Premium Economy is So Hot Right Now, and Cathay Pacific Thinks So Too

August 30, 2011 at 9:08 AM | by JetSetCD | Comments (0)

Seatback TVs (and outlets) in economy on Cathay

Premium Economy. It's so hot right now. Actually, the idea of "better" economy seats for a little extra cash—something for travelers who can't afford Business Class but aren't totally happy in Economy—has been hot for a couple years now, and we've finally reached a point where increased Economy comfort can be found on enough airlines to have a variety of choices.

In fact, we've got a huge Premium Economy long-haul trip coming up later this week and the fact that we paid only $69 for 7 hours of massively increased legroom (following an 11-hour flight) is quite nice. We'll be sure to fill you in on all that later, but for now do note that not only has Delta just added Economy Comfort to select flights, but now Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific is throwing their hat into the ring. It's an announcement we've been waiting for since last December, when they hinted "it's coming" during the unveiling of Cathay's refreshed Business Class seat.

Now here's the kicker for Cathay Premium Economy: they're designing a whole new seat.

This will be HUGE. Usually airlines (like United and Delta) just use the Economy seats they have and space them further apart with a little better recline, in the front part of the cabin. Okay so Delta also offers free drinks. On other airlines (like Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Air New Zealand, just off the top of our heads), Premium Economy is a totally different product, with larger seats, slightly upgraded service and usually its own little mini cabin at the front of Economy. Cathay Pacific will be joining this latter group, and with much fanfare.

Have you ever done the 18-hour direct flight from New York to Hong Kong? We have! A lot! It's awesome with Cathay's already pretty great seats and excellent seatback entertainment, but we would pony up for a small upgrade to Premium Economy in a heartbeat.

Now, the details: Premium Economy seats will debut in March 2012 first on the Hong Kong-Sydney route. Following SYD will be Singapore, Toronto and Shanghai with other North American, European and Middle East destinations enjoying the new seats later in the year. Cathay's CEO John Slosar also noted that service will get the Premium treatment: "But it�s not just the seat, we�ll have an improved service as well. The meal service will be improved and little extras will leave anyone who chooses Cathay Pacific�s premium economy feeling they really got value for their money."

No pricing details have yet been released, but rest assured we'll update when they do.

If you'd like to geek out on Premium Economy facts, HERE is a massive comparison chart from the good folks at SeatGuru.

A vintage Cathay Pacific artwork at their HQ museum in Hong Kong

[Photos: Jaunted]

Jaunted

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