Qantas unveils Next Generation Premium Economy, but is it enough to bring back the Golden Age of air travel?
In an attempt to win consumers over, airlines are doing everything and anything they can to attract attention and get people to book tickets with them. Some airlines are improving the meals they serve, while others are adding luxury amenities, such as bathrooms, spas and lounges. One airline in particular – Qantas – has decided to win travellers over by changing the premium economy seats.
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We know what you might be thinking, every airline promises to have bigger, better and more comfortable seats, but these new seats in premium economy sections on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner are truly amazing. In fact, we will let the chairman of Qantas, Alan Joyce, describe them for you, because there is no better way to describe these seats.
Alan Joyce said, “This new premium economy seat has some serious wow factor”.
Wondering just how these new seats can be described as having that ‘wow factor’? We will take a look at some of the changes that are ahead for the premium economy section of Qantas.
The New Footrest
On long flights, all you want to do is rest your tired, achy feet. Unfortunately, the footrest that comes with your seat isn’t always comfortable. That is about to change!
If you are sitting in premium economy, you will have access to an all-new footrest that is truly unique. The footrest is connected to the seat in front of you and allows you to do all sorts of things from pressing your feet down to stretch your legs out. You can even pull it back and create a supportive leg hammock!
Removing the Debate Over Reclining
Nothing is more frustrating than having the person in front of you recline his or her chair and absorb your space. In the premium economy section that doesn’t happen anymore.
The seats are designed to curve when you recline, as opposed to stretching out. The curving motion allows you to relax and stretch out without taking up valuable space from the travellers around you.
Making the Middle Seat More Appealing
Travellers like to avoid the middle seat at all costs, but they might think again if they are travelling in premium economy. The middle seats are going to be 10% wider than the window and aisle seats in premium economy. That room may be the added incentive for people to book that middle seat after all.
Your Own Personal Reading Light
Overhead lights can be distracting to other passengers. That is why the premium economy section has added personal reading lights. Each traveller will have their own personal LED light, which is attached to the privacy wings of their seats. This personal reading light will give you the light you need to read without disturbing the travellers around you.
Other Features That Contribute to the “Wow Factor” of Premium Economy
Some other features that contribute to the ‘wow’ factor of the premium economy will include:
- Aisle armrests that push down for easier aisle access.
- The detachable pillow which will fit snuggly into the headrest.
- Five personal areas that provide you with space to store anything from books to phones and glasses.
- Two USB ports.
- Unique L-shaped frame designed to hold mobile devices of all different sizes on the back of the seat in front of you.
- In-flight screens that are 25% larger than existing screens.
- Larger seats – all seats will have an additional 5.6 inches added to them making them larger and more comfortable.
- Ergonomic design seats which will support your entire body from head to toe.
Next time you need to travel, especially if you are travelling on long-haul flights, consider booking a premium economy seat on Qantas’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. You will be in total awe with just how amazing your flight is when you travel this way.