Qantas Premium Economy Review

Is Qantas Premium Economy Worth It? An In-Depth Review for Discerning Travellers

Long-haul flights can be daunting, often leaving travellers feeling cramped and exhausted. While the allure of Business Class is undeniable, its price tag can be a significant deterrent. But what if there was a comfortable middle ground? Enter Qantas Premium Economy. This cabin class promises a significant upgrade from standard Economy without the hefty cost of Business. But does it truly deliver on its promise of enhanced comfort and value?

This comprehensive Qantas Premium Economy review will delve into every aspect of the experience, from the moment you check in to your arrival at your destination. We'll explore the seat, the service, the dining, and the overall value proposition to help you decide if upgrading to Qantas Premium Economy is the right choice for your next journey.

What is Qantas Premium Economy?

Qantas Premium Economy is designed to bridge the gap between Economy and Business Class, offering an elevated travel experience at a more accessible price point. It's available on Qantas' Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 aircraft, which typically operate long-haul international routes.

This dedicated cabin provides a more private and intimate environment, generally featuring between 32 and 60 seats, depending on the aircraft type. It aims to provide passengers with greater comfort, enhanced service, and superior amenities compared to the main Economy cabin.

The Qantas Premium Economy Seat: Comfort and Design

The heart of any Premium Economy experience lies in the seat itself, and Qantas has put considerable thought into its design. The seats are notably wider and offer increased legroom compared to Economy, providing a much-needed sense of space on long flights.

• Generous Pitch and Width: On the Airbus A380, Premium Economy seats are approximately 19.5 inches wide with a pitch (the distance from one point on your seat to the same point on the seat in front) between 38 and 42 inches. For comparison, an A380 Economy seat is about 17.5 inches wide with a 31-inch pitch. On the Boeing 787-9, Premium Economy seats are around 20.5 inches wide with a 32-inch pitch. This extra space makes a significant difference, especially on overnight legs.
• Unique Recline Mechanism: Qantas Premium Economy seats feature a "cradle" recline, where the seat shuffles forward and up as the passenger pushes back, rather than just the back reclining. This design aims to prevent your body from sliding down and minimizes intrusion into the space of the passenger behind you.
• Ergonomic Support: Expect an ergonomically designed headrest that can be fitted with a specially designed pillow, along with a re-engineered footrest to optimize rest. Some seats also offer calf rests for full-leg cradling.
• Thoughtful Storage & Power: Qantas Premium Economy seats come equipped with ample storage areas for personal items, often including five individual pockets. You'll also find two USB charging points per seat and a shared AC power outlet, ensuring your devices stay charged throughout your journey.

While the recline is substantial and offers more comfort than Economy, it's important to note that it's not a lie-flat bed like in Business Class. However, many travellers find it sufficient for getting a decent amount of sleep, particularly on long-haul flights.

The In-Flight Experience: Service, Dining, and Entertainment

Beyond the seat, the overall in-flight experience in Qantas Premium Economy receives high marks, often feeling closer to Business Class than Economy.

Dedicated Service

One of the standout features is the dedicated cabin crew and the smaller, more private cabin, which allows for more personalized and attentive service. Passengers are often welcomed with a glass of Australian sparkling wine or water upon boarding. The crew is generally described as cheerful, helpful, and attentive, contributing significantly to a pleasant flight experience.

Elevated Dining

Qantas takes its dining experience seriously in Premium Economy. Meals are often designed by renowned Australian chefs like Neil Perry. You can expect a multi-course dining experience served on stylish tableware, a significant upgrade from the plastic containers in Economy.

• Menu Choices: Premium Economy typically offers three menu options for main meals, compared to two in Economy, with dishes often resembling those found in Business Class in terms of presentation and accompaniments. Recent menu highlights have included slow-braised lamb with white wine.
• Complimentary Beverages: A premium selection of drinks, including award-winning Australian wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options, are complimentary. Sommeliers in the Sky can even assist with wine pairings.
• Self-Serve Bars: On Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A380 aircraft, passengers can access self-serve bars stocked with snacks and drinks throughout the flight, including fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, and chocolates.

In-Flight Entertainment & Amenities

Qantas Premium Economy provides a robust entertainment system to help pass the time.

• Large Touchscreens: Passengers enjoy large Panasonic seatback screens, often 13.3 inches, which are a significant upgrade from Economy screens. These touchscreens offer a wide selection of movies, TV box sets, music, and interactive games.
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Quality noise-cancelling headphones are provided, enhancing the entertainment experience.
• Amenity Kits: A complimentary amenity kit is offered on selected flights to help you stay refreshed. These stylish pouches typically contain an eye mask, dental kit (toothbrush and toothpaste), and socks. Large cotton pillows and 100% wool blankets are also provided for comfort.

It's worth noting that, as of early 2024, Wi-Fi was not consistently available on most international Qantas routes, though plans for fleet-wide high-speed Wi-Fi are in progress.

Ground Experience: A Smoother Start to Your Journey

The benefits of Qantas Premium Economy begin even before you step onto the aircraft.

• Dedicated Check-in: Premium Economy passengers benefit from a dedicated check-in counter, which helps streamline the airport experience and reduce waiting times.
• Increased Baggage Allowance: You'll typically receive a higher checked baggage allowance than Economy passengers. For international flights (excluding North and South America), Premium Economy allows 40 kg (88 lbs) of baggage, compared to 30 kg (66 lbs) for Economy. For flights to/from North and South America, Premium Economy generally allows two pieces of checked luggage, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs). Carry-on allowance is also more generous, often permitting two pieces with a combined weight of up to 14 kg (30 lbs).
• Priority Boarding: Enjoy the convenience of priority boarding, allowing you to settle into your seat and stow your belongings before the main rush.
• Lounge Access: It's important to clarify that Qantas Premium Economy tickets do not automatically include lounge access. However, you can gain lounge access through other means, such as holding Qantas Frequent Flyer status (Gold, Platinum, or higher), a Qantas Club membership, or certain credit cards that offer lounge passes.

Is Qantas Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

The "worth it" question always comes down to individual priorities and budget. Qantas Premium Economy is typically around twice the price of an Economy ticket, yet still significantly less than a Business Class fare.

When it's worth it:

• Long-Haul Flights: For journeys exceeding 8-9 hours, especially overnight flights, the enhanced comfort of the wider seat, greater recline, and improved legroom can make a substantial difference to your well-being upon arrival.
• Prioritizing Comfort over Cost (within reason): If you desire a more comfortable and less fatiguing travel experience than Economy but Business Class is beyond your budget, Premium Economy offers an excellent compromise.
• Enhanced Service and Dining: The more personalized service and significantly upgraded dining experience can elevate your journey, making it feel more like a treat than a chore.
• Using Points: If you have Qantas Frequent Flyer points, upgrading to Premium Economy can be a very good use of points, and it can even increase your chances of securing a further upgrade to Business Class if available.

Considerations:

• Cost vs. Route: The price difference can vary significantly by route. For some shorter international routes, the extra cost might not justify the benefits.
• No Lie-Flat Bed: If a lie-flat bed for sleep is your absolute priority, Premium Economy won't provide that.
• No Automatic Lounge Access: Factor in whether lounge access is crucial for you, as it's not included with a Premium Economy ticket.

Ultimately, Qantas Premium Economy is widely regarded as a significant step up from standard Economy, offering a much more comfortable and enjoyable long-haul flight experience. The spacious seats, improved dining, and attentive service combine to provide a genuine premium experience that can make a real difference, especially on those marathon flights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the main difference between Qantas Premium Economy and Economy?

The biggest difference lies in the seat. Qantas Premium Economy offers wider seats, significantly more legroom (pitch), and a greater recline with a unique cradle mechanism, providing much more comfort than standard Economy seats. You also get enhanced dining, dedicated cabin crew, and priority services.

Q2: Does Qantas Premium Economy include lounge access?

No, a Qantas Premium Economy ticket does not automatically grant lounge access. However, you can access Qantas lounges if you hold appropriate Qantas Frequent Flyer status (e.g., Gold, Platinum), have a Qantas Club membership, or possess certain credit cards that offer lounge passes.

Q3: What kind of food and drinks can I expect in Qantas Premium Economy?

Qantas Premium Economy offers a multi-course dining experience with menus often designed by Australian chefs. Meals are served on stylish tableware, and you'll have a choice of main courses, often with options similar to Business Class. Complimentary premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served, and on many aircraft, there are self-service snack bars.

Q4: Which Qantas aircraft offer Premium Economy?

Qantas Premium Economy is available on their Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 aircraft. These aircraft are typically used for long-haul international routes.

Ready to Elevate Your Journey?

Deciding on your next flight class involves weighing comfort against cost. For many, Qantas Premium Economy strikes an excellent balance, transforming a potentially arduous long-haul journey into a genuinely pleasant experience. If you're tired of cramped Economy seats but Business Class remains out of reach, Qantas Premium Economy offers a compelling proposition.

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