What is "Premium Economy"? (Not Rhetorical)
Aug 22, 2016, 9:48 pm
#1
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What is "Premium Economy"? (Not Rhetorical)
Ok, I just got one of my exciting "you've been upgraded!" Emails - you know, the ones where delta celebrates moving you from one part of coach to another?
This email was different though: this is a domestic itinerary and the last segment is on a Barbie jet that is traditionally a luxurious ERJ-145. Well, that is the segment that has been "upgraded". But, it wasn't upgraded to "comfort plus", it was upgraded to "premium economy". Is delta now finally being honest and admitting that this isn't really an upgrade, but just another economy seat?
This email was different though: this is a domestic itinerary and the last segment is on a Barbie jet that is traditionally a luxurious ERJ-145. Well, that is the segment that has been "upgraded". But, it wasn't upgraded to "comfort plus", it was upgraded to "premium economy". Is delta now finally being honest and admitting that this isn't really an upgrade, but just another economy seat?
Aug 22, 2016, 10:14 pm
#2
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The fare class being used for Comfort+ bookings is "W", which was formerly used for Premium Economy.
Premium Economy in the airline industry is a specific concept, referring to a class of service that's noticeably better than regular economy - think of it as domestic first class, except on international planes, and you'll be in the right ballpark. Air France offers this product, so Delta needed a fare class for years to sell tickets on those joint venture flights. It's designed for business travelers whose policies say they can only book 'economy' fares, but who are willing to pay more than a regular economy seat for noticeably better seats and service on long flights.
Now that they're offering Comfort+, they reused "W" fares for that purpose, but some older systems - including, apparently, the upgrade e-mails - still say Premium Economy.
It's certainly wrong, but not for the reason you thought - it actually implies a higher level of service than Comfort+ actually offers. :|
Long story short - despite what the e-mail says, the service onboard will be standard Comfort+.
Premium Economy in the airline industry is a specific concept, referring to a class of service that's noticeably better than regular economy - think of it as domestic first class, except on international planes, and you'll be in the right ballpark. Air France offers this product, so Delta needed a fare class for years to sell tickets on those joint venture flights. It's designed for business travelers whose policies say they can only book 'economy' fares, but who are willing to pay more than a regular economy seat for noticeably better seats and service on long flights.
Now that they're offering Comfort+, they reused "W" fares for that purpose, but some older systems - including, apparently, the upgrade e-mails - still say Premium Economy.
It's certainly wrong, but not for the reason you thought - it actually implies a higher level of service than Comfort+ actually offers. :|
Long story short - despite what the e-mail says, the service onboard will be standard Comfort+.
Aug 23, 2016, 3:06 am
#3
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The fare class being used for Comfort+ bookings is "W", which was formerly used for Premium Economy.
Premium Economy in the airline industry is a specific concept, referring to a class of service that's noticeably better than regular economy - think of it as domestic first class, except on international planes, and you'll be in the right ballpark. Air France offers this product, so Delta needed a fare class for years to sell tickets on those joint venture flights. It's designed for business travelers whose policies say they can only book 'economy' fares, but who are willing to pay more than a regular economy seat for noticeably better seats and service on long flights.
Now that they're offering Comfort+, they reused "W" fares for that purpose, but some older systems - including, apparently, the upgrade e-mails - still say Premium Economy.
It's certainly wrong, but not for the reason you thought - it actually implies a higher level of service than Comfort+ actually offers. :|
Long story short - despite what the e-mail says, the service onboard will be standard Comfort+.
Premium Economy in the airline industry is a specific concept, referring to a class of service that's noticeably better than regular economy - think of it as domestic first class, except on international planes, and you'll be in the right ballpark. Air France offers this product, so Delta needed a fare class for years to sell tickets on those joint venture flights. It's designed for business travelers whose policies say they can only book 'economy' fares, but who are willing to pay more than a regular economy seat for noticeably better seats and service on long flights.
Now that they're offering Comfort+, they reused "W" fares for that purpose, but some older systems - including, apparently, the upgrade e-mails - still say Premium Economy.
It's certainly wrong, but not for the reason you thought - it actually implies a higher level of service than Comfort+ actually offers. :|
Long story short - despite what the e-mail says, the service onboard will be standard Comfort+.
Aug 23, 2016, 6:00 am
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Aug 23, 2016, 7:03 am
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The fare class being used for Comfort+ bookings is "W", which was formerly used for Premium Economy.
Premium Economy in the airline industry is a specific concept, referring to a class of service that's noticeably better than regular economy---- Air France offers this product, so Delta needed a fare class for years to sell tickets on those joint venture flights.
Long story short - despite what the e-mail says, the service onboard will be standard Comfort+.
Premium Economy in the airline industry is a specific concept, referring to a class of service that's noticeably better than regular economy---- Air France offers this product, so Delta needed a fare class for years to sell tickets on those joint venture flights.
Long story short - despite what the e-mail says, the service onboard will be standard Comfort+.
Aug 23, 2016, 7:08 am
#6
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Just like other cabin classes (as opposed to fare buckets), there is a wide variance in the hard and soft product across carriers and aircraft.
It always pays to read the description of what you are getting. Are these better seats or is it simply a preferred location or perhaps a bit of extra legroom. Is the food of greater or better quantity or are there more selections? Boarding priority?
There are tons of variables and it can really make a difference.
It always pays to read the description of what you are getting. Are these better seats or is it simply a preferred location or perhaps a bit of extra legroom. Is the food of greater or better quantity or are there more selections? Boarding priority?
There are tons of variables and it can really make a difference.
Aug 23, 2016, 7:40 am
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Well if you are on Eva, Cathay, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore, etc. then premium economy truly is a separate nicer product then economy, but not quite as nice as business.
If you are on DL it supposedly is a better seat and not much else.....
If you are on DL it supposedly is a better seat and not much else.....
Aug 23, 2016, 7:48 am
#9
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Note that I did not actually purchase a W fare, I purchased something else (I believe K). Btw, I just checked, and there was an equipment swap for a CRJ 900 (which is surprising), so it would make sense that there would be a FC cabin as well as Comfort Plus and Main Cabin. Just don't get why they called it Premium Economy.
Aug 23, 2016, 8:05 am
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Aug 23, 2016, 8:21 am
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Note that I did not actually purchase a W fare, I purchased something else (I believe K). Btw, I just checked, and there was an equipment swap for a CRJ 900 (which is surprising), so it would make sense that there would be a FC cabin as well as Comfort Plus and Main Cabin. Just don't get why they called it Premium Economy.
but that said, regardless of my seat, I'd definitely call ERJ --> CR9 an upgrade
Aug 23, 2016, 8:45 am
#12
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Premium Economy in the airline industry is a specific concept, referring to a class of service that's noticeably better than regular economy - think of it as domestic first class, except on international planes, and you'll be in the right ballpark. [...]
Now that they're offering Comfort+, they reused "W" fares for that purpose, but some older systems - including, apparently, the upgrade e-mails - still say Premium Economy.
Now that they're offering Comfort+, they reused "W" fares for that purpose, but some older systems - including, apparently, the upgrade e-mails - still say Premium Economy.
Aug 23, 2016, 12:40 pm
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YOUR MEDALLION® UPGRADE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED.
Congratulations on your complimentary Medallion upgrade!
You have been upgraded from an ERJ to a CR9. You can look forward to not banging your head and knees against every possible part of the plane, complimentary seat cushions not made out of tissue paper, and Guaranteed Overhead Storage™ for bags larger than a wallet. (Guaranteed Overhead Storage™ not actually guaranteed.)
Please review your itinerary below for more information. There's no need to reconfirm your flights—you can view and make changes to your itinerary anytime in My Trips. Please note: if your upgrade has not been confirmed for your entire trip, you will remain on the standby list for other available upgrades, including to CR2s and Q400s.
We look forward to seeing you on board.
Congratulations on your complimentary Medallion upgrade!
You have been upgraded from an ERJ to a CR9. You can look forward to not banging your head and knees against every possible part of the plane, complimentary seat cushions not made out of tissue paper, and Guaranteed Overhead Storage™ for bags larger than a wallet. (Guaranteed Overhead Storage™ not actually guaranteed.)
Please review your itinerary below for more information. There's no need to reconfirm your flights—you can view and make changes to your itinerary anytime in My Trips. Please note: if your upgrade has not been confirmed for your entire trip, you will remain on the standby list for other available upgrades, including to CR2s and Q400s.
We look forward to seeing you on board.