First introduced by EVA Air in 1991, the premium economy class has evolved into a distinct cabin precinct that bridges the gap between economy and business classes.
Many airlines now offer this hybrid product to economy class passengers seeking extra comfort without the hefty price tag of business class. This is a recent phenomenon after most airlines realised passengers were prepared to pay extra for additional onboard comforts, such as more legroom.
Over the past two decades, the class has evolved from a niche offering to a widely adopted standard on long-haul routes. Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) has just equipped its fleet with what it calls Premium Comfort Class on all Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft flying to intercontinental destinations. The configuration of either 21 or 28 Premium Comfort seats depends on the destination.
This means that Malaysians travelling from Kuala Lumpur (KL) to either Amsterdam or Jakarta can now fly in Premium Comfort Class and arrive at their destination fully refreshed. I have been fortunate to recently travel to both destinations in Premium Comfort Class and am happy to report on both the long-haul and short-haul experiences.
While the KL-Jakarta flight is less than two hours, KLM offers economy class fares that are comparable to budget airlines. Upgrade to Premium Comfort Class and treat yourself to the additional comfort and enhanced service offered in KLM’s version of premium economy.
Price point & seat arrangement
While premium economy fares vary between airlines, the ticket price point is a key factor in its appeal. While a premium economy ticket can cost 50 to 100% more than standard economy, it remains significantly cheaper, often by more than half, than business class.
KLM responded with the introduction of two new types of economy class seating, Premium Comfort and Economy Comfort classes, on its fleet of long-haul aircraft. These aircraft are fitted out with 21 or 28 new Premium Comfort Class seats in a dedicated section between Business Class and Economy Comfort Class. Premium Comfort seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, while Economy Comfort is a 3-3-3 setup, the same as economy class, but with a little extra legroom between seats than in standard economy class.
Priority check-in & boarding
Premium Comfort passengers first appreciate the difference when they check in at the SkyPriority counter and board the aircraft ahead of economy class passengers (business class passengers board and exit the aircraft first).
Comfort & extra legroom
There are many extra features between Premium Comfort and Economy Class, with seating being the most important factor for long-haul flights like those from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam. The Premium Comfort seats feature an additional 28cm of legroom and a 20cm recline.
The first row of Premium Comfort includes all bulkhead seats, which offer even more legroom for those who book them early enough.
Amenities for your comfort & entertainment
Privacy is also important, and the crew pulls the curtains across the aisle to economy class. The well-padded seats have a reading light, a side storage compartment and table (within the armrest), a footrest, a universal power socket, and a USB port.
There is also a large screen on the backrest of the front seat, as well as two additional pockets for stowing reading material. Passengers on long-haul flights receive an amenities bag containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, an eye mask, and a pen.
Other sleeping extras include a very comfortable and large Hella Jongerius-designed duvet. I found this a real bonus, as it was big enough to fully snuggle under on the flight to Amsterdam. The seat can be reclined electronically, and a fold-down footrest is there for added comfort.
Noise-cancelling headphones are provided to shut out all cabin noise and ensure restful sleep. Entertainment is provided via a touchscreen; the screen is midway in size between those offered in business and economy classes.
An extended in-flight menu
Passengers will also notice a big difference in the meals and beverages, as outlined on a dedicated menu that features several food choices and an enhanced beverage list, including Bols Espresso Martinis. The menu difference is best appreciated on long-haul flights. The meal to Jakarta is the same as in economy class but with an enhanced beverage selection.
Flight schedules
KLM’s daily Boeing 878-10 Dreamliner service flies from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Flights depart late in the evening and arrive at Schiphol just before dawn. On the reverse sector, flights depart in the evening and arrive in Kuala Lumpur in the late afternoon. The flight then continues to Jakarta, less than a two-hour flight from the Malaysian capital. Malaysians can travel on KLM from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta and back.
Final thoughts
This cost-benefit ratio for Premium Economy (Comfort) Class of travel has attracted a mix of leisure travellers willing to pay for extra comfort and corporate clients seeking cost-effective upgrades for employee travel. KLM Premium Comfort Class offers a noticeably more comfortable journey at a fraction of the business class fare.
For more details, log on to their website here.
All images courtesy of KLM unless specified otherwise.
