Is Qantas Premium Economy right for you?

[@aussieragdoll4840]

There is a trick with the pillows in PE on Qantas. The pillowslip has a slit across the back of it. This will fit over your headrest, so that you can shape the headrest (or not) and the pillow will not move while you sleep. Also, for the aisle seat (not such a deal in row 20 where you were located), the wall of the seat can drop. This means you can then turn so your legs are in the aisle to make it easier to stand up. You then don’t need to ‘pull’ on the seat in front of you as you get up & down.

[@AMP750]

Loved the video! Very entertaining but also informative with regards to the current QF PE seat, cabin and inflight service. I think, to avoid the dreaded seat recline from the passenger in front of you, the front row bulkheads seats might be the best to book. I flew (in the 2000s) the original QF PE seat twice to Europe, and that seat was excellent; the new seat appears just as good. I may give it a run in 2025.

[@SandyWoolley-o9u]

can you demonstrate how the foot and leg rest elevate please?

[@ChrisMaclachlan]

The problem with flying premium economy is that just doing it once forever ruins economy for you, knowing how much better & more comfortable your experience could have been if you’d spent the extra.

[@andrewstorm8240]

Agree

[@cejay67]

So this year I went to the UK all business class from Cairns. It has totally ruined me. So now it’s either BC or PE….such first world problems when some people struggle so much.

[@johncleaver4245]

Mate we got upgraded from economy to business class ( for a fee) flying to London with Emirates…so from now on flying for us will always be a “remember when” moment every time we hop on a plane.

[@danieljewell]

My wife and I just returned this morning from LAX after 2 weeks in the USA on the same Qantas 787. We could only afford economy as the airfares have almost doubled since pre-Covid. It was great seeing Steff walking through LAX at the end, the place is a never ending construction zone. Coming into melb this morning we felt lucky to have such nicer and more organised airport and freeways. The Qantas staff on this route do an amazing job and are so friendly. Standard economy is ok, the seats aren’t as comfortable as on other long haul planes I’ve flown, they need more padding. I do miss the Virgin 777 service to LA, that was a favourite.

[@Kni0002]

just think what you can buy with that saved money if you fly economy

[@barrymiller526]

That's fantastic. I have a premium economy flight from London Heathrow to Perth (and return) coming up shortly and it was nice to see what it's like. Thank you.

[@cejay67]

And I love this channel and seeing the fun you both have. Keep it up.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing...And yes, going to the lounge is all ways go..

[@LMays-cu2hp]

I agree with you about that first seating row in Premium Economy whether on the right side or fare left side of the cabin there. And from other airlines now there is starting to be a bulkhead there behind these three or four rows in the beginning of Premium Economy! That is nice because sometimes so people may not want to charge for Business Class but use those extra dollars on your trip vacation. I understand that.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Hahaha!!! You made me laugh! You two look like you had a great flight. Yes, on those long-haul flights need a seat to totally relax and lay down for good naps!! Nice...

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Yes, I am 6'2" as well and I have learned my knees need some relaxing positions. And what I have been bring with me over the last several years are a pack of white tablecloth to place underneath the meal trays when one is not offered.

[@SenZubEanS]

0:17 A wild Curtis Stone suddenly appears!

[@stef747]

Ha, I never saw that when filming or editing, well spotted!

[@madcharlotte1435]

The chair recline, how far back? Can we see? Did I miss that in the video?

[@BobSaysWhat22]

One of the best feature about this aircraft is the window lighting and can’t understand why airline or crew turns off that feature.

[@cejay67]

I’ve done both. If budget allows , business. If not, PE is excellent. The real trick was in the 380 to get the upstairs PE!

[@mark123655]

The real trick was the upstairs Economy cabins in the A380. Sadly these are now all gone with only refurb aircraft operating and the remaining expected to be refurbed before coming back into service.

[@cejay67]

@@mark123655 yes, you are of course correct, I managed to do that a few times as well, had to book early though.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

PE has always been upstairs on Qantas A380 Before the refurbishment, there was a very small economy section at the rear of top level. This was better then being downstairs

[@ah70s24]

Last year 2023 I went to la from melbourne 17 Dec

[@alanabarber8933]

Love this video, looks like you had a fun flight ✈ I flew Premium Economy for the first time with Qantas on the A380 and loved it!

[@sanslan87]

I'm flying premium economy for the first time on the a380 next week. Your comment makes me happy

[@korylp6219]

Great review! Good to know that if business upgrades aren’t accepted than PE is actually much better than economy. I recently flew syd>LA and return and economy was tough for 15 hr flight. So much fidgeting and feeling cramped as soon as the passenger in front fully reclined 5mins after takeoff. I have some sort of weird mutual respect for the person behind me and only ever recline usually a couple hours in and only 50%, never fully. P.s. 6ft 2 is more than 184cm 😉 more like 188cm haha.

[@stef747]

Thank you, and yes 15hrs with someone reclining in front is hard work. I’ve done Aus - UK in economy many times. But I’m like you, I feel really bad reclining on most flights, so when I know there’s nobody behind me I always feel better.

[@High_Alpha]

If the pitch is right the recline isn't a problem. Then again I'm short enough to run the seat almost all the way forward on the SR22 (if you get my drift). But on ANZ I found in PE it wasn't really a problem with the person in-front reclining. After experiencing it, I have vowed to never again fly Y long haul. I could never justify J, but W (PE) is at the ratio where I can justify the improvements in experience. PS The windows are controlled by the cabin crew. If you ask nicely they might just unlock your seats controls. By default they use all control a bit, forcing them clear for take-off and landing and forcing them dark on a long haul when most people are sleeping (or on a long haul where you are going to fly into a sunrise). But I have heard people say (on other carriers) that if politely asked they may be able/allowed/willing to unlock your window(s). Then happy days you can see outside to your vista, sunset, sunrise, aurora (I'd say the last one is the best reason!). Of course if you are a demanding jerk (not that I'm accusing you of such things Stef!) then expect to be met with 'sorry, company policy' even if it's not!

[@lisasutherland-fraser4479]

I am loving you guys flying everywhere this year! Would be hard to go “down” to PE from Jbut think Qantas have a great product. Love the cosy quiet of it. Think for me those long hauls we’re hard to do when younger though I did many but now taking the slow lane & not always J-ing it is easier. Saying that I love my lounge & then there’s the bed & if you’re lucky great F&B. Loved the price comparison. Stef you make brilliantly made videos aside from the fact I adore their content! Love to you & Jac xx

[@Randilynn66]

It's around 7k usd for 2 of us in premium economy from lax to Sydney Feb 2024. I'm waiting until July to book.

[@marsgal42]

I’ve flown Premium Economy on a number of long-haul flights (e.g. Vancouver to Auckland) and found it to be good value. Spend a bit more to get a lot more.

[@williamcrossan9333]

Great to hear some good news about Qantas!

[@RaahilAbhay]

Nice one, Stefan. Been ages since I've flown Qantas - might risk it soon!

[@michaelreeves8164]

Don't! Try an Asian airline, they're better and they don't treat people like crap.

[@RaahilAbhay]

@@michaelreeves8164 Scoot is probably the best value carrier in my experience

[@mathswithpete5078]

Question Stef please. If you were going to use frequent flyer points for a daytime flight mel-sin would you fly business class or premium economy? Given that you don't need the bed for a short flight like this is business class worth the extra points?

[@bhavyarajput26]

How do you book Qantas PE seat? The official website is only showing economy and business sale.

[@adsalvo]

Always informative and fun 🎉

[@reccesixty6322]

Well, we'll see come April, 2025 from Hawaii to Sydney on Qantas.

[@chriswoods2263]

Another great video, i enjoy them alot

[@stef747]

Thanks for watching Chris

[@fionacarter5358]

I have very long legs (almost 6 ft tall) and after flying a red eye from Tokyo to Sydney and not in the seat I expected 45E, I am convinced to upgrade. It was a nightmare ! and the GF meal (booked) was not available. Never again economy with Quantas. Rather use my points for PE.

[@techreview8661]

You’re not gonna believe me when I say this on the plane you’re on I flew in from Perth to Melbourne as a continuation on from London ever since I flew on that plane. I have been tracking it and it doesn’t circuit around the world where it goes from Melbourne to Los Angeles Los Angeles Melbourne, Melbourne, Perth, Perth, London, London, Perth, Melbourne then does it all again and I think you were on the exact same plane that I was on on the way back from Perth😮😮😮😮😮

[@techreview8661]

We also got delayed but because one of the electric windows was broken

[@sfonk69]

Was that Curtis Stone in the newsagent???

[@stef747]

Just looked over it again and yes, you’re right! Jacq said she saw him at the airport but I didn’t realise until now.

[@FS2004looney]

Good catch

[@maximillianairborne3797]

The premium economy does not include lounge access. You should have mentioned that.

[@andrewstorm8240]

No but I sometimes buy lounge access on top

[@mark123655]

And certainly doesn't include access to the Qantas First Lounge. What is/isn't included in Premium varies greatly by airline. Qantas is a reclining seat and a close to business style meal (on one tray) and upgraded beverages. BA by comparison has a similar reclining seat, but catering is almost the same as Economy.

[@cejay67]

@@andrewstorm8240 Qantas Club membership is pricey but it makes economy flying so much better, especially on longer trips. Access to a shower in Singapore makes the UK trip much more pleasurable

[@andrewstorm8240]

@@cejay67 yes and a shower always seems to help

[@aussieragdoll4840]

That’s where having a Qantas Club membership (if you are not Gold or Platinum status) comes in handy. I was a lowly Bronze, flying PE to the US and I was able to use the business lounge because I had Qantas Club membership… and was also able to use the American Airlines Admirals Club during transit in US too.

[@ThatMetroGuy]

Ngl I loved Qantas Premium economy! I usually am a bad sleeper on flights but straight as the plane took off! I feel asleep! 😂 😴

[@mikestafford9248]

is there a walk up snack and drink self service station for premium economy?

[@awayholidayaccommodation2827]

I couldnt see how far the chair reclined The most important thing

[@merridybenton7028]

I've book a flight from DFW to syd in row 23 in Premium economy but its infront of the wall between premium economy and economy. Do you know if those seats still recline as well as the others in premium economy beause the wall is there?

[@numtot2172]

Do you get access to the Quantas Lounges as a premium economy passenger?

[@TaniTaniwha]

In regard to the tinted windows, is it the 787 windows you don't like, or is it the crew who've 'locked' the windows you don't like? On that note, why do you think the crew do lock the windows?

[@GameKingFaiz]

Stef, I've been wondering, do you use any sort of travel credit card for all your travels? If so, I'd love to see a video rundown of why you're using what you're using and how you maximize the points game!

[@stef747]

Yes I have a couple of Frequent Flyer earning credit cards. Next video on the channel is all about status credits but I can do one on how to earn points faster, nice idea, thank you.

[@johnfoden1455]

Be nice if you ever showed the seat properly aka width etc

[@benplasier346]

Did you gain lounge access through QF status? didn't think lounge access was a perk of PE...

[@JRJ-]

which bathrooms do you get to use, the business class or do you have to use the economy class loo? (thinking about long lines)

[@ryangillard4527]

Hey stef, how do you go about dealing with jet lag?

[@stef747]

It’s easier heading West I find, but it also gets worse the older I get. I find exercise the first two days helps as well.

[@fngonzo]

Your wife seems like a fun travel partner. She seems like a fun person in general.

[@stef747]

I’d have to agree with you there, thank you.

[@ivanblakely903]

Have flown QF premium economy a number of times. Prefer the A380 version overall because it felt more spacious, but the 787 seat itself is probably better although pitch is tight. I am (only) 172cm so can understand the motives to move when you are taller, but if I knew the seat in front was vacant, personally I would prefer the seat behind as video screen is in front rather than in the armrest, and the foot "net" is better. Agree entirely on the window shade control. Why they lock it out on a night flight, particularly when everyone is up before dawn for breakfast anyway, is beyond me. So annoying. Just discovered your channel. Subscribed as I like your style.

[@stef747]

Thanks for subscribing Ivan, and welcome to the channel.

[@carbybirett]

I have gone from SYD to LHR and back 3 times during the last 5 years and will finally do that trip on PE later this year but always on the A380. You will NEVER find me on a 787 because of the blocked window shades. I always book window seats because I love to see where we are flying across so many interesting countries.

[@jimmykarkrashian5286]

Great video! - what was the toilet access like? You have to walk down to Econo?

[@aussieragdoll4840]

You can use the Business class ones. They are usually closer anyway.

[@dancingclair]

Middle seat premium economy vs aisle seat regular economy? QF21

[@ScreenHackTV]

Depends on your height, if your tall premium all the way but its wasted on my shoirt wife

[@gnhansen29]

It's a shame I can't catch a tram to Melbourne Airport.

[@ciroalb3]

are the prices you quote in Aus. $ or US?

[@brontewcat]

Pretty sure they would be Australian dollars. Australian airline, Australian vloggers and leaving from an Australian port, Edit At 3.07, if you pause you can see the fine print says prices are in Australian dollars.

[@hendryk1493]

Does the seat recline more compared to eco?

[@singingplanet]

This is literally the only thing I’ve been trying to find out! On a 15 hr flight i care more about whether i can rest comfy than what they feed us.

[@markkeohane9850]

For return PE seats Pomgolia / Sydney it's THREE TIMES economy now. In round nos £1k vs £3k. It is what you Aussies call a rort. I've flown PE in the past. I didn't end up that much better rested. The better catering, bigger freight allowance and fancy amenities don't do anything for me. I need space and comfort and only business can do that. But that's £6k. (Last time I went to Sydney I flew J with Finnair for £3k.) For a PE premium of 40-60%, yeah...maybe. For a premium of 200% nah. I'll go up the back and spend the £thousands saved on a nice restful stopover somewhere or a bit of luxury when we do eventually arrive down under.

[@georginasawyer6524]

I'll tell you what not to do and that is fly business class ( X 3 ) in December and your seat does not recline for the entire flight !!!!! I think we paid about $16,000 for the tickets ..the stewards were lovely and assured me that I would hear from head office when i returned ...not a peep ...rang customer service and the reply was " at least we got you there " ...such a shame as I was always happy to pay a bit extra as that is our national airline ... not anymore ...shame

[@kennygray777]

4:14 out of all words that’s the one you think of I feel bad for her

[@Tellyawhat4]

Crickey! Were those one-way fares you cited?!! I'm flying Perth to Sydney to Vancouver return for just over $3600 in Premium Economy in August. I'm flying Virgin and Air Canada. No wonder Alan Joyce earns his multimillion-dollar salary. Those fares are a bit rich and so is he!!!

[@aussieragdoll4840]

I’m flying SYD-MCO (Orlando, Florida) in July. I usually do PE and it costs around $5K each way. I managed to get Business Class during the sale, in both directions for about $100 more than the most expensive PE tickets. But I do like PE if I can’t get the upgrade to Business. I was lucky in September to be upgraded in both directions from PE to Business. I just want to know why the cutlery is so cold? Do they store them in a freezer on board before service?

[@ryanlaffan7064]

I have a bit of a problem justifying the extra cost to myself. Did you think it was worth the money?

[@muttleysmith]

Awesome

[@paratyshow]

👍☑ Loving this new channels co-host, she really livens things up! LOL

[@stef747]

She laughed when I read this comment to her, thank you.

[@paratyshow]

@@stef747 👍☑ No Stef, thank you for the great videos over the years and Jackie for her past and hopefully more frequent future appearences!

[@stephenroots4327]

Cant be any worse than recent long haul on Emirates recently!

[@michaeljohns9915]

Sorry….response to the wrong video

[@ScreenHackTV]

6ft 2 is not 184cm LOL

[@camgerreyn]

184cm is only 6 foot :D

[@clipt_2358]

I was coming here to say this haha

[@michaeljohns9915]

How can a reviewer of airlines have absolutely no idea how to pronounce the name of the carrier. Ruined what would otherwise have been something worth watching.

[@GreatYTShark]

I upgrade to ANY other airline 😂

[@marknicholson1881]

PE is wasted on vegans.

[@BeHappy-l6x]

Exact same food and nasty cheap salad as business class.

[@andrewandjoanhart7882]

You lost me at the profanity

[@gavinbottcher9174]

If they were the only airline on earth i wouldn't be flying anywhere thankfully they're not.

[@brettfruin8860]

Air NZ lock the windows on daylight flights as well.....stupid. I avoid dreamliners and fly A350s or A380s or 777s now if possible...so I can see the beautiful sights.