Premium Economy On Qantas

[Ryan N]

Has anyone tried premium economy on Qantas? Is it much better than economy and justify paying almost double the airfare?

Qantas is having a special to HKG at the moment, with economy fares at $788 and premium economy $1399. I've tentatively booked my flights in premium economy and hopefully upgrade to business using points. The $788 economy fare does not allow upgrades at all.

[Rory Delaney]

I've tried premium on Qantas' 747-400 and also the A380 more recently. Premium Economy is actually reasonable - more legroom, 2-3-2 configuration on the A380, wider seats and an enjoyable ride. Just my opinion on Premium for Qantas!

[Ryan N]

And premium economy is on the upper deck in the A380. Bonus!!!!

[Zac M]

The A380 Y+ seats are the same as the J seats on the newer 738s only covered in fabric I believe, very comfortable seat!

[Ash W]

And premium economy is on the upper deck in the A380. Bonus!!!!

Upper deck down the back where the tail whips around and you feel every bump. Not so good. Would rather premium economy on the 747 where you are more towards the centre of the plane.

[Thomas Collins]

It is a quality product that has won a number of global awards.

Treat yourself...

[Garry Emanuel]

Can't comment on A380 but the 747 experience was great - seat has more space and is more comfortable, food and service impressive, separate cabin made for greater privacy and peace.

Would have no qualms recommending it ! ! !

[MarkR]

Upper deck down the back where the tail whips around and you feel every bump. Not so good. Would rather premium economy on the 747 where you are more towards the centre of the plane.

Didnt feel many bumps in 24A to DXB, PE is nice and good value at 2X Y at present.

[Julian L]

Upper deck down the back where the tail whips around and you feel every bump. Not so good. Would rather premium economy on the 747 where you are more towards the centre of the plane.

I personally haven't been on Qantas' aircraft, but when I flew SQ's A380s in the upper deck near the back you couldn't feel a thing. Its also quieter.

[Ash W]

It must have been a gentle flight. Get into a bit of turbulence or wind and you will feel it. It is the same on all long a/c the back has more movement compared to being nearer to the centre of gravity. Simple physics really.

[Ryan N]

I would have thought the bumps would be less obvious in the upper deck of the A380 due to its large size. Not sure if it is much different to a 747, but I remember being quite a smooth flight on the old old old Ansett 747 to HKG on the upper deck.

[Ryan N]

Just in terms of greater features over economy, here is what I have found so far.

* larger baggage limit (40kg compared to 30kg),
* priority boarding and disembarking,
* separate line at check in,
* business class meals,
* champagne/juice prior to take off,
* separate cabin,
* more legroom,
* wider seats (though only by an inch, isn't it?),

Is the amenity kit the same as economy or better? Have I missed anything else?

[Brendan Lawrence]

All of what you mentioned Ryan, plus:

* noise-cancelling headphones,
* same selection of wines as Business,
* same meals as Domestic Business (just to clarify Ryan's point - not same as International J) - served on china crockery with glassware and metal cutlery,
* personal welcome from Customer Service Supervisor,
* 3 crew dedicated to Premium and the small Upper Deck Economy cabin (A380),
* greater seat recline than Economy,
* extendable footrest,
* the seat and cabin has won Skytrax World's Best in class.

I think Premium Economy is the best value-for-money cabin on the aircraft - our customers almost always give great comments and feedback on their experience as they disembark.

Hope this helps!

[Matt_L]

Are the availability of PE seats very limited?
I did an on departure upgrade on QF32 ex Singapore to Sydney 2 years back and it cost $150 which I thought was well worth it..
I wouldn't pay 2x Y though!

[Ash W]

I would have thought the bumps would be less obvious in the upper deck of the A380 due to its large size. Not sure if it is much different to a 747, but I remember being quite a smooth flight on the old old old Ansett 747 to HKG on the upper deck.

Nothing to do with the upper deck, but everything to do with location. The difference is on the A380 PE is at the BACK of the plane on the 747 you are middle to front.

Now as a kid do you remember playing on a seesaw? If so you would recall that sitting on the end you had a massive amount of movement up and down, but if you sat in the middle (with two kids on either side of course) the movement was minimal. Same too with aircraft, though two differences are the pivot point is further towards the front of the a/c, not smack bang in the middle and with an a/c you also feel left to right movements too, again being amplified down the back.

The worst a/c for feeling this are the longer a/c like the A340-600, A380 and 777-300's. Shorter a/c it isn't felt as much, simply because the movement isn't as much.

I have sat twice in Qantas PE on the A380 and once on Emirates economy on A380 right down the back and felt the movements. Maybe I am more sensitive to it, who knows, but simple fact is the back moves a lot more than being in the middle or even the front (due to the pivot being more forward)

[Kelvin R]

PE is no longer at the back of the A380 since the reconfigs have been completed. More Y seating is now there.

[Thomas Collins]

Ash - I think you may have inbuilt accelerometers...

You are ultra sensitive.

[Ash W]

PE is no longer at the back of the A380 since the reconfigs have been completed. More Y seating is now there.

It is futher forward for sure, by 3 or 4 rows but still at the back.

[Ryan N]

Another benefit on premium economy I've noticed is advanced seat selection, which cost $25 per sector in economy.

Also, if I have a confirmed booking in premium economy but registered for an upgrade to business class, am I able to check in at the business class counters at the airport?

[Danfeng Qian]

Is Premium Economy boarding after or along with Business class?
Booked on QF5 & 6.

[David Knudsen]

Technically you should only check in at the Business counter if your upgrade has been confirmed before arrival - but you could always play dumb once you got to the counter, I've seen that work many times!

Premium Economy was boarded after business on my last QF flights.