Emirates Premium Economy
Discussion
Anyone on here flown EK premium economy?
It’s only recently been launched, on select Aircraft’s (I think just A380) and only on certain routes.
Due to a late covid test result and change of flight, I had to take what I could returning back to Dubai from Heathrow. Business was booked out so I flew economy, which is no great shakes, it’s only a 6hr flight.
I booked my seat but upon check in I noticed this had changed and I now a slightly different seat number on the app (33c). When questioned they advised that it was a premium economy flight. Ok so not quite business but it was still something that intrigued me.
If I’m not flying with work, then generally I’ll go economy unless I’ve got miles to use. However would this be a product to forgo business for in these circumstances or indeed something I’m likely to upgrade to for personal travel?
Well I left feeling a bit cold to be honest. As a free upgrade it’s nice but to pay above and beyond economy I don’t think it represents good value (I think is about £200 more if paying).
Yes there’s more room and yes the seat tilts back a bit more but I don’t see the comfort levels being massively better than regular economy. In my opinion, your miles are best saved for business than premium.
Some recent snaps.
Premium (newer A380) - I swapped seats after takeoff
Business (older A380)
It’s only recently been launched, on select Aircraft’s (I think just A380) and only on certain routes.
Due to a late covid test result and change of flight, I had to take what I could returning back to Dubai from Heathrow. Business was booked out so I flew economy, which is no great shakes, it’s only a 6hr flight.
I booked my seat but upon check in I noticed this had changed and I now a slightly different seat number on the app (33c). When questioned they advised that it was a premium economy flight. Ok so not quite business but it was still something that intrigued me.
If I’m not flying with work, then generally I’ll go economy unless I’ve got miles to use. However would this be a product to forgo business for in these circumstances or indeed something I’m likely to upgrade to for personal travel?
Well I left feeling a bit cold to be honest. As a free upgrade it’s nice but to pay above and beyond economy I don’t think it represents good value (I think is about £200 more if paying).
Yes there’s more room and yes the seat tilts back a bit more but I don’t see the comfort levels being massively better than regular economy. In my opinion, your miles are best saved for business than premium.
Some recent snaps.
Premium (newer A380) - I swapped seats after takeoff
Business (older A380)
I’ve not but as someone who is 6ft tall with dicky knees and having sat shoulder to shoulder with far too many fat people in economy in my life, £200 seems like money well spent to me! On a day flight premium economy is a reasonable alternative/money saver over business.
As a side note that’s awfully chintzy. I have only had good experiences with Emirates but the tacky look is very Middle Eastern.
As a side note that’s awfully chintzy. I have only had good experiences with Emirates but the tacky look is very Middle Eastern.
djc206 said:
Simpo Two said:
I rather like the decor! But then, my car has mahogany in it 
Do you have many leather bound books?
Not enough! I can only see three from where I'm sitting, and they belonged to a Victorian gentleman with an interest in architecture.As for the rest of you, plastic, mmm tasty!
I've flown premium economy on Cathay and EVA Air, both long haul to SE Asia. I saw that Emirates were rolling this Cabin class out soon.
It's usually a small area of the cabin with it's own toilets (EVA has 64 Pax in Premium Econ), better seat recline, luggage allowance and food. Over the price for Econ it's normally around £300 more (EVA Econ LHR-BKK last time we flew was £578 Econ and £889 Premium). Same with Cathay to HKG (roughly but the price varies seasonally).
The extra recline, width and legroom make the flight a whole lot better, but whether it's worth the extra is really down to the individual. For me, having a dodgy shoulder and lower back it's well worth it, plus the Mrs maxes out the weight allowance. Seating in Premium on the EVA 777 is 2-4-2 as opposed to 3-4-3 / 3-3-3 in Econ. Plus you get free slippers.
I've never flown business class in my life, simply because I couldn't afford to, but PE does offer me (us) a much more comfortable long haul flight, so I always save up and pay the difference.
It's usually a small area of the cabin with it's own toilets (EVA has 64 Pax in Premium Econ), better seat recline, luggage allowance and food. Over the price for Econ it's normally around £300 more (EVA Econ LHR-BKK last time we flew was £578 Econ and £889 Premium). Same with Cathay to HKG (roughly but the price varies seasonally).
The extra recline, width and legroom make the flight a whole lot better, but whether it's worth the extra is really down to the individual. For me, having a dodgy shoulder and lower back it's well worth it, plus the Mrs maxes out the weight allowance. Seating in Premium on the EVA 777 is 2-4-2 as opposed to 3-4-3 / 3-3-3 in Econ. Plus you get free slippers.
I've never flown business class in my life, simply because I couldn't afford to, but PE does offer me (us) a much more comfortable long haul flight, so I always save up and pay the difference.
I fly EK quite a lot and I can’t say I’m a fan of the styling. The newer plane does seemed a little toned down which is better but there are far better interiors out there.
One thing I will say is since the pandemic I find their service very good. Very efficient, good food and always with a smile. Can’t ask for too much more.
The problem with EK is that I think their economy product is already pretty decent, so premium doesn’t feel like a giant leap.
One thing I will say is since the pandemic I find their service very good. Very efficient, good food and always with a smile. Can’t ask for too much more.
The problem with EK is that I think their economy product is already pretty decent, so premium doesn’t feel like a giant leap.
808 Estate said:
Emirates business is bloody good, especially on an A380.
Makes BA look like they are stuck in the dark ages.
In terms of service I’d be inclined to agree, and I’d agree if you’re talking BA’s old yin and yang seats but the new club suites are in my opinion really quite good. You don’t get as much space around your seat as you do on Emirates or Etihad but the privacy afforded is greater and to me that’s quite nice especially on a night flight. In fact I’d go so far as to say I even prefer them to the Q suite which because of the height of the door etc seems quite claustrophobic.Makes BA look like they are stuck in the dark ages.
I do need to confess that I’ve not tried the new refitted A380 business with Emirates yet although having looked at it the privacy thing is a still a point to consider. The move away from the light woods and gold is a good thing though!
I've flown business Emirates to the middle east and on to Australia a few times. I'd recommend it. Good cocktails, the bar, the business lounge at Dubai, what's not to like? except price I guess.
Thai air business nowhere near as good. I think Quantas is likable, but a bit 'inconsistent' in my experience.
Thumbs up for Emirates business, Quantas business and Quantas premium economy.
Thai air business nowhere near as good. I think Quantas is likable, but a bit 'inconsistent' in my experience.
Thumbs up for Emirates business, Quantas business and Quantas premium economy.
Mr Squarekins said:
You having an Old Fashioned there in the bar? 
Haha correct. It’s my go to drink with the nice nuts they serve up!Actually forgot to add. Whilst this was an older A380, the business bar looked like it had a makeover. The layout is usually a bit different. I much preferred the grey accents!
djc206 said:
In terms of service I’d be inclined to agree, and I’d agree if you’re talking BA’s old yin and yang seats but the new club suites are in my opinion really quite good. You don’t get as much space around your seat as you do on Emirates or Etihad but the privacy afforded is greater and to me that’s quite nice especially on a night flight. In fact I’d go so far as to say I even prefer them to the Q suite which because of the height of the door etc seems quite claustrophobic.
I do need to confess that I’ve not tried the new refitted A380 business with Emirates yet although having looked at it the privacy thing is a still a point to consider. The move away from the light woods and gold is a good thing though!
Agree on the privacy. If you’re flying the Emirates A380 and get a full window seat, you’re nicely tucked away. The new 777 business looks great but isn’t so private but the first class product on the same plane looks absolutely amazing. I do need to confess that I’ve not tried the new refitted A380 business with Emirates yet although having looked at it the privacy thing is a still a point to consider. The move away from the light woods and gold is a good thing though!
MTK1919 said:
Agree on the privacy. If you’re flying the Emirates A380 and get a full window seat, you’re nicely tucked away. The new 777 business looks great but isn’t so private but the first class product on the same plane looks absolutely amazing.
A colleague treated himself when he retired and flew on the new first class. He said it was just ridiculous, amazing but totally over the top, as you’d expect really. I don’t have that kind of money so I’ll never find out!djc206 said:
A colleague treated himself when he retired and flew on the new first class. He said it was just ridiculous, amazing but totally over the top, as you’d expect really. I don’t have that kind of money so I’ll never find out!
I’m too “Yorkshire” to pay for it out of my own pocket……even if I was wadded! Best chance is as a free upgrade from business which is normally very doable if the flight is busy and you’ve got to a decent status level. On that note, because of the pandemic, retaining a skywards status is going to be increasingly hard. I’m gold and even though it was extended for another year, on my current usage I won’t do that come next year. I’d imagine they’ll have to extend the renewal requirements yet again.
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