Prospero

Having finally sampled for the first time BA's refurbished 747 World Traveller Plus seat earlier this week, I thought I'd put my hand to a quick guide to BA's WT+ seats to see how they compare with the premium economy products available elsewhere onboard BA's oneworld partner aircraft.

This thread roughly coincides with American Airlines formal launch of its own Premium Economy product due in December I believe, although the embodiment programme got underway earlier this year. Iberia is also in the process of fitting PE to its fleet of A330 and A340 aircraft and with its A350 coming on stream next summer, there is an increasing range of products to choose from

Here, I used a template I developed for the A quick guide to BA partner long haul business class products thread which allows for a quick comparison of each product.

Here are the contents, listed by airline in alphabetical order:
If you spot any errors or omissions, please let me know.

Prospero

http://www.explorethenewamerican.com/premiumeconomy/

Prospero

Soft product:

• Bedding:
  Thin blanket and small pillow (not particularly plump);
  Amenity kit: items such as toothbrush/paste, eye mask, and ear plugs available on request
  
• Catering:
  Pre-departure drinks: Prosecco, orange juice, and water from London and some outstations such as HKG; generally orange juice and water from outstations;
  Bar service offering aligned with WT;
  Meal service varies depending on length of flight. All flights receive a CW main dish (choice of two) as part of the main meal service.
  
• Dedicated toilets:
  Generally no. Other than the 747s which have one dedicated toilet, these on-board facilities are provided for both WT and WT+ passengers.
  
• Lounge:
  No access unless you are a SCH or GCH

Minor quirks and other notes

• 2010 Recaro seats
  These seats feel substantially more comfortable and spacious than the other two types;
  Recline and return to upright can be a bit stiff so small adjustments are recommended. Hold the release button with one hand and use the other to regulate the movement as you apply your body weight. Also extend some sympathy to the passenger infront in the event their seat bolts into the reclined position. It most probably wasn't their intention;
  The noise cancelling equipment is fitted within the seat and is prone to interruption if your neighbour fiddles with their seat power connection;
  When the seats infront are reclined, it is impossble to escape from a window seat without the assistance from your aisle seat neighbour. So if you are someone who enjoys a regular stroll, ask for an aisle seat.
  
• Refurbished 2000 seats on 747 86J aircraft
  Great IFE system with a super responsive handset controller - Maybe too responsive as pressure from the thigh can activate the controls - mainly bringing up the menu mid film
  
• The U word...
  Okay, its what you are all thinking so I'll bring this up. WT+ cabins are comparatively small so flight ops regularly move WT+ passengers forward in the event WT is oversold. A healthy mindset is one without any expectation of this happening but if it does, it is such a wonderfully sweet feeling. Of course, reserving any type of special meal will immediately remove you from consideration, so think about dining/picnic options prior to boarding. Pre-booking your meal from the standard menu has no effect on your chances though.

Prospero

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Prospero

It is worth noting, unlike other oneworld airlines JL provides lounge access to its Premium Economy passengers

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Prospero

corporate-wage-slave

I have to say that the JAL Sky Premium arrangement looks fairly slick. I wonder if we can get a better photo of the 747 Super J seat? I guess it's fairly similar to the photo above it.

The other option for Avios holders is Level's Premium Economy.

Otherwise this is a good thread for comparing products, so many thanks for the hard work in getting this together.

orbitmic

Great stuff Prospero!! ^

TravellerFrequently

Many thanks Prospero.

Very helpful!

Hoch

Very nice ^

H

petteriusa

Nice! Thanks for putting this together.