This superjumbo’s premium economy gets a perfect score

The Airline: Emirates

• Route Melbourne to Dubai, flight EK 409 (connecting to London)
• Frequency Three times daily
• Aircraft Airbus A380-800
• Class Premium economy; seat 40B, aisle
• Flight time 13 hours

Checking in

This insanely early flight takes off from Melbourne at 5.15am, so I find myself – true to form – at the check-in desk far earlier than I need to be, having stayed the night at the new Novotel hotel at Melbourne Airport. Pushing 2am there’s no-one in the check-in queue, though the agent tells me it’ll get busy soon. Despite the unholy hour, the staff member is cheerful and friendly, telling me I’m in for a treat with the airline’s premium economy class. Premium economy has its own dedicated check-in desk, which is a nice bonus. I’ll be connecting at Dubai for an onward flight to London, so I’m looking forward to extra comfort on a long pair of flights.

Baggage

Premium economy passengers are allowed cabin baggage of 10 kilograms, and the checked luggage allowance is 35 kilograms.

Loyalty scheme

Emirates operates the Skywards loyalty scheme, and points can also be earned toward the loyalty programs of OneWorld partners such as Qantas.

The seat

Premium economy seats are arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, with a pitch of 40 inches (101 centimetres) and width of 19.5 inches (49.5 centimetres). The seats are stylish and curvy, in natural tones of ivory and beige. More importantly, they’re well-padded and comfortable to sit upon, in sharp contrast to the hard seating in economy. The extra pitch and width is noticeable, though a fully-reclined seat in front of me still feels intrusive. Tables slide out of seat arms, and headphones are located in a vertical storage slot near the floor.

Entertainment + tech

In-flight Wi-Fi is available for a fee, starting from $US9.99 ($15.21). The entertainment system has a large seatback screen and a good range of films, including dedicated selections of Disney and Marvel movies. The TV section follows a similar approach, with shows grouped together under Disney, HBO, BBC and other channels. Kids are well catered for with selections labelled “Pre-school kids”, “Kids & teens”, and “CBeebies” (which has Bluey). There are USB-A and USB-C charger sockets below the screen, above a handy shelf to hold your charging devices.

Service

As usual with Emirates, service provided by the multinational crew is friendly, helpful and efficient.

Food

For breakfast I enjoy the tasty cheese and chive omelette with sautéed mushrooms and sweet potato hash, accompanied by fruit salad and Bircher muesli; the other hot choice is French toast with crème anglaise and strawberries. Premium economy passengers receive their meals on real crockery (accompanied by cutlery, glassware and little ceramic salt and pepper shakers), which is a classy touch. Lunch later in the flight includes a choice of braised beef cheeks or Thai red prawn curry, with a dessert of white chocolate mousse cake. A snack selection between meals includes a curried vegetable puff and a beef and mushroom calzone. It’s all impressively superior to the usual economy offering.

Carbon emissions

As part of its efforts to lower carbon emissions, Emirates has invested in a closed loop recycling program in which its economy and premium economy trays and bowls are turned into new products.*

One more thing

Premium economy passengers receive an attractive green amenities pack containing an eye mask, socks, earplugs, and a tiny tube of toothpaste with a toothbrush.

The price

From about $6600 return in premium economy, from Melbourne to London.**

The verdict

In premium economy, Emirates has crafted an impressive class of service which is clearly more comfortable than economy, and even has a hint of business in its food offering and stylish cabin. Definitely worth consideration for those long trips to Europe.

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.

The writer travelled with assistance from Accor and Eurail (eurail.com) and upgraded to premium economy at his own expense.

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