Why have Excel got rid of Premium Economy

Alexandra Taylor Presslan · Sun May 15, 2005 5:57 pm

I started to research today for my next trip to Tobago (possibly), and my preferd choice would be to travel in Premiun Economy, but I see that Excel are getting rid of this class from october of this year, so the choice will be Economy (Cattle) or the expensive option of Excel One, Steve can you confirm this, why, why, why?

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Sun May 15, 2005 5:59 pm

Hi Alexandra

Welcome back.

You've got me panicking now. Where did you hear that they were abandoning Premium Economy? It's total news to me and I would be frankly amazed if they did so. Please let me know where you heard this so I can investigate further as a matter of priority.

Alexandra Taylor Presslan · Sun May 15, 2005 6:12 pm

Sorry didnt mean to panic you, I normally book either through golden caribean or http://www.westernair.co.uk it was the latter that i heard this through in deed if you look on their website it now only shows prices for Economy or Excel one from october onwards, I particularly like their website as you can see the prices for the whole year, so that you can book one week earlier or later and the price can be quite different, there appears to be problems on my prefered route to St Thomas too! So not good news for me today. If i cant go this way I guess it will have to be Economy for me, althought the new planes do sound a lot better, Thanks for looking on to it Steve

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Sun May 15, 2005 6:19 pm

Hi Alexandra

I'm not longer worried - but will check it out. I'm fairly certain that this is simply a matter of the fact that Golden Caribbean haven't yet published their timetable and tariff for Winter 2005 - therefore everything they show for the latter part of the year is suspect, frankly.

Wanda · Post by **Wanda** » Sun May 15, 2005 6:36 pm

Hi
We have tried to book tickets in premium economy class for travel in January 2006 for our daughter's wedding but were told that this class of travel was to be discontinued from November 2005. We are travelling with Barrie Freeman of Ask the Travel Man and have now booked normal economy class instead.
Wanda

Stephen Turner · Post by **Stephen Turner** » Sun May 15, 2005 8:09 pm

Doesn't the new plane only have two cabins instead of three? Or am I inventing that?

Linda P · Post by **Linda P** » Mon May 16, 2005 5:59 am

Am flying out with Excel on Thursday, will be 'cattle' class again, although I had no problems last year! As for number of cabins I will let you know when I get back.

Linda

Bob White · Post by **Bob White** » Mon May 16, 2005 5:54 pm

Steve,

The Excel winter timetable is out. We booked for this Christmas two weeks ago.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Bob.

Steve Fifield · Post by **Steve Fifield** » Fri May 20, 2005 9:35 am

I'm afraid that it is official.

Just booked for Christmas period, and "Excel Premium Economy is no longer available from 1st November 2005". Only two classes now, Economy and 1st Class. I was going to try PE for the first time but going Economy as usual now.

Bad news.

Steve F.

Steve Fifield · Post by **Steve Fifield** » Fri May 20, 2005 9:50 am

Stop Press:

I also forgot to add that the Premium Economy area is all being used for 1st Class, so there is plenty of room to upgrade, but even more people fighting over the few economy seats now!

It would also have been cheaper to book with BA - The only think that swung it for me to travel Excel was that they only ask for £50 deposit

, wheras BA want the entire fare immediately

Steve F.