BA Premium Economy

[Mr_Orange]

http://www.britishairways.com/en-au/information/travel-classes/premium-economy/world-traveller-plus

Am considering BA in Premium Economy for a trip to Europe next year using BA15/16. The page linked to above talks about a style upgrade for their PE cabin. Is this old news or has it only just happened?

Has anybody experienced it and can make a comparison to the QF product?

 

[Aus ATC]

SWMBO and I recently flew BA Premium Economy SYD-LHR. From my early research, I had set my expectations fairly low, but in the end found it quite OK.

The "style upgrade" is old news - the B777-300s that operate BA15/16 are upgraded. The B747s that operate LHR-SIN in parallel to the B777 (BA 11/12) are the older fitment and to be avoided.

WT+ is 8 abreast in the B777. WT is 9 abreast and didn't look too bad, but clearly more cramped than WT+.

The biggest problem with the premium economy seat (and this is probably similar for all airlines) is the extra recline means that if you are behind a "recliner" it can be a bit claustrophobic (unless you recline as well..).

The other downside is that WT+ are supposed to use the WT loos - which I think differs from QF and CX.

The exit row looked OK but no window and reportedly a bit cold.

From my limited experience I would rate BA < CX <QF - this assessment based on a sample of 2 flights on BA, 1 on CX and 1 on QF in PE/WT+. The seats on BA are a bit narrow and a bit firm compared to the other options.

We chose to fly BA in Premium Economy as the price premium over Y was not huge (and a lot cheaper than QF), and the extra status credits for QFF helped the decision (not so much now though). I'd choose them again if the circumstances were right.

 

[RB]

http://www.britishairways.com/en-au/information/travel-classes/premium-economy/world-traveller-plus

Am considering BA in Premium Economy for a trip to Europe next year using BA15/16. The page linked to above talks about a style upgrade for their PE cabin. Is this old news or has it only just happened?

Has anybody experienced it and can make a comparison to the QF product?

There are some great deals for BA Y+ for SYD-SIN. Perhaps you can link them with the other good J deals SIN-various European cities?

 

[Dalescott]

CXPE uses economy loos on some A330, but has it own on B777 if I remember.

 

[dajop]

The "style upgrade" is old news - the B777-300s that operate BA15/16 are upgraded. The B747s that operate LHR-SIN in parallel to the B777 (BA 11/12) are the older fitment and to be avoided.

We chose to fly BA in Premium Economy as the price premium over Y was not huge (and a lot cheaper than QF), and the extra status credits for QFF helped the decision (not so much now though). I'd choose them again if the circumstances were right.

BA 11/12 are gradually being replaced by A380 between SIN and LHR.

When I last flew BA 15 in Y+ from SIN to SYD it was only $40 more than Y for that sector ... a no brainer really.

 

[Mr_Orange]

SWMBO and I recently flew BA Premium Economy SYD-LHR. From my early research, I had set my expectations fairly low, but in the end found it quite OK.

The "style upgrade" is old news - the B777-300s that operate BA15/16 are upgraded. The B747s that operate LHR-SIN in parallel to the B777 (BA 11/12) are the older fitment and to be avoided.

WT+ is 8 abreast in the B777. WT is 9 abreast and didn't look too bad, but clearly more cramped than WT+.

The biggest problem with the premium economy seat (and this is probably similar for all airlines) is the extra recline means that if you are behind a "recliner" it can be a bit claustrophobic (unless you recline as well..).

The other downside is that WT+ are supposed to use the WT loos - which I think differs from QF and CX.

The exit row looked OK but no window and reportedly a bit cold.

From my limited experience I would rate BA < CX <QF - this assessment based on a sample of 2 flights on BA, 1 on CX and 1 on QF in PE/WT+. The seats on BA are a bit narrow and a bit firm compared to the other options.

We chose to fly BA in Premium Economy as the price premium over Y was not huge (and a lot cheaper than QF), and the extra status credits for QFF helped the decision (not so much now though). I'd choose them again if the circumstances were right.

Thank you for the comprehensive reply. I've done CX PE all the way to Europe and back and QF PE to SIN on the day flight (J return). BA's 'new' seat looks very much like the QF seat in the photos which is why I was looking for a comparison. 2-4-2 across seems to be the standard config on the larger birds with 2-3-2 on the A333s.

The price is very competitive at the moment so I'm tempted, but if CX is more comfortable I might check out their fares again. QF, sadly, is just too expensive and nearly in the realms of an AY J fare.

 

[Aus ATC]

Without knowing what the price you are looking at is, if you feel it is fair, then you won't be disappointed (particularly compared to Y). If CX is in the ballpark I would probably choose them, but I would be equally happy to fly again with BA. QF is probably worth a bit more, but personally I would not be paying the premium (and definitely not at the margins we normally see).

 

[david1]

What a useful thread! I'm looking at doing ADL to NCL next January, and have found BA flights in premium economy for $3700. Go through HKG (on CX) and then LHR on BA28 and on to NCL in J (I think, booking class is J, but the booking page just says "Domestic"), and the same on the way back. QF are asking ~$6300 for premium economy with economy DXB-NCL on EK, and CX is ~$4800.

I'm thinking that for <$1500 more than a Y ticket this sounds like a good deal. Is BA/CX Y+ worth the money? I'm thinking a more comfortable seat for all those hours is worth something, especially if it means I can get more sleep. Interested to hear in other peoples experiences in addition to the helpful replies to this thread already.

 

[Mr_Orange]

What a useful thread! I'm looking at doing ADL to NCL next January, and have found BA flights in premium economy for $3700. Go through HKG (on CX) and then LHR on BA28 and on to NCL in J (I think, booking class is J, but the booking page just says "Domestic"), and the same on the way back. QF are asking ~$6300 for premium economy with economy DXB-NCL on EK, and CX is ~$4800.

I'm thinking that for <$1500 more than a Y ticket this sounds like a good deal. Is BA/CX Y+ worth the money? I'm thinking a more comfortable seat for all those hours is worth something, especially if it means I can get more sleep. Interested to hear in other peoples experiences in addition to the helpful replies to this thread already.

I haven't ended booking Y+ with BA because we have booked J fares instead.

CX Y+ was worth it for us in 2013 when we did the trip all the way with CX.

$3700 is a good price for rtn to Europe.

 

[Dalescott]

Paid $2864 MEL TO MAN in Sept, with CX.

 

[david1]

Sounds like a great deal! How did you find it?

 

[Mr_Orange]

Paid $2864 MEL TO MAN in Sept, with CX.

Really? Y+ rtn?

 

[Dalescott]

TA got it for me. Don't know if it is still available.

 

[Isochronous]

That's a very good fare for CX.

 

[Mr_Orange]

That's a very good fare for CX.

It is. Cheapest we saw when looking last year for flights this winter was around the $4k mark.