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.