In late 2015 American announced that they planned on adding a premium economy cabin to much of their longhaul fleet. While the airline has long offered an extra legroom economy section, this is the first time they’re offering an actual premium economy cabin. The premium economy cabin has debuted on American’s new Boeing 787-9 aircraft,…
Continue reading: American’s Premium Economy Is Now On Sale — Here’s What You Need To Know
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
International Premium Economy on most airlines looks a lot like international business class from 20+ years ago. Larger seats without full recline/lay flat + some of the first class amenities. I'm not saying it's a bad thing necessarily. . I just hope upgrades from the main cabin to business class don't fall by the wayside with premium economy coming online on more and more airlines.
so far the pricing differential looks rather attractive. I love the concept of PE, but airlines usually attempt to charge too much of a premium over econ to prevent cannibalization from true J. When coupled with (1) lots of discounted J sales and (2) personal flexibility for J award seats, the notion of paid PE is only occasionally a good value proposition.
Agree with henry LAX. It looks nice at those prices. And obviously the free upgrade for elites is a great deal. It'd definitely take a lot of worry out of booking international flights if I knew for sure I'd at least get a seat in PE.
When they plug in the AAdvantage rates for award flights, that is when I think we will see our next devAAlue as they raise business to put P/E in there somewhere.
"Yes. For now, upgrades including systemwide and mileage award upgrades will clear from the Main Cabin or Premium Economy into Business. Upgrades from the Main Cabin to Premium Economy will not be available for the time being."
Its not encouraging that the answer above begins with "For now"...
Seems very sloppy of AA to not have all their ducks in a row (awards booking into Premium Economy, deciding to make one-cabin Y to Y+ upgrades) all at the same time. Instead this whole phased approach is confusing at best.
Question: Will upgrades from Premium Economy to Business be prioritized over those from Economy to Business?
Lucky,
Can AA Gold purchase the premium economy for 50% off once the economy fare has been purchased? Typically, I purchase cheapest fare then pay the half-rate for MCE on domestic routes instead of waiting/hoping for freebie MCE the day of.
Just flew EVA Air Elite Class (= premium economy) YYZ - BKK for Cad $1750 return. Excellent service on spotless 777-300s although BKK - TPE lagged a little bit. Baggage allowance was 130 lb (two bags). Looks a far better value than the more expensive trans-Pacific American deal for Dallas - Seoul which comes with only one bag. Agree that PE looks like the Business Class of old. Just the ticket for those of us paying our own way. Enjoy this site!
Ben, I got a DFW-GRU planned in May. I'm waiting for my SWU to clear. Today I have received an e-mail from AA saying that I can upgrade to Premium Economy for US100 until April 3rd.
If they have one from DFW to HKG, I am interesting. I am willing to spend a little extra for nicer seats.
After being spoiled by JL's legit PY seat, I'm less excited about AA's sweaty pleather offering.
Great way to elevate one's travel experience for a few more dollars ... I'll have to give it a spin soon!
@Travlermb - I agree with you. All but one of those new fares are out of DFW. Typical AA - they think everyone in Dallas is sitting on an oil well or trust fund.
I used to love AA, but the degradation of the airline over the past 15 years has taken it's toll and gouging Dallasites every step of the way.
What is the reason premium economy is only available from ORD to CDG for a month from July to August?
I am posting this anywhere I find a mention of AA's Premium Economy seats, because of my recent trip xperience: Word to the wise: do not bother to pay the extra money for premium economy if your flight is on a 757. I just flew round trip Boston-Paris, with the first leg being in a premium economy seat, and the second being several rows back, in the normal economy seats. Both seats were aisle seats. Not only was there absolutely NOTHING better about my seat, it was actually notably more UNcomfortable. They must have done something to the seats to maybe give an extra inch or two (though it felt like the same amount of space), because my seat pinched me and dug into my left leg the entire trip, and I could only recline my seat back about an inch. It was the most uncomfortable flight I've ever had, actually. The seat belt was even shorter, so they must have screwed around with the positioning of the seats. There was no special access to anything, same food, same drink options, no USB port (though the AA website suggested there would be). The only thing was that we boarded in group 4, instead of a higher group.... which means nothing if you've got a reserved seat, anyway. Ridiculous waste of money. There might be some small perk if on a 767 or 787, but this was nonetheless offered on the 757, despite it providing me nothing.