American Airlines - Premium Economy: New York to Madrid

Cabin Class: Premium Economy

Route: New York to Madrid   

Meal: Special - Vegan (VGML) 

Aircraft: Boeing 777-200ER

It’s been a few years since first trialing American Airlines’ version of Premium Economy. This mini cabin between Business and Economy, a segment that’s grown in popularity in the last several years (though to be fair, it’s been 32 years since its debut on Virgin Atlantic), has become commonplace on most long haul carriers. In fact, those who’ve historically shied away from it are jumping onboard, capitalizing on its lucrative revenue generation. For instance, we’ve recently seen the likes of Emirates introduce—and arguably perfect it; and continue to roll it out to its fleet, while others follow suit, bolstering their respective offerings.

Recently we had the opportunity to pop back on American, from New York to Madrid, to see if we could spot any material updates. After all, they were the first US-based carrier to introduce the product in 2017. All told, things largely remain the same (which isn’t a bad thing per se). Some of our observations:

🧳: The Cabin: We were delighted to see a refreshed cabin featuring a modern, updated space complete with mood lighting, refurbished seat coverings, updated amenity kits, etc.
🧳: In-flight Entertainment (IFE): Though still functional and easy to navigate with more than plenty of options to keep one entertained, the apparatus itself and interface could use a refresh. It’s starting to show its age. This is an offering wide observation, so not necessarily only applicable to this cabin.
🧳: WiFi Connectivity: This is an area American could use a strategy change - the hefty $35 flight duration charge, with no access to complimentary messaging, is increasingly becoming an archaic notion.
🧳: Food and Beverage: A couple choices for Premium Economy, plus plentiful alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage selections. The pre-ordered special meal (Vegan) was surprisingly good and a welcome departure from what can sometimes be uninspiring selections.

Overall, a mostly pleasant ride with some less competitive offerings though a pretty solid ride for the transatlantic hop.

Wheels-up, Up Front

Dinner Service Aboard British Airways Club World (Business Class)

Let’s face it, provided the means, one would be hard-pressed to find a reason to elect to fly in the back cabin vs. upfront where it’s much roomier with added luxuries and creature comforts.
With fully-flat beds in (in some cases) fully enclosed suites, gourmet chef-inspired meals, premium beverages, lounge access and so on, it’s no wonder these come w/ hefty price tags.
The savvy traveler however can oftentimes workout how to circumvent some of these hefty costs via leveraging alternative currencies (credit card points), to secure upgrades or pay for the entire trip outright (another topic entirely), so it certainly isn’t beyond reach.

Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to try some of these premium cabins - some we’ve enjoyed more than others (they certainly aren’t all created equal, so be mindful). To inspire a future trip, we’ve featured a handful here including Emirates, Etihad, British Airways, Swiss & Iberia.

Aeromexico: The Better Option to/from Mexico

Aeromexico Meal Service: MEX —> JFK, Economy.

Given the choice, and supposing schedules align w/ your preferences, I would suggest electing to fly Aeromexico to Mexico and vice versa (at least from and to NY) over Delta or for that matter, any major American carrier. Their jets tend to be in much better shape (read typically newer and much more pleasant—flew a #787 Dreamliner on the outbound leg, and returned on a #737 Max jet—fully appreciate of course the precarious nature of the latter), hot meals are served from nose to tail (as pictured), and service is personable and friendly (if a tab bit not as enthusiastic on the return leg).

From a US carrier perspective, I can never understand why these flights are treated as ‘domestic’ executions. On a ~5-hr duration it’s the standard snacks and uninspiring offerings for purchase in the back (even on codeshare flights). Typically a fan of Delta’s though this is an area improvements can be made.

For bespoke itineraries to Mexico, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And check-out our full feature on Oaxaca City in our On Location section.

Virgin Atlantic: Special Meal Service - LHR to JFK

Tasty and enjoyable plant-based meals from Virgin Atlantic — likely the best I’ve had in any cabin.

Pictured: The vegan veggie curry (the curry itself is nestled beneath the rice, in case you’re wondering ☺️), and prior to landing, the vegan afternoon tea which included a delicious chickpea wrap, an apple and elderflower bar, and a chocolate brownie; both gluten-free as well (just really thoughtful catering). And all served by some truly friendly flight attendants (makes quite the difference).
Plus, extra marks for having oat milk! onboard (again, a good example of keeping one’s finger on the pulse of changing attitudes). 🙌🏿

[Honorable mention to KLM who also had a decent offering on a flight I took last summer].

For bespoke itineraries to the UK, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And check-out our Brighton and Hove feature in the On Location Section.