American Airlines announced a new Premium Economy product today, becoming the first U.S. carrier to offer an economy product that is truly more than just extra legroom.
Q: What is the difference between Premium Economy and Economy?
A: Premium Economy will feature:
Q: When will Premium Economy be available?
A: Premium Economy will begin to roll out in late 2016.
Q: What aircraft will feature Premium Economy?
A: The first aircraft to feature Premium Economy will be the 787-9. That will be followed by the 777, 787, A330, and A350 aircraft. The 767 will not be retrofitted with Premium Economy.
Q: Will I be able to use miles for Premium Economy?
A: Although not formally announced, it is near certain that mileage upgrades will be available from Economy to Premium Economy.
Q: Will I be able to upgrade from Economy to Business Class as before?
A: American has not yet announced whether upgrading from Economy Class to Business Class (thereby skipping over Premium Economy) with miles or systemwide upgrades will be permitted and if permitted what the cost would be.
Q: Will Main Cabin Extra remain?
A: AA has indicated no plans to eliminate Main Cabin Extra, the forward-section of the Economy Cabin that features up to five extra inches of legroom but no other discernible differences in service over Economy.
Photo courtesy of American Airlines
You mean “not formally” announced, not “formerly.”
Thanks. Indeed I did.
This should open up a PE category for awards, though with the upcoming devaluation, I expect the number of miles will be pretty close to what the current business awards cost us. As for upgrading, we could well see eVIPs being segregated by fare with a mid-economy fare permitting upgrades to business but the lowest ones only to PE. 2017 will be a most interesting year for those of us who decide to keep our top tier elite status with AA.