StuartI’ve recently just come back from New York. I flew in Premium Economy with American Airlines on the way out of London Heathrow and back with British Airways so I thought I’d give you my comparison of the two.
Boarding
I boarded reasonably quickly on both airlines. Both airlines have boarding groups and American Airlines and British Airways both board from groups 1-9. Both airlines boarded on time but the British Airways gate was a considerable distance away in Heathrow Terminal 5C. This is probably due to the different size of airport terminals.
Premium Economy Cabin and Seat
American Airlines and British Airways both have the 2-4-2 configuration on their Boeing 777 aircraft. However, American Airlines only has 3 rows of Premium Economy whereas British Airways has a slightly larger 5 row cabin. American Airlines had the toilet at the front of the Premium Economy cabin and the British Airways toilet was situated at the rear of the cabin. This meant it had less use and less of a queue during the flight on American Airlines than it did on British Airways.
Both Premium Economy seats had great legroom and a good recline. They were very comfortable and both had an amenity kit containing socks, eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste and moisturiser. I think the seat was slightly more comfortable on British Airways. Also, the blanket was better quality and a lot thicker. There was plenty of storage above the seat. However, it appeared that Economy passengers were told to use the Premium Economy overhead lockers on British Airways. This didn’t happen on American Airlines.
The inflight entertainment was almost the same on both airlines and both had Wi-Fi but American Airlines Wi-Fi cost was cheaper ($35 for the flight). The headphones were similar although the at seat power on British Airways only had a USB socket whereas American Airlines had this and a multi-plug socket. Both in flight entertainment screens were touchscreen and had a wide range of on demand films and TV programmes to keep me entertained throughout the flight.
Premium Economy On Board Service
I had a bottle of water prior to take off on the outbound service with American Airlines. Whereas, I had a real (not plastic) glass of water or orange juice with British Airways which I felt was more premium. Both airlines come around with the bar service after take off but American Airlines merged this service with the main meal which meant we ate quite early for a 10:45 flight. I felt this could be served later so I could have eaten at lunch time.
My meal tray was not collected for a while after the meal service on American Airlines which was annoying as once I’ve eaten I like to settle and relax which wasn’t possible for a while. However, British Airways was much quicker at clearing in (possibly because it was a night flight).
I had an ice cream mid flight on American Airlines which was a nice touch whilst I was watching the In Flight Entertainment. However, British Airways didn’t come through with anything as far as I was aware but this could be because it was either a night flight or I was asleep!
There have been a few reports I’d seen that American Airlines staff can be quite rude at times. I didn’t find this at all on the flight and that they were friendly, which is fine by me. The British Airways staff were friendly and professional as always.
Food
Both airlines served a main meal after take off and a snack before landing.
American Airlines let you pre-order your meal beforehand online between 30 days and 24 hours before. The choices I had were a bit limited (Chicken or Pasta) but I did get my choice by doing this. The meal I chose was roast chicken which was actually very tasty, if a little dry. I didn’t eat the coffee cake dessert as it was rock hard and very sweet. Instead I had the laughing cow cheese with crackers. I also had a couple of glasses of complimentary Spanish white wine which was lovely.
British Airways do not let you order food in advance unless you are having a special meal. However, they did give me a menu before take off which had a choice of three different meals. I had cheese ravioli which was a bit gloopy but tasted very nice. I think I was spoilt with the food in the Executive Lounge in JFK airport so I wasn’t that hungry. There was a lovely Sauvignon Blanc to accompany the meal but my cheese was a red cheddar which was so rubbery I could have bounced it off the floor.
The snack before landing on American Airlines was cous cous with fruit which was a very strange combination. However, my dessert was Lily O’Briens cheesecake which was amazing and I would have loved more! It wasn’t much better on British Airways as they offered a meat empanada (think beef pasty). However, as the flight both ways were less than 7 hours, it wasn’t took much of an issue. I had my coffee in the morning which was much more important!
Overall
Overall, I had a very good flight with both airlines and wouldn’t hesitate to travel with either of them again. Premium Economy is a great alternative to Business Class if your budget won’t stretch that far. I particularly liked the legroom, recline and smaller cabin.
