Air Canada introduces Premium Economy

ByThe Skeptical Traveler

Premium Economy service will start July 11, 2013 from Montreal to Paris, with introduction on other international routes over time.

I like how the seat looks like

The image shows an illustration of a modern, cushioned seat, likely designed for an airplane or a similar mode of transportation. The seat is black and gray with a high backrest and armrests. There is a small tray table extended from the left armrest. The background is white with a blue geometric design in the top left corner.and some facts about: it it is larger (50.8 cm/20 in, between armrests) and has a greater recline (20.3 cm/8 in) as compared to Economy Class, the seat pitch is 96.5 cm (38 in).

However, more than the seat itself I was interested in the price. I checked on the AC site for some dates in July and: The image is a table displaying different airfare options and their corresponding prices. The table is divided into three main categories: Economy, Premium Economy, and Executive First. Under Economy, there are three subcategories: Tango, Flex, and Latitude. The prices listed are as follows: - Tango: $530 - Flex: $630 - Latitude: $1955 Under Premium Economy, the price listed is $969. Under Executive First, there are two options: Lowest and Flexible. The price for the Lowest option is $1910, and the Flexible option is not selected.

Will I pay $400 more? I do not think so. Anyway for business travel (i.e. reimbursed by the company) there seems to be a market here.

Unless you are the CEO, executive first would be out of reach, but premium economy, companies will not  have the heart to oppose it :).

Air Canada rouge will offer Premium rouge starting July 1, 2013 on the following routes: Toronto – Athens, Toronto – Venice, Toronto – Edinburgh, Montreal – Athens.

What else is part of the Premium Economy:

  • A new state-of-the-art entertainment system featuring your own personal 26.4 cm (10.4 in) touch-screen TV
  • Hundreds of hours of top-rated on-demand entertainment
  • In-seat power at every seat
  • A single-pin audio jack for your own headset, or complimentary headphones to keep after the flight
  • Complimentary wines, spirits and premium cuisine, and a hot towel with every meal service
  • Complimentary copy of our award winning enRoute magazine, and a selection of newspapers
  • An adjustable headrest, a comfortable pillow and blanket, as well as your own amenity kit
  • Ambient mood lighting and an individual reading light
  • An increased baggage allowance as compared to Economy Class
  • The following priority services: Priority boarding, check-in and baggage handling

The image shows the interior of an airplane cabin, specifically the economy class section. The seats are arranged in rows, with each seat having a headrest and armrests. The seats are upholstered in dark and light-colored materials, and there are small screens or trays on the back of each seat. The cabin is well-lit, and the overhead compartments are closed. The overall appearance is clean and modern.The image shows a row of empty airplane seats in a commercial aircraft. The seats are black with gray headrests and armrests. There is a curtain to the right side of the image, likely separating different classes or sections of the plane. The floor is carpeted, and the seats have tray tables attached to the back. The overall setting appears clean and modern.http://twitter/curbexcitement

2 Comments

  1. I am pretty sure I wouldn’t pay $400 for that seat… But here is what gets me:

    A few years ago airlines started to reduce their 3-cabin aircraft to 2-cabins on their international routes, cleverly introducing the new product as “Business/First” or whatever clever nomenclature the marketing departments could come up with.
    Now many airlines are bringing back the 3rd cabin giving it some upgraded economy name… Just thinking…

  2. I agree with Magnus. The new Premium Economy is not too different from the Business Class of 10 years ago before lie-flat was the norm. I wonder what the mileage redemption cost will be in comparison to Y and C.

    Of course United is the exception where Economy Plus is complimentary for elites and is not designated as a separate class of service.

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