Premium economy review
Jan 1, 2016, 3:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: JAL Global Club & oneworld Sapphire, ANA SFC & Star Alliance Gold
Posts: 3,746
Premium economy review
For several years I've been addicted to business class, but on our recent holiday trip my wife insisted we try premium economy. 
Since I haven't seen any premium economy reviews here, I thought I would describe our experience.
First, the seat: We sat in the new "Sky Premium" seat which is available on JAL's 777-300ERs and certain 787s. The seat is very, very good. It provides lots of space: a very generous 42 inches of pitch (most airlines provide around 38 inches in PE) and generous width. The leg rest and foot rest are very comfortable. The seat is in a hard shell which means that when you recline, the seat slides forward. The advantage of this is that the person in front of you can't recline into your space, and you can recline your own seat without feeling any guilt. The seat also has good storage space -- in addition to the seat pocket there's a smaller pocket where you can put a water bottle or smart phone, and there's a space under the arm rest where you can store books, headphones, etc. The seat also has good power options -- a standard power outlet and a USB outlet.
Overall the seat was very comfortable with plenty of space for stretching out and lounging in various positions.
Next, the food: basically the food is the same as regular economy with a few extras: extra alcohol (champagne and Japanese shochu) and extra snacks. Now before you start feeling disappointed, let me state that JAL serves the best economy meals I have ever eaten. The last time I flew JAL in long haul Y was about 10 years ago, and the meals have been significantly upgraded since then. The food is tasty, plentiful, and well presented. The main meal includes miso soup. (I'm not sure if regular economy gets miso soup.) For dessert they serve Haagen Dasz ice cream. And they provide metal utensils. (I think all the economy meals I've had in the past provided plastic utensils.)
Next: in flight entertainment. Until recently JAL's IFE selection has been woefully inferior to many other airlines, but I am happy to report that that is no longer true. The selection has been VASTLY expanded, such that for the first time ever I did not rely on my own entertainment (on my smartphone) but spent the whole flight watching JAL's IFE. The choices included entire seasons of at least three TV series -- Prison Break, Downton Abbey, and Bayside Shakedown (踊る大捜査線), of which I watched 5 episodes.
Amenities:. in premium economy JAL distributes basically the same amenities as in business class (slippers, ear plugs, eye shades, toothbrushes, etc.) although not in a packaged kit. (You choose amenities from a basket that the flight attendant brings around.)
JAL also provides noise canceling head phones in premium economy similar to the ones provided in business. I noticed, however, that my Shure noise isolating ear buds provided a better listening experience than JAL's head phones.
Other little touches: in the lavatories (which are shared with economy) JAL stocks extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, and little packets of mouthwash. They also had little handwritten notes from the crew on the counter thanking passengers for their business and telling pax to feel free to contact the flight attendants if they need anything.
And finally, the crew: as always, the flight attendants on our flights were unfailingly gracious and professional.
Overall I found premium economy to be a very, very good experience. In fact, for a daytime departure it was more than adequate, and I will probably be flying in premium economy for most of my personal trips. (Work trips are still mostly J.) The only situation where I will likely choose J is if the flight is a long redeye like SFO-HND.
Since I haven't seen any premium economy reviews here, I thought I would describe our experience.First, the seat: We sat in the new "Sky Premium" seat which is available on JAL's 777-300ERs and certain 787s. The seat is very, very good. It provides lots of space: a very generous 42 inches of pitch (most airlines provide around 38 inches in PE) and generous width. The leg rest and foot rest are very comfortable. The seat is in a hard shell which means that when you recline, the seat slides forward. The advantage of this is that the person in front of you can't recline into your space, and you can recline your own seat without feeling any guilt. The seat also has good storage space -- in addition to the seat pocket there's a smaller pocket where you can put a water bottle or smart phone, and there's a space under the arm rest where you can store books, headphones, etc. The seat also has good power options -- a standard power outlet and a USB outlet.
Overall the seat was very comfortable with plenty of space for stretching out and lounging in various positions.
Next, the food: basically the food is the same as regular economy with a few extras: extra alcohol (champagne and Japanese shochu) and extra snacks. Now before you start feeling disappointed, let me state that JAL serves the best economy meals I have ever eaten. The last time I flew JAL in long haul Y was about 10 years ago, and the meals have been significantly upgraded since then. The food is tasty, plentiful, and well presented. The main meal includes miso soup. (I'm not sure if regular economy gets miso soup.) For dessert they serve Haagen Dasz ice cream. And they provide metal utensils. (I think all the economy meals I've had in the past provided plastic utensils.)
Next: in flight entertainment. Until recently JAL's IFE selection has been woefully inferior to many other airlines, but I am happy to report that that is no longer true. The selection has been VASTLY expanded, such that for the first time ever I did not rely on my own entertainment (on my smartphone) but spent the whole flight watching JAL's IFE. The choices included entire seasons of at least three TV series -- Prison Break, Downton Abbey, and Bayside Shakedown (踊る大捜査線), of which I watched 5 episodes.
Amenities:. in premium economy JAL distributes basically the same amenities as in business class (slippers, ear plugs, eye shades, toothbrushes, etc.) although not in a packaged kit. (You choose amenities from a basket that the flight attendant brings around.)
JAL also provides noise canceling head phones in premium economy similar to the ones provided in business. I noticed, however, that my Shure noise isolating ear buds provided a better listening experience than JAL's head phones.
Other little touches: in the lavatories (which are shared with economy) JAL stocks extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, and little packets of mouthwash. They also had little handwritten notes from the crew on the counter thanking passengers for their business and telling pax to feel free to contact the flight attendants if they need anything.
And finally, the crew: as always, the flight attendants on our flights were unfailingly gracious and professional.
Overall I found premium economy to be a very, very good experience. In fact, for a daytime departure it was more than adequate, and I will probably be flying in premium economy for most of my personal trips. (Work trips are still mostly J.) The only situation where I will likely choose J is if the flight is a long redeye like SFO-HND.
Last edited by Unimatrix One; Jan 1, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Jan 2, 2016, 2:14 pm
#2
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank, JMB Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 16,394
Miso soup and toothbrush in lavatories are also available in Y.
The C amenity kits actually contain more than those distributed in PY now. Even the eye masks were different.
The C amenity kits actually contain more than those distributed in PY now. Even the eye masks were different.
Jan 2, 2016, 3:09 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: JAL Global Club & oneworld Sapphire, ANA SFC & Star Alliance Gold
Posts: 3,746
My last J trip was in October, and I didn't like the eye shade and ear plugs that came in the J kit. I actually prefer the ones they distribute in PY, which are the same as the ones they used to provide in J.
Jan 2, 2016, 3:29 pm
#4
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
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Jan 3, 2016, 10:57 am
#5
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,127
That sounded like miso soup (as well as toothbrushes) is available in Y lavatories 
Just in case of any doubt, I wish to assure readers that miso soup is not a regular feature of JL lavatories.
Sorry, I couldn't resist!
Just in case of any doubt, I wish to assure readers that miso soup is not a regular feature of JL lavatories.
Sorry, I couldn't resist!
Jan 3, 2016, 6:10 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 139
Miso soup is usually offered in all cabins. In economy, it is served as it would be served as tea, so many would not realize it. Just ask for it.
As for premium economy, not worth it. If they want to charge a premium, they should offer better service. Not the CA, but the food and amenities.
As for premium economy, not worth it. If they want to charge a premium, they should offer better service. Not the CA, but the food and amenities.
Jan 4, 2016, 6:48 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2008
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Thanks to the OP for this very helpful review. I've been looking for a new TPAC carrier since no US carrier offers a W product (except maybe AA in 3 years), and JL has been at the top of my list of interest.
Jan 5, 2016, 4:41 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: JAL Global Club & oneworld Sapphire, ANA SFC & Star Alliance Gold
Posts: 3,746
I forgot to mention a few other things about the seat. The tray table is enormous. I think it's significantly bigger than the business class table. Great if you like to spread lots of things out on your table (like a computer and paperwork, or meal and multiple drinks).
The other cool feature of the tray table is that when you slide it all the way forward, you can get in and out of your seat while the table is still down! (This only applies to aisle seats.) Handy for going to the lavatory before they've picked up your meal tray.
And one other nice feature is that there is a fold-out drink holder that you can use when the tray table is folded up. Between that and the little drink table on the armrest, you have two places to put drinks without pulling your table out.
I haven't tried any other airline's premium economy product, but based on what I've seen online I would bet that JL's PE seat is the best in the industry.
The other cool feature of the tray table is that when you slide it all the way forward, you can get in and out of your seat while the table is still down! (This only applies to aisle seats.) Handy for going to the lavatory before they've picked up your meal tray.
And one other nice feature is that there is a fold-out drink holder that you can use when the tray table is folded up. Between that and the little drink table on the armrest, you have two places to put drinks without pulling your table out.
I haven't tried any other airline's premium economy product, but based on what I've seen online I would bet that JL's PE seat is the best in the industry.
Jan 5, 2016, 6:41 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Programs: NH-PLT, NW-S, AC/UA/US/JL plain, Hertz#1G
Posts: 226
Thank you for the useful and extensive review.
Thanks to the large tray table, AC power, USB power, inflight Wifi, and frequent refill of drinks and snacks, daytime flight in PY is suitable for workers on the go.
Because of the comfy full-flat, substantial meal, and good selection of alcohol, daytime flight in C spoils worker in the air.
On the red-eye HND <>SFO flights, PY seats are not isolated enough to keep your reading lights on throughout the trip. You have no choice but to sleep.
Thanks to the large tray table, AC power, USB power, inflight Wifi, and frequent refill of drinks and snacks, daytime flight in PY is suitable for workers on the go.
Because of the comfy full-flat, substantial meal, and good selection of alcohol, daytime flight in C spoils worker in the air.
On the red-eye HND <>SFO flights, PY seats are not isolated enough to keep your reading lights on throughout the trip. You have no choice but to sleep.
Jan 5, 2016, 10:52 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2008
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Jan 7, 2016, 4:03 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Jan 7, 2016, 6:20 am
#12
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Jan 13, 2016, 6:16 am
#14
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Jan 16, 2016, 6:33 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: CMH, sometimes AVP, formerly down the Shore
Programs: UA 1K/3MM, AA EXP/3MM, DL MM, former fan of TWA
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Tonight I was able to pay 10,000 yen to "upgrade" from Economy to Premium Economy on a JL flight from Tokyo to Bangkok. The ticket was an award ticket issued by BA using Avios (so it had a 125 ticket number). It was coded with the JL flight number.