Beware of PE “improvements” to code share flights. On July 18, Delta announced a new cabin/class “W”. It’s available on code-share flights operated by Air France, and it is actually Air France’s Premium Economy cabin, Premium Voyageur.
The trap here is that you don’t earn any Delta miles, although a Delta representative said this problem should be addressed soon. In the meantime, we recommend that Delta SkyMiles members book Air France’s Premium Economy directly through Air France and have the miles—125% base miles, 150% MQMs, and Medallion bonuses ranging from 25%-125%, depending on your elite status—credited to your SkyMiles acount.
What will Delta give you once it comes to its senses? We think it will put “W” fares in with M, B, and Y class at 150% base miles and MQMs. (being optimistic) We hope once it offers earning miles for Premium Economy, Medallion members will also be able to possibly redeem miles for Premium Economy awards on Air France.
Premium Economy on Air France is offered from Chicago, Detroit, Houston, JFK, Los Angeles, Montreal, Newark, and Washington, DC, with through fares offered from many other U.S. cities from Delta. For example, Indianapolis to Paris on Air France in Premium Economy in September is $1,622 (booking code A, plus taxes and fees) with a 21 day advance purchase. The connection is at JFK and the flight from Indianapolis is on Delta in coach. (For September a 50-day advance purchase Business Class ticket is almost double at $2,954.)
The seat: The Air France Premium Voyageur seat is 18.9 inches wide, has 38 inches of pitch, reclines 123 degrees, and is fitted with laptop power outlets. Premium Economy service includes free cocktails, wines, and Champagne with meals, a self-service buffet, and a snack or breakfast on flights of more than 10.5 hours from Paris.