When it comes to air travel, finding the right balance between comfort and cost is often a top priority for many passengers. Qantas, Australia's flagship airline, understands this well and offers a premium travel option that bridges the gap between economy class and business class: Qantas Premium Economy.
What is Qantas Premium Economy?
Premium economy on Qantas is a travel class that offers passengers a more luxurious and comfortable experience than traditional economy class – without the premium price tag associated with business class. It's an excellent option for travelers who desire a higher level of comfort but might not require all the features of a full business class seat.
The premium economy cabin made its debut on the carrier’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2017 and was later introduced to its fleet of Airbus A380s. 40 premium economy seats will also be available on the Flying Kangaroo’s upcoming A350 fleet, with more conventional seats, compared to the B787 and A380’s “cradle” seats.
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What you can expect
Dedicated cabin: Premium economy cabins on Qantas flights are smaller and more private than the economy class section – with up to 40 seats on the B787 and 60 seats on the A380. The A350 will have 40 seats.
Spacious seating: One of the main draws of Qantas' Premium Economy is the enhanced seating. The seats are notably wider (B787: 21 inches/53.3cm; A380: 19.5 inches/49.53 cm) and offer increased legroom (B787 and A380: 38 inches/96.5cm) compared to economy class. They also come with adjustable headrests, re-engineered footrests, and a range of recline options, enabling passengers to find their optimal level of comfort.
Priority boarding: Passengers flying in premium economy benefit from a dedicated check-in counter, priority boarding lane, and disembarkation process.
Enhanced dining: Qantas takes the dining experience up a notch in premium economy, offering higher quality (and larger portioned) meals, often served on fine china. On selected international flights, self-serve bars are stocked with snacks and drinks.
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Entertainment: The premium economy seats come with large, high-definition touchscreens and noise-canceling headphones, offering an upgraded in-flight entertainment experience.
Creature comforts: Qantas provides premium economy passengers with a stylish Napoleon Perdis branded amenity pouch containing essentials like an eye mask, socks, and dental kit. A cotton pillow and 100% wool blanket are also provided.
Why fly Qantas Premium Economy?
Whether Qantas Premium Economy is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and priorities. If you value more space, improved dining options, a dedicated cabin, and an overall more relaxed atmosphere, premium economy is likely worth the upgrade.
However, if you're seeking a fully lie-flat bed for long-haul flights, along with exclusive lounge access and personalized service, you might want to consider Qantas' business class instead.
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Nonetheless, the premium economy class offers a compelling option for travelers who want an upgraded experience without committing to the full cost of business class. With enhanced seating, improved dining, and a range of amenities, premium economy strikes a balance between comfort and affordability.
Sources: Qantas, Executive Traveller