in counters are available, some travelers have noted that these can occasionally be slow, with the regular economy line sometimes being quicker, especially during peak times. However, the included baggage allowance is a significant perk. Premium Economy fares typically include one cabin bag, one personal item, and two checked bags, each up to 23 kg. This generous allowance can save you considerable extra costs often associated with budget carriers.

Cabin and Seat Comfort: Stretching Out in the Sky

The core of any Premium Economy review lies in the seat itself, and LEVEL Airlines aims to impress. Their Airbus A330-200 aircraft feature a Premium Economy cabin with a 2-3-2 configuration, offering more space than the standard 2-4-2 layout in economy.

Key features of the LEVEL Premium Economy seat include:

• Generous Pitch: Seats boast a pitch of 37 inches, providing ample legroom. This is a significant improvement over economy, where pitch can be as low as 30 inches.
• Increased Width: At 20 inches wide, these seats are comparable to domestic first-class recliner seats in the US, offering a noticeable difference in personal space.
• Enhanced Recline: The seats offer a good recline, making it easier to relax or sleep on long-haul flights.
• Adjustable Headrest and Footrest: An adjustable headrest and a footrest contribute to overall comfort, allowing you to find a more ergonomic position for your journey.

The cabin itself is often described as clean, modern, and spacious, providing a more private feel due to its separation from the economy cabin by walls and curtains. While generally positive, some older reviews mention that lavatories in the Premium Economy section weren't always kept pristine throughout longer flights.

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE): Your Personal Screen

Each LEVEL Premium Economy seat is equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen for in-flight entertainment. The system offers a good selection of movies and TV series to keep you occupied during your flight. However, it's worth noting that games are typically not available.

When it comes to connectivity, LEVEL provides a complimentary messaging Wi-Fi service for the entire flight. If you need faster service for streaming videos, paid packages are available. You'll also find both USB and AC power outlets at your seat, ensuring your devices stay charged throughout the journey.

Dining and Beverages: Meals Included

A significant advantage of flying LEVEL Premium Economy is the included meal service. Passengers receive two meals on most flights: a hot meal shortly after takeoff, complete with an appetizer, main course, and dessert, followed by a snack before landing. For flights exceeding 10 hours, a mid-flight snack is also provided.

Complimentary drinks, including wine and beer, are served with meals. If you have specific dietary requirements, special meals (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, kids' meals) can be ordered for an additional cost, provided you request them at least 24 hours before departure. This eliminates the need to purchase food onboard, which can be a significant saving on a budget airline.

Amenities and Service: Thoughtful Touches

LEVEL Premium Economy passengers receive an amenity kit, which typically includes a reusable water bottle, socks, a sleeping mask, a toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, and a pen. A blanket and pillow are also provided, adding to your comfort for a long-haul flight.

While the "hard product" (seat, IFE, amenities) generally receives positive feedback, reviews on cabin crew attentiveness can vary. Some passengers report a satisfactory experience, while others note that the crew seemed tired or less attentive.

Value for Money: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

So, after considering all the features, is LEVEL Airlines Premium Economy worth the extra cost? For many travelers, the answer is a resounding yes, especially for long-haul flights. The increased seat pitch and width, coupled with the included meals, drinks, and baggage allowance, offer a substantial upgrade in comfort and convenience compared to standard economy.

Compared to other major airlines, LEVEL's Premium Economy is often considered competitive in terms of hard product and can be a more economical choice for a similar level of comfort. It provides a good balance between cost and comfort, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers seeking a more relaxed journey.

Tips for Flying LEVEL Premium Economy

• Book in Advance: To secure the best fares and ensure availability, especially for popular routes, book your Premium Economy ticket well in advance.
• Check Seat Maps: While the 2-3-2 configuration is standard, some aircraft may have fewer rows (e.g., 3 vs. 6 rows). If specific seats are important to you, check the seat map when booking.
• Consider "XL Premium" Seats: If available, "XL Premium" seats are typically in the first row of the Premium cabin and offer even more space.
• Order Special Meals Early: If you require a special meal, remember to order it at least 24 hours before your flight to ensure it's available.
• Bring Your Own Snacks/Water Bottle: While meals are included, bringing extra snacks and a refillable water bottle (which you can fill after security) is always a good idea to stay hydrated and have options throughout your flight.

Conclusion

LEVEL Airlines Premium Economy offers a compelling proposition for travelers seeking a more comfortable long-haul experience without the premium price tag of business class. With its spacious seats, included meals and drinks, generous baggage allowance, and personal entertainment screens, it provides a solid upgrade from standard economy. While service attentiveness can vary, the overall "hard product" makes it a strong contender for those looking to enhance their journey.

Have you flown LEVEL Airlines Premium Economy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!