Originally Posted by
VegasGambler
It's not like PE in the UK. BA (for example) offers true PE on their long haul flights.
This is like getting an exit row seat on a flight from LHR to FCO. Both airlines will charge extra for this seat, but the difference is that the US carriers will give this a marketing name (like Main cabin extra, Economy plus, Comfort plus, depending on the carrier) and maybe include free drinks, dedicated overhead bin space just for those seats, and an earlier boarding group.
Also in the US, in addition to not paying for exit row (or similar) seats in economy, those with status will usually get space-available upgrades to first / business on domestic flights. So in addition to getting MCE on AA for free, I also end up in F about half the time, despite not paying for it. And while US domestic F is nothing special, it beats the hell out of economy (and euro-business for that matter)
The one thing that you don't get with status in the US is lounge access for domestic flights. They charge extra for that, and it's not cheap (the going rate is about $700+ per year, though you can usually get it slightly cheaper by signing up for a credit card, or buy day passes for $60 or so each). A lot of people swear by lounge access but I don't bother. You still get lounge access for international flights. Personally I prefer this to the EU model (I would rather upgrade my inflight seat than upgrade my preflight seat) but not everyone agrees with that.
Ahh that is all really interesting how they differ. Do you get told about status before your flight? Sounds like you mostly get upgraded when you fly which sounds amazing, wonder how they decide to upgrade. Never heard of exit seats with extras like that. Guess lounge access is expensive per year if it's F class, if not that is expensive. Guess status perks will differ in the UK. Seen alot of people using FB awards so will look at the airline partners if it is in my remit.