T RIED AND TE ST E D FL IGHT
There is a limited amount of overhead
locker space in the premium economy cabin, with the over-wing doors meaning there are no lockers in those areas and the centre overhead lockers being smaller in capacity than the side ones. However, on this flight it wasn’t a problem, despite the cabin being full, perhaps because most people had checked bags. There are two places to store books and
magazines in the seat-back pockets, though bulky items wouldn’t fit. A small bag could easily go under the seat in front. Footrests come down from the seat in front (apart from the front row) and, when you recline, there’s also an electronically controlled legrest if desired. These features make it a
the doors, you might get cold feet, so pack an extra pair of socks. I was in the back row in 19H, which meant I
could recline my seat without worrying about encroaching on anyone’s space and also wasn’t knocked by any passengers sitting behind. However, one potential problem with this row is that there may be a bassinet at the front of the economy cabin and so just behind you, in which case all bets are off.
THE FL IGH T When we boarded we were told that the IFE system wasn’t working. This would have been a bitter blow for many, but I was working, so the main inconvenience was not having access to the flight maps and wifi.
– Villa Chavin Reserve Tempranillo Syrah, Spain. I had the red, which was acceptable. Although this was a long flight, it passed
quickly as I worked, read and slept a fair bit. The person on the inside of me in 19G was a heavy sleeper and so didn’t disturb me by getting up very often. About halfway through the flight I was hungry and walked to the back of the aircraft through the main economy cabin and found some crisps and chocolate bars to eat. There were some bouts of mild turbulence
and, as has become the norm, the seat belt sign would be left on for prolonged periods. Many passengers ignored it to go to use the bathroom or retrieve something from an overhead locker, with flight attendants in turn overlooking this behaviour. Around 90 minutes before landing
there was another meal of Mediterranean salad, tzatziki, sautéed asparagus, roasted aubergine, roasted bell peppers, fusilli pasta, and chocolate and salted caramel pudding.
A RRIVA L We arrived on time and disembarked quickly. There was no queue at immigration.
lot more comfortable for a long-haul flight, as does the adjustable headrest, though lots of people had brought their own neck pillows (including me). It’s worth noting that, while flight loads
differ throughout the year, in this case both premium economy and business were full or close to it. However, economy was probably half empty, leaving a few lucky passengers the option of stretching out across two or three seats and thus having more space than those who had paid for premium economy.
B EST SE A T S Avoid the centre seats E and G. The best seats are those in the front row, particularly at the doors (16AC and 16JL), though bear in mind people will end up standing here either to stretch their legs or wait to use the washrooms, so they aren’t perhaps the quietest choice. These washrooms are also used by economy passengers from the front of the main cabin. If you do choose these front row seats by
bus ine s s tr a v el ler .c om There was a small amenity bag at the
seat containing an eye mask, earplugs, toothbrush and toothpaste, and CO Bigelow moisturiser and lip balm. We departed on time and the meal
service began once we were in the air. The starter was a salad of seasonal greens with balsamic vinaigrette. Mains were coconut curry chicken, rice and vegetables or tomato- and mozzarella-filled fiorelli pasta, leek sauce and pickled peppers with Grana Padano. I chose the latter, which was fine though hardly exciting. Dessert was apple crumble with fresh cream and blueberries. Not everyone got the full choice – I got
one of the last pasta dishes. As it says on the menu, “If we reach your seat and have run out of your meal of choice, we apologise and hope you will still enjoy your flight.” There was a choice of several different
beers including Sam Adams, and a white wine – Reserve de Sainte-Hélène Colombard-Chardonnay, France – or a red
FULL REVIEWS AT
BUSINESSTRAVELLER.COM BE ST FOR ...
A comfortable seat and plenty of reliable in-seat power.
P R ICE
A weekday premium economy return in February costs £3,237 (US$4,139).
F L IGHT TIME 9 hours and 45 minutes
C ONF IGUR A TION 2-4-2
C ONT A C T
aa.com
VERDIC T This is a comfortable premium economy seat with all the power you need to work and enough room to sleep. It’s a shame the IFE and wifi were not working. I probably wouldn’t have used the wifi, but I would certainly have enjoyed watching a film or tracking the progress of the flight. Tom Otley
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