Premium economy is like domestic first class, sometimes with better amenities when you’re flying internationally. It stands between coach and business class and is often an affordable alternative that’s especially attractive to leisure flyers, business customers buying up themselves when their employers won’t pay for a premium economy, and folks flying Westbound from Europe on a day time flgiht where sleep isn’t a priority.
American Airlines Premium Economy, Boeing 787-9
Iberia non-stops between New York JFK and Madrid are available in premium economy for just $833 roundtrip. That’s like buying premium economy for what coach frequently costs.
If you book these flights as American Airlines codeshares you can get the price down to $813.
Key details of American Airlines fare basis PLN8Z2M5:
- Travel permitted in both directions October 28 – December 15 and December 24 – April 6
- 28 day advance purchase required
- 3 day minimum stay
- $275 change fee
Though there’s an American Airlines fare, you will fly Iberia. American Airlines operates New York JFK – Madrid with Boeing 767s delivered between 1993 and 2003 and which are due to leave the fleet. These planes don’t offer premium economy.
While you’re looking for this fare you may come across something that you think is even better, but be careful. This Delta fare may come up in searches for premium economy but you do not want it. Delta doesn’t offer premium economy on their 767s which serve this route. What they sell is just “Comfort+” extra legroom coach seating. That is not the same thing.
(HT: Loyalty Lobby)
Honestly for 12% less money with both flights being relatively short — one of which a day flight — you could easily make the case that Comfort + is the better deal. Unless the A350 has an all new product, Iberia’s PE is basically the same thing as Delta’s Comfort + (with the addition of a legrest). And I’d put good money on Delta having better service on a given flight than Iberia.
Upgrade not possible from the T class bucket.
@justin Iberia premium economy seats are 19″ wide with 37″ inch pitch. Delta comfort+ is a hair less than 18″ wide and with 35″ pitch. Iberia offers greater recline too. The idea that Iberia PE is the same as Delta Comfort+ aside from the leg rest is not accurate.
I mistakenly bought this ticket on an AA P class ticket. Not upgradeable. After the Iberia promo fiasco, I’m not looking forward to anything with Iberia.
Just JFK? What about Iberia from ORD-MAD-same sale?
@Mark – ORD enjoys the same award rates as the east coast, so I think that the cash price should be similar. Their booking site is really easy to use, give it a shot!