Stretch Out and Relax: American Airlines Unveils New Premium Economy Class
Stretch Out and Relax: American Airlines Unveils New Premium Economy Class - More Legroom and Recline for Extended Travel
For many travelers, flying long distances can be an uncomfortable experience. Being crammed into a tiny economy seat for 8+ hours is enough to make anyone antsy. That's why American Airlines' new premium economy product comes as such welcome news for jetsetters looking to stretch out and relax on extended journeys.
With premium economy, passengers get an average of 6 inches of additional legroom compared to standard economy seats. This allows you to extend your legs comfortably without banging knees with the person in front of you. The generous 40-42 inches of pitch gives you ample room to work on a laptop, enjoy an in-flight meal, or simply lounge back serenely. No more contorting your body into odd positions just to unlock your stiff joints!
In addition to extra legroom, the seats recline up to 7 inches further than in the main cabin. You can find the perfect position between fully upright and flat that enables you to sleep, read, or watch movies without craning your neck at an awkward angle. Travelers report the improved recline makes red-eyes and 12+ hour treks much more bearable, allowing them to actually get some solid rest.
Given the enhanced spaciousness, premium economy is ideal for larger travelers who simply can't fit comfortably in a typical economy seat. The roomier dimensions provide a welcome accommodation if you need a bit more space. Tall passengers in particular rave about finally having a seat where their knees don't bump the seatback and they can stretch to their full height.
For those who require mobility accommodations, the increased legroom and recline enables you to stand up and move around easier without needing to ask other passengers to move. The cabin itself also provides dedicated lavatories so you don't have to struggle through narrow aisles crowded with other passengers. Overall, it's a much more accessible experience.
Stretch Out and Relax: American Airlines Unveils New Premium Economy Class - Enhanced In-Flight Amenities for Additional Comfort
In addition to the expanded personal space, American Airlines has enriched the premium economy experience with an array of amenities to further increase comfort on long journeys. While you may expect the basics like adjustable headrests and footrests, it's the upgraded touches that really make premium economy shine.
One major enhancement is the private power outlet located at every premium economy seat. No more fighting over limited charging ports or watching your phone's battery tick dangerously low. With your own dedicated power source, you can stay juiced up and connected whether working remotely, streaming movies, or simply browsing social media.
Travelers rave about how useful it is to have personal device charging at your fingertips, especially on cross-country or transoceanic flights. The ability to plug in laptops, tablets, e-readers, noise-cancelling headphones, and anything else that requires an electrical boost makes for a smoother in-flight experience. You won't face the dreaded "low battery" warning before landing or other inconvenient power-related headaches.
Along with the individual power outlet, premium economy seats also feature a modern USB port for even more charging flexibility. So if you forgot your AC adapter or have a device that only charges via USB-C or micro-USB, you're still covered to stay powered up in-flight. Between the traditional outlet and USB, American provides all the charging capabilities a tech-savvy traveler could need.
Beyond device charging, premium economy passengers can further maximize their personal space with an adjustable footrest. Extending from the seat in front, the footrest enables you to find the perfect position whether you want to stretch out your legs, prop up your feet up to reduce swelling, or even lean back for a quick nap. Adjust it up, down, or tucked away completely depending on your needs at that moment during the flight.
Having the footrest to prop your legs and feet up comfortably makes a dramatic difference in being able to genuinely relax and unwind in-flight. You won't have to constantly readjust or contort your body to find a restful posture. It's an upgrade that delivers immediate physical relief.
Lastly, the premium economy seats contain a number of ergonomic refinements for enhanced back support during lengthy stints in the air. This includes adjustable lumbar support so you can customize the lower back cushioning to properly align your spine. Seat cushions also utilize high-density foam and dual-sided seat covers to maintain plushness and prevent sore spots from developing. And the headrests can be positioned up, down, tilted inwards, or tilted outwards to cradle your head and neck just right.
Stretch Out and Relax: American Airlines Unveils New Premium Economy Class - Larger and Upgraded In-Seat Entertainment Screens
In addition to the creature comforts of extra legroom and recline, American Airlines makes the hours spent in the air more enjoyable by outfitting premium economy seats with larger in-flight entertainment screens. Whereas economy seats may only have a 6 or 7 inch display, premium economy boosts the screen size to a far more immersive 13 inches.
The difference this makes is immediately noticeable. Movies and TV shows become more cinematic and engaging on the widescreen. Details in the picture are sharper so you catch every expression and nuance. Text on menus is easier to read without squinting or leaning forward. Larger screens simply make for a better entertainment viewing experience overall.
But American Airlines takes it a step further by using the latest touchscreen and high-definition technology. The responsive capacitive touchscreens allow you to smoothly navigate menus and make selections just like you would on a smartphone or tablet. And with crystal clear 1080p resolution, colors are rich and vibrant while images stay pin-sharp even during fast motion scenes. It's like having a personal mini home theater right at your seat.
Travelers consistently highlight the premium entertainment as a favorite part of the premium economy experience. During long transoceanic flights in particular, having access to hundreds of hours of movies, TV shows, music playlists, and games can make the difference between a trip dragging by slowly or breezing right along enjoyably.
Parents say the larger screens are a godsend for keeping kids occupied and happy on extended flights. Downloading games and cartoons ahead of time ensures the little ones stay entertained for hours on end. For solo business travelers, the programming options likewise prevent boredom from setting in. Catching up on movies provides a welcome escape during marathon journeys abroad.
Some tech savvy flyers even praise being able to pair their own tablet with the in-flight system for an even bigger screen. By wirelessly connecting devices through the provided USB outlet, you can mirror the premium economy content onto your personal tablet for a super-sized viewing experience. It's like having a mini home theater system while soaring thousands of feet in the air.
While all premium economy passengers benefit from the expanded entertainment screens, they are an absolute game changer for anyone with visual impairments. Having a larger display with adjustable brightness and contrast makes movies, shows, and other visual content far more accessible. The high-definition resolution enables those with limited vision to still appreciate details that would be lost on smaller screens. It's a thoughtful accommodation that opens up the skies to more travelers.
Stretch Out and Relax: American Airlines Unveils New Premium Economy Class - Prioritized Boarding and Checked Bags Included
One of the most stressful parts of flying can be the boarding process. Scrambling to stow your carry-on, wrestling with the overhead bin, and trying to settle into your seat while folks shuffle down the aisle – it’s enough to put anyone on edge before the plane even takes off. American Airlines helps premium economy passengers skip that headache by including priority boarding so you can settle in calmly and comfortably.
Premium economy guests board the plane after Group 1 but before the general boarding groups. This allows you to find space for your luggage and get situated at your seat without the jostling and commotion. By boarding towards the front of the line, there’s no need to play the dreaded overhead bin game as space runs out. Your odds of snagging those coveted “wheel well” storage spaces up front are also much higher when boarding early.
Travelers consistently cite the smoother boarding experience as a major perk of premium economy. Having dedicated overhead storage means one less thing to stress about. You can focus on getting cozy at your seat rather than scanning frantically for any remaining bin space. Early boarders also get to pick their preference of aisle or window so you aren’t stuck with the last remaining middle seat by default.
Along with priority boarding, premium economy also includes free checked bags to further simplify the start and end of your journey. Rather than lugging bulky gear through the airport and shoehorning it into crowded bins, you can check up to two free standard bags on international itineraries. In an era of bag fees reaching $30-$40 a piece, the savings add up quickly for families or those traveling heavy.
Roving food and travel blogger Naomi Fry raved that free checked bags were a “game changer” in streamlining her frequent international trips. She loved breezing through security and immigration lines unencumbered, then being able to dash straight from the gate without waiting at the luggage carousel. Others praised free checked bags for reducing the physical burden of hauling multiple 50 lb suitcases around. This was especially helpful for older travelers or those with medical conditions affected by heavy lifting.
Stretch Out and Relax: American Airlines Unveils New Premium Economy Class - Premium Economy Meals and Beverages Served on Real China
Sore backs, cramped legs, and boredom aren't the only grievances economy class guests have. The mediocre food served in plastic trays and disposable cups is another common complaint for travelers stuck in the cheap seats. But premium economy passengers on American can dine in style with meals presented on real china flatware with metal cutlery. It's a touch of first class luxury that enhances the overall travel experience.
One perk road warriors highlight is the ability to pre-order specific premium economy meals ahead of time. Whether you have dietary restrictions, cultural preferences, or simply like deciding exactly what you'll eat 30,000 feet in the air, pre-selecting dishes provides peace of mind. Traveling parents can pre-order kid-friendly meals so the little ones actually eat something substantial on long hauls rather than just nibbling on snacks.
The premium economy food itself also receives rave reviews, with choices like seared chicken breast with roasted fingerling potatoes or penne pasta with vegetables in a fresh tomato-basil sauce. Fresh salads and cheese plates provide lighter options. And you can finish off the meal with desserts like ice cream sundaes or warm chocolate chip cookies.
What really differentiates the dining experience though is the presentation on real dishware rather than disposable plastic and paper. The china lends an upscale ambience while also being more eco-friendly than single-use serviceware. Metal cutlery conveys a sense of sophistication with a satisfying weight and diner-style feel. Linen cocktail napkins complete the refined table setting.
Travel blogger Alyssa Rimmer recounted feeling like she was on a "proper holiday" when meals arrived on real crockery. Other travelers agreed the china flatware made premium economy meals feel like fine dining at 35,000 feet. They appreciated American Airlines going the extra mile to make mealtime special rather than an afterthought.
When it's time for beverages, premium economy offers an upgraded selection as well. Complimentary wine, beer and spirits provide a touch of luxury, while premium coffees and teas help you wakeup or wind down. And instead of juice and sodas in flimsy plastic cups, you'll be poured sparkling water, soft drinks and juices in real glassware.
Having stemware for wine service in particular makes a noticeable difference according to premium economy fliers. It lends a sense of sophistication sipping Cabernet from a real wine glass compared to mini plastic cups in coach. Other travelers said it felt reminiscent of business class experiences, especially being able to pair wine selections with your meal.
Of course, American wouldn't be American without great coffee constantly on hand. The premium economy cabin has its own self-serve station with specialty Illy coffee blends, hot tea, and all the fixings. For those who need a serious caffeine kick to start their travels off right, it's a welcome luxury.