7 things to know before road tripping across Spain

What's special about premium economy? Is upgrading worth it?

Herald Sun

10 hours ago

Herald Sun

What's special about premium economy? Is upgrading worth it?

Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. I hadn't even finished saying the words 'premium economy' when laughter at the airline's call centre began echoing in my ear. 'No chance – you should have booked that ticket months ago,' the woman said. I would once again be folded like origami in economy. Truth be told, I should have known better. Premium economy is now so popular that despite the increase in the number of international airlines offering the elevated cabin class (jumping from 42 to 63 between 2017 and 2022, according to aviation analytics specialists Cirium), seats are quickly being snapped up well in advance by travellers seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank. New to the cabin class? Here's what you need to know. WHAT IS PREMIUM ECONOMY? When you want the opulence of business class at a price point that's closer to its economy cousin, premium economy aims for the middle ground. An exclusive space offering fewer seats than in economy (and sometimes even fewer than you will find in business), the key highlight in this cabin class is space and comfortable seating. Seat specifications vary between airlines, but passengers flying premium economy can bank on an extra 12cm-18cm of legroom, 2.5cm-5cm of extra seat width and an additional 5cm-7cm of seat reclining space. Qantas premium economy seats are wider and have more legroom than economy. WHAT EXACTLY DOES PREMIUM ECONOMY OFFER? Extra space and legroom is a commonality, but each airline sets its own standards when it comes to what it's willing to shoehorn into its premium economy offering. Generally speaking, travellers in this cabin class can expect to enjoy on-ground perks such as extra baggage allowance, dedicated check-in counters to beat the queues and priority boarding and baggage handling. In the air, the cabin class tends to include an enhanced dining experience using proper tableware, with what is often a full complimentary menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Add to that an improved entertainment system, luxury amenity kits, a dedicated cabin crew and – back to the all-important seat – a seat cushion that's thicker and more comfortable, along with a thicker blanket and fluffier pillow. Some airlines, such as Delta, offer an upgraded menu offering for premium economy passengers. HOW HAS PREMIUM ECONOMY CHANGED? Any time you have the pleasure of flying premium economy, you can thank the Taiwanese, who introduced the concept (initially titled 'Evergreen Deluxe Class') in 1992, courtesy of Eva Air. When the product was first launched, however, it was purely an in-air experience offering extra legroom, wider seats and little else. It was only after Virgin Atlantic launched 'Mid Class' – pitched as the sweet spot between its 'Upper Class' and economy classes and rebranded to premium economy shortly afterwards – that things changed somewhat. Despite passengers still 'enjoying' the same meals served in its economy cabins, premium economy passengers were offered separate check-in counters at the airport, welcome drinks upon boarding and a separate cabin with larger seating. Premium economy seating on Air New Zealand's redesigned 787-9 Dreamliner. HOW DOES THE AIRCRAFT TYPE AFFECT THE OFFERING? Got money to burn? As tempting as it may be to book the first premium economy seat you can find, the cabin class experience varies widely between aircraft models. Generally, newer planes such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 787 Dreamliners and even the A380 tend to offer a higher standard of product and experience, with dimmable windows, individual storage areas and access to lounge areas. Although some airlines' retrofitted 777s still provide that all-important space, they can have older, less comfortable seats, so doing your research on the aircraft model being operated on your desired route is essential to get the best value for your dollar. HOW MUCH DOES PREMIUM ECONOMY COST? Don't let the word 'economy' fool you, flying premium economy still costs a pretty penny and while prices vary significantly between carriers, you can expect to pay between one and a half to three times the price of an economy fare. To give you an idea, a premium economy fare from Sydney to Dubai with Emirates starts from $2912, while a business class ticket for the same route starts from $7805. Air New Zealand has economy fares between Sydney and Los Angeles via Auckland from $2300, while a premium economy fare would start from $4800 and business premier from around $11,400 return. Meanwhile, a Qantas business all-inclusive fare between Sydney and London might start from $11,711 return, but premium economy will start from $4740. Emirates' premium economy is considered one of the best in the world, with fares less than half the price of business class. WHICH AIRLINE HAS THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY? Ultimately this depends on what you consider to be good value. However, those considering dipping their toe into the world of premium economy for the first time might be interested to know that Japan Airlines was awarded the world's best premium economy class at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024 where they also took home the top gong for the best economy class seat. Emirates, Eva Air, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, All Nippon Airways, Delta Air Lines, Cathay Pacific, Air France and Qantas round out the top 10 of the awards. Meanwhile Vietnam Airlines was named inaugural winner of the best value premium economy award for 2024, along with Air New Zealand, which was awarded best premium economy. DO ALL AIRLINES OFFER PREMIUM ECONOMY? Surprisingly not. Despite the popularity of the cabin class, some airlines – Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines among them – have opted out, saying the elevated level of their economy product places it on par with many airlines' premium economy offerings. 'Qatar Airways does not offer a separate premium economy cabin, as its economy class already features one of the widest seats in the industry, complete with adjustable headrests, excellent on-board dining and extensive in-flight entertainment options,' an airline spokesman said. On Japan Airlines, premium economy passengers get Sakura Lounge access. HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM BUSINESS CLASS? The difference between economy and premium economy is easily understood, but – flat beds aside – the benefits between premium economy and business class can be a little trickier to quantify beyond 'the latter offers a higher-end product'. This, of course, can mean access to a more extensive range of gourmet food and drinks, larger screens and more entertainment options, and more luxurious amenity kits. While a few airlines – Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and LATAM among them – offer lounge access to passengers booked in premium economy on international flights, most do not unless you have the equivalent of gold or higher status with the airline you're flying (or one of its partners). With Qantas, for example, passengers booked on a premium economy seat can use select lounges if they have a single-entry lounge pass, hold a gold or platinum frequent flyer status, or have Oneworld Sapphire status (or higher). BEFORE YOU BOOK, CONSIDER THIS Due to the popularity of the cabin class, booking well in advance is advised – particularly on longer sectors such as the Sydney-to-London 'Kangaroo Route', say the team at Qantas. Fares are 'likely to be lowest outside three months from departure'. Research the aircraft on your desired route and ask yourself whether the extra outlay will be worth flying on an older, retrofitted aircraft. Look at what is on offer at the connecting airports. Some airlines offer lounge access and/or services at their hubs, for example, but not at other airports, leaving you hanging at the departure gate. Originally published as Flyers are going bananas for premium economy right now, here's why

Courier-Mail

11 hours ago

Courier-Mail

What's special about premium economy? Is upgrading worth it?

Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. I hadn't even finished saying the words 'premium economy' when laughter at the airline's call centre began echoing in my ear. 'No chance – you should have booked that ticket months ago,' the woman said. I would once again be folded like origami in economy. Truth be told, I should have known better. Premium economy is now so popular that despite the increase in the number of international airlines offering the elevated cabin class (jumping from 42 to 63 between 2017 and 2022, according to aviation analytics specialists Cirium), seats are quickly being snapped up well in advance by travellers seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank. New to the cabin class? Here's what you need to know. WHAT IS PREMIUM ECONOMY? When you want the opulence of business class at a price point that's closer to its economy cousin, premium economy aims for the middle ground. An exclusive space offering fewer seats than in economy (and sometimes even fewer than you will find in business), the key highlight in this cabin class is space and comfortable seating. Seat specifications vary between airlines, but passengers flying premium economy can bank on an extra 12cm-18cm of legroom, 2.5cm-5cm of extra seat width and an additional 5cm-7cm of seat reclining space. Qantas premium economy seats are wider and have more legroom than economy. WHAT EXACTLY DOES PREMIUM ECONOMY OFFER? Extra space and legroom is a commonality, but each airline sets its own standards when it comes to what it's willing to shoehorn into its premium economy offering. Generally speaking, travellers in this cabin class can expect to enjoy on-ground perks such as extra baggage allowance, dedicated check-in counters to beat the queues and priority boarding and baggage handling. In the air, the cabin class tends to include an enhanced dining experience using proper tableware, with what is often a full complimentary menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Add to that an improved entertainment system, luxury amenity kits, a dedicated cabin crew and – back to the all-important seat – a seat cushion that's thicker and more comfortable, along with a thicker blanket and fluffier pillow. Some airlines, such as Delta, offer an upgraded menu offering for premium economy passengers. HOW HAS PREMIUM ECONOMY CHANGED? Any time you have the pleasure of flying premium economy, you can thank the Taiwanese, who introduced the concept (initially titled 'Evergreen Deluxe Class') in 1992, courtesy of Eva Air. When the product was first launched, however, it was purely an in-air experience offering extra legroom, wider seats and little else. It was only after Virgin Atlantic launched 'Mid Class' – pitched as the sweet spot between its 'Upper Class' and economy classes and rebranded to premium economy shortly afterwards – that things changed somewhat. Despite passengers still 'enjoying' the same meals served in its economy cabins, premium economy passengers were offered separate check-in counters at the airport, welcome drinks upon boarding and a separate cabin with larger seating. Premium economy seating on Air New Zealand's redesigned 787-9 Dreamliner. HOW DOES THE AIRCRAFT TYPE AFFECT THE OFFERING? Got money to burn? As tempting as it may be to book the first premium economy seat you can find, the cabin class experience varies widely between aircraft models. Generally, newer planes such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 787 Dreamliners and even the A380 tend to offer a higher standard of product and experience, with dimmable windows, individual storage areas and access to lounge areas. Although some airlines' retrofitted 777s still provide that all-important space, they can have older, less comfortable seats, so doing your research on the aircraft model being operated on your desired route is essential to get the best value for your dollar. HOW MUCH DOES PREMIUM ECONOMY COST? Don't let the word 'economy' fool you, flying premium economy still costs a pretty penny and while prices vary significantly between carriers, you can expect to pay between one and a half to three times the price of an economy fare. To give you an idea, a premium economy fare from Sydney to Dubai with Emirates starts from $2912, while a business class ticket for the same route starts from $7805. Air New Zealand has economy fares between Sydney and Los Angeles via Auckland from $2300, while a premium economy fare would start from $4800 and business premier from around $11,400 return. Meanwhile, a Qantas business all-inclusive fare between Sydney and London might start from $11,711 return, but premium economy will start from $4740. Emirates' premium economy is considered one of the best in the world, with fares less than half the price of business class. WHICH AIRLINE HAS THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY? Ultimately this depends on what you consider to be good value. However, those considering dipping their toe into the world of premium economy for the first time might be interested to know that Japan Airlines was awarded the world's best premium economy class at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024 where they also took home the top gong for the best economy class seat. Emirates, Eva Air, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, All Nippon Airways, Delta Air Lines, Cathay Pacific, Air France and Qantas round out the top 10 of the awards. Meanwhile Vietnam Airlines was named inaugural winner of the best value premium economy award for 2024, along with Air New Zealand, which was awarded best premium economy. DO ALL AIRLINES OFFER PREMIUM ECONOMY? Surprisingly not. Despite the popularity of the cabin class, some airlines – Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines among them – have opted out, saying the elevated level of their economy product places it on par with many airlines' premium economy offerings. 'Qatar Airways does not offer a separate premium economy cabin, as its economy class already features one of the widest seats in the industry, complete with adjustable headrests, excellent on-board dining and extensive in-flight entertainment options,' an airline spokesman said. On Japan Airlines, premium economy passengers get Sakura Lounge access. HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM BUSINESS CLASS? The difference between economy and premium economy is easily understood, but – flat beds aside – the benefits between premium economy and business class can be a little trickier to quantify beyond 'the latter offers a higher-end product'. This, of course, can mean access to a more extensive range of gourmet food and drinks, larger screens and more entertainment options, and more luxurious amenity kits. While a few airlines – Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and LATAM among them – offer lounge access to passengers booked in premium economy on international flights, most do not unless you have the equivalent of gold or higher status with the airline you're flying (or one of its partners). With Qantas, for example, passengers booked on a premium economy seat can use select lounges if they have a single-entry lounge pass, hold a gold or platinum frequent flyer status, or have Oneworld Sapphire status (or higher). BEFORE YOU BOOK, CONSIDER THIS Due to the popularity of the cabin class, booking well in advance is advised – particularly on longer sectors such as the Sydney-to-London 'Kangaroo Route', say the team at Qantas. Fares are 'likely to be lowest outside three months from departure'. Research the aircraft on your desired route and ask yourself whether the extra outlay will be worth flying on an older, retrofitted aircraft. Look at what is on offer at the connecting airports. Some airlines offer lounge access and/or services at their hubs, for example, but not at other airports, leaving you hanging at the departure gate. Originally published as Flyers are going bananas for premium economy right now, here's why

Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat in hajj apex

Herald Sun

11 hours ago

Herald Sun

Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat in hajj apex

Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on Thursday during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day. Thousands of pilgrims began to gather before dawn around the hill and the surrounding plain where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have given his last sermon. While some arrived early to take advantage of the relatively cool morning, carrying colourful umbrellas, many pilgrims will remain for hours of prayers and Koran recitals until the evening in the most arduous portion of the hajj. After sunset they will head to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and the sprawling tent city of Mina, where they will gather pebbles so they can perform the symbolic "stoning of the devil". "This is something that I used to see every year on the TV screen during hajj and I always thought: 'I wish I could be here'," said 33-year-old Ali from Pakistan, one of 1.5 million pilgrims who had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. "I've been trying to get here... for the past 3 years," he added as he gazed at the mount. "I feel very blessed." Hundreds of pilgrims dressed in white dotted the mount itself, with many more at its foot praying or taking pictures. Earlier this week, Saudi authorities called on pilgrims to stay inside their tents between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Thursday, when the desert sun is at its harshest. Fans spraying mist and providing cool air were dispersed at the foot of the mount. Temperatures this year have already exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) as one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, bringing together devotees from around the globe, kicked off earlier this week Officials have beefed up heat mitigation efforts aiming to avoid a repeat of last year's hajj, which saw 1,301 pilgrims die as temperatures reached 51.8C. "I came here early to (avoid) the sun and later I will pray inside my tent," said 54-year-old Adel Ismail, from Syria. To make this year's pilgrimage safer, authorities have expanded infrastructure, deployed thousands of extra personnel and relied on an arsenal of high-tech tools to help better manage crowds. Authorities have mobilised more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials, doubling their efforts against heat-related illness following the lethal heatwave of 2024. Shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands more medics will be on standby, and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed, the hajj minister has told AFP. Through tears of joy, Iman Abdel Khaleq said she had wanted to perform the hajj for 10 years and was overwhelmed with emotion as she arrived at Arafat. "It's a big dream for me that I had almost given hope up of realising," the woman in her fifties told AFP from the foot of the mount. Authorities said a majority of the deaths in 2024 were among unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to amenities like air-conditioned tents and buses. This year, they have also cracked down on unregistered pilgrims looking to sneak into Mecca, relying on frequent raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts. Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota basis and distributed to individuals by a lottery. But even for those who can obtain them, the steep costs prompt many to attempt the hajj without a permit, even though they risk arrest and deportation if caught. Saudi Arabia earns billions of dollars a year from the hajj, and the lesser pilgrimage known as umrah, undertaken at other times of the year. bur-ds-aya/dhw Originally published as Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat in hajj apex

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What's special about premium economy? Is upgrading worth it?

What's special about premium economy? Is upgrading worth it?

Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat in hajj apex

7 things to know before road tripping across Spain

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What's special about premium economy? Is upgrading worth it?

What's special about premium economy? Is upgrading worth it?

Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat in hajj apex

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