Nestling in the sweet spot between Business and Economy Class, Premium Economy (PE)– or World Traveller Plus, if we're being formal – is the travel equivalent of Goldilocks' "just right" porridge. Often overlooked in the stampede towards Business Class, Premium Economy can be a great option for your Avios spend, particularly if you've got your eye on long-haul journeys.
So, if your Avios stash is modest, but you still want a step up from the standard economy, it's time to give Premium Economy a whirl. Here are some of the perks that come with booking a British Airways Premium Economy seat:
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Space:
There's no denying that legroom and wider seats make a world of difference when you're up in the clouds for hours on end. BA's Premium Economy delivers on both these fronts, with greater recline, lumbar support, a head and footrest, plus extra leg room to stretch out. When you book Premium Economy you can expect a 6-inch greater seat recline, 2 inches more width and 5 inches more pitch than standard Economy - all adding up to a lot more comfort.
Separate Cabins:
A separate, smaller cabin is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the larger sections, giving you a more personalised flying experience.
Food:
Premium Economy passengers are served two delicious meals with complimentary drinks, including signature cocktails or mocktails.
Entertainment:
Your seat comes equipped with a personal entertainment system and noise-cancelling headphones. Provided are hundreds of the latest films, TV programmes, music, audiobooks and games. An on-demand service lets you choose what you want when you want it.
Your flight will never be dull for trips focused on a movie buff, music fan,, gaming enthusiast, or both.
Amenities:
Travelling with BA's Premium Economy means you get a swanky amenity kit made from recycled plastic bottles, in line with their sustainability goals. It includes lip balm, an eye mask, a pen, socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste, with earplugs also available on request.
Free baggage allowance:
If you're one to pack everything but the kitchen sink, you'll appreciate the generous baggage allowance, a cabin bag and laptop or handbag on board, as well as up to two bags in the hold. No need to squeeze everything into that tiny carry-on.
Priority boarding:
Feel like a VIP with the luxury of priority boarding. Because who doesn't like to beat the queue?
When Premium Economy Makes Sense
When does opting for a Premium Economy seat make perfect sense? For starters, if your Avios balance isn't quite ready for a Business Class splurge, Premium Economy is your next best bet.
Let's talk numbers. If you want to maximise your cash savings with BA reward flight redemptions, you'll find that PE might not match the financial benefits of a Business Class redemption. However, it can still present significant value. A good way to assess this is by using the rule-of-thumb value of 1p per Avios point. BA's website allows you to calculate the cash equivalent for each seat, which can help you make a well-informed decision.
Premium Economy also shines brightest on that not-quite-short, not-quite-long haul routes. Think New York with its 6+ hour flight time or Cancun at around 8 hours. For these durations, the comfort levels of PE should keep you content without needing the flat beds offered in Business Class. Longer routes like Sydney and Hong Kong, where sleep becomes more of a necessity, may not be as suitable.
The time of day matters too. If your aim is to squeeze every bit of value out of your Avios points, a daytime flight is your friend. No need to worry about trying to sleep in your seat - enjoy the journey and arrive at your destination refreshed, not frazzled. With a little luck on the reward seat front, destinations like Antigua and New York offer daytime flights, which means you can spend your day in the air rather than tossing and turning through the night.
Check out more tips here on how to maximise your Premium Economy travel experience.
Worthwhile Premium Economy Routes
The real beauty of Premium Economy comes to light when you discover those perfect BA reward flight destinations that strike a balance between comfort and cost-effectiveness. Let's explore some of them.
London – Antigua:
Antigua is an idyllic island paradise known for its 365 stunning beaches - one for every day of the year. Here, you'll discover colourful coral reefs ideal for snorkelling, a vibrant history reflected in sites like Nelson's Dockyard, and the warmest hospitality. Take a look at some of Sandals best resorts and offers for a luxurious stay in the Caribbean
The journey to Antigua is approximately 8 hours, with daytime flights often available. Booking a peak return Premium Economy cash ticket on BA's website would set you back a cool £5000, whereas the BA reward flight cost stands at 95,000 points and £330. When you do the math, this equals a saving of over £3000 on return flights, simply by using Avios flights. Now that's value.
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London – Cancun:
Cancun is your gateway to Mexico's rich Mayan history, pristine white sand beaches, and an underwater museum that's sure to make a splash. Foodies will delight in its local culinary scene, while nature lovers can explore its eco-parks and nearby natural wonders.
With its flight duration of approximately 8 hours and available daytime flights, Cancun presents another compelling Premium Economy route. Return peak PE costs just over £4500 in cash, but you could redeem 134,000 Avios points and just £330. This translates to another huge saving by using Avios.
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London - New York:
A titan of culture and cash, New York is an all-you-can-eat buffet of experiences. Fancy a selfie with Lady Liberty or an impromptu twirl in Times Square? Or perhaps, you're more inclined to get lost in a world-class museum or sniff out the best street food in a buzzing neighbourhood? On a premium economy break, New York swings between Broadway's neon and the quiet corners of Central Park.
The Big Apple is just over 6 hours away, with numerous daytime flights up for grabs. Booking a peak PE seat will require 120,000 Avios points and £280 return, compared to the cash equivalent of over £4000 on BA.com. That's over £2000 in savings on return flights with Avios.
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London - St Lucia:
Nestled between the majestic embrace of the Piton mountains, you'll find waterfalls crashing into idyllic beaches and adventure trails just begging for a hike or a zip-line in St Lucia. If you're less adrenaline junkie and more serenity-seeker, the island's lush botanical gardens or therapeutic mud baths might be more up your sandy alley. Both in for thrills and in for chills are part of the appeal, and the island has a tropical trick or two up its sleeve to enchant you. Take a look at some of Sandals best resorts and offers for a luxurious stay in the Caribbean
St Lucia is an 8-hour flight away from London. Daytime flights are available, and a peak return PE booking will cost £3184 in cash, or 135,000 Avios and £330. That could mean almost £1500 in savings on return flights.
So, if you're mulling over your next travel adventure, why not give these Premium Economy routes a whirl? With sizeable savings and some fascinating BA reward flight destinations on the menu, it's a prospect worth considering. And remember, use Reward Flight Finder (RFF) to keep a tab on seat availability and make your Avios flight booking journey as smooth as your PE flight.
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