excel premium economy

[Les Bygrave]

Ok, I have given in. I have upgraded our economy tickets to premium economy. Any recent fliers taken this class of travel? Was it worth it?
I would say I have read some rather scathing reviews of the economy cabin - this was the prompt for the upgrade.
Going thurdsay, can't wait.........anyone jealous?

[Christine Nelson]

See you at the airport thursday I will be in economy.

Chris

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Les

I swear by Excel Premium Economy. It's roughly the same price as BA standard economy but gives you 3" extra seat pitch and better width. It's no contest, quite frankly. Yes, even at 34" the sea spacing isn't exactly Club Class, but it's tolerable, even for the return flight. At the price, it's brilliant value.

[Les Bygrave]

See you at the airport thursday I will be in economy.

Chris

Chris, Hope you have a great holiday.

[Les Bygrave]

Hi Les

I swear by Excel Premium Economy. It's roughly the same price as BA standard economy but gives you 3" extra seat pitch and better width. It's no contest, quite frankly. Yes, even at 34" the sea spacing isn't exactly Club Class, but it's tolerable, even for the return flight. At the price, it's brilliant value.

Hi again and thanks again Steve.

Yes, I do hope the upgrade was worth it. Those poor rewiews of economy finally got me !

Having flown prem econ........should we try and get row 5?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Les

As you obviously realise, row 5 is the first row in Premium Economy. I've never used that row on Excel's Boeing 767 and can't remember whether it's an emergency exit with extra width. Somehow I suspect not, becuase the front door is only four seats further forward in Excel One and the main doorway four seats behind, before row 9. Therefore, there could be a disadvantage to row 5 because you'll be looking at the partition wall with possibly little extra space. Another disadvantage: that 767 does not have seat-back entertainment systems - it's still the old-fashioned screens at the front of each cabin. Sitting in 5 you're right bang up against it.

Wherever you are, I'm sure you'll have a great flight and holiday. If you have any reservations and wish to change places, you might be able to twist my arm.

[C Green]

Hi Les

I hope my historical view of flights on Monarch on the other thread did not influence your view of Excel, which I am thinking of booking myself. I was expressing the hope that the change to Excel would be for the better, and from what has been said since, I believe it is. Have a great holiday.

[Les Bygrave]

Hi Les


Wherever you are, I'm sure you'll have a great flight and holiday. If you have any reservations and wish to change places, you might be able to twist my arm.

erm..............no

by the by..........charlie at the polo bar has asked for mushroom ketchup and bisto granules

looking forward to meeting him and the islanders..........

might even post a 'holiday review' if you're lucky..........

thanks to you and all the posters.

[Simon Cox]

I thought you might want to read the reviews related to quality and reliability of Excel. http://www.airlinequality.com

I am a regular flier with BA, Singapore Airlines, Virgin and have always received consistently good service.

If you care to read the reviews - many of which are recent, you can take a view on whether you wish to risk the experiences that are quoted here versus the increased leg room.

I flew to Turks and Caicos this year with Virgin. and have just booked my visit to Coco Reef next year (JULY 2005) again flying with Virgin. Being 5ft 6 I have never had a problem with leg room - but sympathise with the taller people amongst you.

I have enjoyed reading mytobago - and read with interest the active debate about young children.

The same debate about noisy and badly behaved children could be had regarding Turks this year. Our family including two young boys were enjoying a very quiet and pleasant time on the 12 mile beautiful at Grace Bay (rarely more than 50 people on it at any one time)
In the first week this remained the case - but in the second - this was somewhat ruined by a group of very loud, arrogant Fiftysomething Americans.

I look forward to reading more of your comments - and in particular feedback on eating out - as we have never been one to utilise All Inclusive deals , as we prefer to explore and get a feel for the Island.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Simon

Welcome aboard.

Just one point that should be pointed out with regards to the Excel flights to Tobago/Grenada/St.Kitts. These flights are NOT part of Excel Airways scheduled services - that's why you can't buy tickets for these flights from Excel or, for that matter, get any information on the sites either from Excel or their website. Excel don't even own the aircraft that flies the Tobago run - it is NOT part of the Excel fleet. No, they simply provide the staff and handle the flight details. This is an exclusive charter deal with Golden Caribbean and the aircraft does nothing but that run.

Mind you, the economy seating is undoubtedly a major issue. Let's hope that the newer aircraft coming on line later this year will address that issue.

[Mark Muncaster]

Went with Excel in premium and found it very pleasent. The only problem was that the TV screens were that small in the front of thr cabin you could not see in great detail. We were told that we would have our own screens in the back or the seats in front
Economy looked verty tight as our friends found out. He is a big chap and found it very bad.

[Richard]

We flew premium economy and enjoyed it. We had row 5 both ways and on the way back the whole of row 5.

Row 5 is not on an exit so there are no restricitions but you may find leg room a less than expected as there is no seat in front to slip your legs under.

Video system in this area is totally useless (or was in Jan) and you can't see anything at all in row 5.

Row 5 can be usefull if you have a small child and there are spare seats as you can make a nest on the floor (if not rough) and they can sleep there.

You also get the benefit of getting on/off first and some of the perks of the toffs up front.