American Airlines - Premium Economy: New York to Madrid
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.
Iberia Business Class: New York - JFK to Madrid Barajas - MAD
On approach to Madrid on the hop across the Atlantic from JFK, with a look at the impressive flex of the A350 wingtip flex.
What’s it like to fly @iberia Business Class transatlantic? Overall, a decent option. No particular standouts and on the other hand not necessarily at the bottom of the pack either.
The hard product: This particular flight was operated with their flagship A350-900 aircraft (note, the other option would typically be the older A330), so it was a quieter and generally more comfortable ride, owing to nextgen technology on these aircraft series.
The soft product: While ironically I’ve had much better, more personable service on previous flights, in Economy, the crew on this flight seemed mostly disinterested—performing their duties adequately though somewhat remotely.
In the same vein, meal and beverage offerings were mostly fine though nothing terribly earth shattering. Once again, ironically, I’ve had just as good in the back of the plane.
Overall, a decent option especially if priced right. At times discounted upgrades are offered close to departure. It could be well worth it if for nothing else at least, the chance to have a sleeper suite.
