Is An Empty Seat Middle Seat “Premium Economy?”
Joe Cortez May 09, 2019
Aer Lingus has today announced the launch of AerSpace, a new premium travel experience for short-haul guests. Commencing 1st September 2019, AerSpace guests flying to select destinations across the UK and Europe will be guaranteed an aisle or window seat on the first row of the aircraft with the middle seat left unoccupied for a roomier and more efficient travel experience. AerSpace guests will also enjoy lounge access, priority boarding, Fast Track airport security and complimentary on-board refreshments. Pictured is Susanne Carberry, Director of Network Revenue and Loyalty at Aer Lingus. Photo Iain White / Fennell Photography 2019
While other airlines are scaling back their premium offerings, IAG-owned Aer Lingus is moving forward with a new short-haul premium option. Named “AerSpace,” the option will be featured on flights under two hours spanning the United Kingdom and greater Europe.
Aer Lingus will soon offer flyers a new premium offering for those wanting more from local travel. The IAG-owned carrier announced the launch of AerSpace on flights two hours or less, launching Sept. 1, 2019.
Unlike a traditional business class seat, AerSpace seats will be available in the first row of select aircraft. Flyers may choose between a window or aisle seat – the middle seat will not be sold and remain unoccupied. In addition, travelers will have guaranteed overhead bin access, Fast Track security, priority boarding and onboard refreshments from the menu. Travelers may also bring along a 48.5-pound (22 kilograms) bag free of charge. And unlike other “premium” economy offerings, the ticket also comes with lounge access prior to departure.
When the product goes live, it will be available on 27 different routes originating from Dublin and Cork, Ireland. The sister carrier of British Airways and Iberia is advertising fares as low as around $144 (129 Euros) for the first flights.
“At Aer Lingus we are committed to innovating our product offering to meet travellers’ ever-changing needs,” Susanne Carberry, director of network revenue and loyalty at Aer Lingus, said in the press release. “We are proud to launch AerSpace in response to feedback from our guests seeking a more premium and spacious travel experience when flying short haul with Aer Lingus.”
But will the offering be successful? Speaking to Irish news website Fora, one analyst believes the “premium economy” offering will attract flyers who are looking for more than a low-cost carrier can offer in the same airspace.
“I think Aer Lingus has discovered that going head to head with the low-cost carriers (in Europe) isn’t giving them the yield they want,” lecturer Kevin Byrne told the website. “They’re targeting people who have the money and who want the comfort.”
[Image Source: Aer Lingus]
I do not know any intra European Business class that is different than what described. A few weeks ago I was on an intra-Argentinian flight in "Premium economy" and that actually had bigger seats than economy - basically a US First layout... and calling that Premium Economy certainly made a lot more sense
No, but it is 10% better than regularly squishy economy.
Air New Zealand has been doing this for years on it's Airbus planes. It's nice but nothing to write home about.
If they're not going to sell the middle seat, why not just make the window and aisle seats wider???
Short answer: yes. Yes it is.