More costs less: That’s the gist of Premium Economy. You get a little more legroom and an ounce more privacy for significantly less than the cost of Business Class. And there are two carriers who do Premium Economy particularly well: BA and Virgin. Each offers a separate cabin with seats that outperform their economy offerings by far. On international routes the seat is nearly as good (and sometimes better) than some domestic US First Class seats.
It’s a good time to consider Virgin because it completed a second Premium Economy seat roll-out in 2007. And for now Virgin is also offering 20% off Premium Economy award travel from JFK, Newark, and Chicago’s O’Hare to London. For details: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/frequentflyer/spendmiles/rewardflights/index.jsp
Points can easily be transferred to Virgin’s Flying Club program fromAmerican Express Rewards, Starwood, and Diners Club. In fact, by transferring 50,000 points from Starwood (5,000 bonus points for every 20,000 transferred) to Virgin’s Flying Club, you have enough miles for a Premium Economy ticket from NYC (54,000) or Chicago (60,000) to London.
Premium Economy fares on both airlines usually run about the same. Currently NewYork to London starts at $843, Chicago at $1,117, and Los Angeles at $1,221 (plus taxes): these require at least a 7-day advance and are for travel till May 24, summer fares are higher.When fares are high keep BA’s Visa companion program in mind: buy one full fare Premium Economy ticket and receive the second ticket free.
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