Premium economy to Sydney

[sweetsardineface]

Do those of you with experience think that paying double the economy price (or even more) is worth it? I am tall and have a dodgy back and hate flying economy for long haul. I can't afford business, sadly and will need to fly BA or Cathay Pacific. TIA

I am 6’1 and have flown a lot to NZ. I don’t think it’s worth it to pay for premium economy, I was upgraded once and I was underwhelmed. I just suck it up and try to achieve a zen like state
in economy

I think it’s worth it, the cabin is much smaller and quieter, and you don’t have people walking around all the time so it is easier to sleep.

I have just booked PE to Singapore en route to Australia. I want more space, I need to move around (on medication for high BP) and I can afford it (first longhaul in years). I did look at business class but the jump in cost was too much.

The new BA economy has even more narrow, shallow, hard seats and even less space between the seats! Did not enjoy my flight from NY, and compared to Sydney it wasn't even that long. Also, with extra long flights like Sydney or Singapore, it all depends on what you are flying for - if you are there to see the family and can afford to spare a day to sleep it out and "recover" from a flight, then maybe saving some £ and flying economy is worth it, but if you are flying for work or busy travel itinerary - I absolutely wouldn't risk it.

I don't think it is worth twice the price for what you get

I have been considering this route going premium economy. Any recommendations would be great!

Ive flown to Australia in both ecomomy and premium. Would rather stick pins in my eyes than fly all that way in economy again 😂 We did fly PE with Cathy Pacific and for me it was well worth it.

Premium is often the smallest cabin on the plane, and the most profitable in terms of revenue / square meter of space occupied now that First is being removed from so many routes. It often gives you the best chance of a free upgrade as they will sell as many seats as they can, including overselling knowing they can upgrade to the bigger business class cabin if they get it wrong, where no-shows are more common. Especially if you are a member of their frequent flyer program

I'd always pay extra for premium economy on a daytime / long flight. The cabin in small, and quieter, the seat reclines more, is wider and has more leg room. The cost of business would have to be very high for me not to book it on a flight to Australia though. Any reason you can't go via teh middle east on one of those carriers? The service / ethics can be questionable, but the product is broadly good, and the fares competitive.

Ive flown to Australia in both ecomomy and premium. Would rather stick pins in my eyes than fly all that way in economy again

That was pretty much my take on it as well.

Flew to Sydney premium and back economy. Huge difference even though I couldn't lie flat and I'd never do economy again (and I don't have any back issues).

@Chypre Agree about the BA seats. It's one of reasons I'm considering PE and Cathay Pacific. 'Pins in eyes' in economy for that distance sums it up for me too. I'm ok in economy to NY or Washington, but 23+ hours is a killer.

Yes. We did the Heathrow/Sydney route with Singapore Airlines and it was worth every penny.

@Tryingtokeepgoing the cheapest Business class I've found to Sydney is just over 4k with Air India. That's with a 13 hour stop en route so a 30+ hour trip in total. Anything half decent is 5.5k + and that's just too much for me

I got Singapore Airlines to Brisbane for 3k ish but that's in 11 months time.

100% worth the 100% extra

Have you considered exit row seats? They're dearer than the standard economy but my tall, elderly father was really happy with them when I booked them for his last flight to Oz. They were only about £250 more, he really liked the extra legroom & space, not to mention not having to move for anybody or being moved himself when fellow passengers were getting up & down. He also had floor space for an inflatable footrest which really helped with his back.

I've done a lot of long-haul flights - various airlines & classes.
Daytime is bearable, but no more night flights.
After the last trip, I've decided that in future I'm going to break the journey & stop for a day somewhere in the middle.
I've done some costings, & staying at a good hotel for a night is cheaper - and much more comfortable - than paying the extra for PE or Business l

Exit row seats are better and I have used them before, but they're snapped up so soon that it's a bit of a risk. They're also usually near the loos and there's no leg rest. I think I'm finding excuses to book PE ...