DID you know that premium economy seats were invented in 1992? And by a Taiwanese airline?
I had no idea either – so had to test out the OG airline class for myself.
Eva Air was the first to invent the new class of plane seat that was between economy and business class more than 30 years ago.
Called Evergreen Deluxe, it quickly inspired other airlines like Virgin Atlantic to follow suit.
And with the airline recently named the World’s Best Airline by Travel + Leisure, I had to check it all out for myself.
At first glance, the premium economy legroom feels very impressive – I had no problems stretching my legs and my knees (as a 5”5 lass) were miles aware from the seat in front of me.
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Another perk I loved were the addition of slippers. Usually reserved for business class passengers, I had barely sat down myself before I realised all the cabin had already put theirs on.
They’re especially great if you’re someone who dares go to the plane bathrooms barefoot…
Along with complimentary water bottles, blankets and pillows, premium economy passengers get complimentary toiletries made by British brand Hunters.
Inside it were the usual – lip balm, cream, ear plugs, socks, eye mask and toothbrush kit – but it was the bag itself I was a huge fan of.
Coming in both red and black, the cord strap makes it the perfect dog walking bag to take back home.
Settling in for the flight, I was also impressed that we were all given free WiFi on the plane.
While somewhat patchy at times, I still managed to check my work emails during the 11 hour flight without too many problems.
That’s not to say the experience was 100 per cent perfect.
I was slightly let down by the film choices, having just 144 available. This is compared to Emirates which has more than 2,000.
It didn’t pass my test of having my favourite inflight film – Crazy Rich Asians – onboard, with fewer than 10 romance films.
I would also say food was fine, but nothing crazy to write home about. I loved the metal cutlery, which felt like a nice step up from economy.
They also had herbal teas, something which many airlines struggle with unless you are a business class passenger.
I opted for the chicken and potatoes as well as a breakfast frittata.
(Although the chocolate mousse was nearly licked clean, it was so delicious).
Having a pull out tray from the arm rather than the back of the seats was also preferable as well, as it gave the feeling of more room too.
When it came to getting sleep, the seats are exceptionally comfortable.
I usually struggle to drop off, but the seat itself was soft so no bad backs, and the insanely deep recline meant it almost felt like a bed.
So is it worth it? I would say it is definitely one of the best premium economy seats I have tried, from the little extras to the reclining options.
And in even better news, they will be rolling out their new, upgraded premium economy soon that is even more high class.
It will 42 inches of pitch – making it the world’s most spacious premium economy.
I guess I’ll have to just try them again…?
Return flights from London to Bangkok from £1,871 in premium economy with Eva Air.