Fly premium

It has taken many years, but finally premium economy is being offered by the majority of long-haul international airlines

- TOM OTLEY

AIR CANADA 

Premium economy passengers are fast-tracked through the airport and once boarded offered a hot towel with a welcome soft drink, followed by a choice of wine, beer and spirits, and "premium" hot meals served on china with proper cutlery and glassware. As with most airlines in this feature, you can check in two bags (23kg each).

The IFE screen is 11 inches on the B787-8, 10.4 inches on B777-300s and 8.9 inches on the A330. A USB port for charging is provided, along with in-seat power at every seat, adjustable headrest, a comfortable pillow and blanket, as well as a Clean Care+ kit, containing a mask, hand sanitiser, and antiseptic wipes, in addition to an amenity kit when flying internationally.

All premium economy seats have a comfortable 96.5cm/38 inches seat pitch with ample room to stretch out.

On the B787-8, there are three rows in a 2-3-2 layout (economy is 3-3-3).

WIDTH 50.8cm/20 inches (B777-300); 49.53cm/19.5 inches (B787-8); 45.7cm/18 inches (A330-300)

LEGROOM 96.5cm/38 inches

RECLINE 18cm/7 inches

AIR FRANCE 

Premium economy passengers flying on Air France can use Sky Priority channels in the airport, gain access to a lounge for a fee (not available to economy passengers), board at will by skipping the economy queue, and get their luggage back quicker on arrival.

Air France says that its premium economy seat provides 40 per cent more space than in economy, and the fixed-shell design means that you won't encroach on the space of the person behind when you recline. Premium economy passengers are provided with travel kits and there are cleverly designed grooves in the tray table to rest your tablet on (you also get 12-inch built-in screens). The seat is available on all its long-haul, widebody aircraft - A330, A350, B777 and B787.

WIDTH 48cm/19 inches

LEGROOM 96.5cm/38 inches