Originally Posted by
hazcaddy
I'll be trying out PE on a trip between YYZ and LAX in a couple of months, to see if the hard and soft product is worth the extra moolah. Next year, we'll be doing a Mini-RTW on airlines that may or may not have released J product yet. We hope that if we end up not getting J on some legs, at least we'll be able to get PE as more airlines are introducing it. Which has made me think - how does AC's PE hold up against others?
Question: How does AC's Premium Economy compare to others?
Answer: Poorly.
That said, YYZ LAX is likely somewhat different to their international offering. And most/many (?) airlines don't really offering a domestic PE option.
I mean, the seat and overall hard product will be the same. The lack of a curtain to Y will be the same, the inconsistent service will likely be the same ... but I assume there's just one meal which will be more J like than Y like (which on that route would be, nothing).
AC's PE hard product is generally what I'd describe as less bad than their Y product. The recline is greater, the width slightly increased, and it's 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 vs 3-3-3 or 3-4-3, and you get extra leg room, the latter of which you can also get via a preferred seat.
You'll also get priority checkin and boarding, though not security without status. MLL access is $25 as it would be with Latitude.
But compared to many other airlines that offer PE as a dedicated cabin? It falls far short. And that's fine when it costs less than Tango or $25 more than Flex. When it's $300 more in each direction? I'll pay for a preferred seat at $100, check a 2nd bag at $25, buy Lounge access at $50, have a nice meal before I depart (not in the MLL), etc... (Actually, I won't do the 2nd bag or MLL but you get the idea). It's not worth the premium they charge, imo.
Also 787 PE > 777 PE, as does 787 Y due to not being HD.
Others may disagree. As always.