We all know that airlines provide the world for premium passengers – loads of personal space, comfy seats, great IFE, laptop power points, good quality and selection of food, lounges, showers on arrival and a driver to/from the airport.
Economy passengers get what they’re given and have to sit in discomfort.
Some airlines try to bridge the gap with “economy plus” but this usually costs £1 less than proper biz class, at least in my own experience (Economy+ on BA, LHR-MEL cost about £4 less than Business LHR-VIE-MEL with Austrian/Lauda).
So…which airlines provide a good service to us ordinary people? Let’s have your nominations.
PS – I know you normally get PTVs and meal menus in Economy when flying longhaul, but please lets not start listing these as “good” points. I’m more interested in personal space, comfort, experience and service levels.
By: starjet - 5th September 2004 at 22:36
My personal consensus is that you get what you pay for. If you’re not willing to shell out the extra cash or join the FF program, too bad!
By: T5 - 5th September 2004 at 20:32
I say it every time… Thai Airways International.
I do not know of any airline that offers more than 34 inches of seat pitch in Economy Class -but if anyone else does, I’d really like to know.
Like others, I’m not in the slightest bothered by airlines without PTVs in economy. As long as there are some televisions and some inflight radio available, I’m very happy!
The inflight service with Thai is unbeatable by any other airline I have flown with. The meals are nearly always of a fantastic quality. Well cooked, brilliantly presented and with plenty of flavour. The beverages to accompany the meals are also very impressive. There’s no 150ml cans of Coke here! You get your own, full-sized 330ml can. There is also an extensive range of fine wines, spirits (lots of cognac) and beers available throughout the flight, being offered to all passengers every 30 minutes or so.
The Thai crew are beautifully presented and change several times during the 11 hour flight to Bangkok or 12 hour flight to London. All are Thai, but their language skills are amazing – with nearly all being fluent in English, too.
I couldn’t think of a nicer way to fly! 🙂
By: Dantheman77 - 5th September 2004 at 05:45
Sorry Danairboy,it’s not my fault that im that tall,and i cant stay in an economy seat for any length of time over 2hrs, i suppose they could seat me next to an exit which would give me the legroom to be comftable,but those airlines above gave me the upgrade. the only thing i asked for is a seat next to an exit with legroom.
By: danairboy - 5th September 2004 at 00:31
I resent people who get free upgrades, but there again most of the pax in business and first are getting it free seen as their companies pick up the tag.
By: Dantheman77 - 5th September 2004 at 00:28
Or you could be 6ft9″ tall,have a letter from your GP,saying how uncomfy it would be for you in economy seating,and recommending a seat with extra leg room
well done for BA,AC and QF for giving me a free upgrade to club/business class
By: danairboy - 4th September 2004 at 23:14
Yes, I agree with your criteria. I couldnt care less about PTVs, why is this used as a yardstick to measure service levels? Its nowt but rubbish shown anyway, I would rather have a paper or book.
Unofortunatley with the rise of the no frills concept, I consider myself very lucky to be sat in the relative discomfort of a proper airlines economy cabin.
Your right about the cost of economy plus seats. Id rather save and go business class than fork out the extra for economyplus.
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September 4, 2004 at 11:08 pm