Choosing the Right Premium Cabin Seat on Your Next Flight
Not every premium cabin is created equal — the aircraft type and age can affect how much space and comfort you get. Travelers who want the best experience should consider where their seat is located and what kind of long-haul product they are booking, from recliners to fully enclosed suites. Modern premium cabins also tend to include a wider range of onboard perks.
By Robin Hill
Not all first class seats are created equal.
A premium cabin seat is clearly preferable to a coach seat, yet the experience varies from one aircraft to another. Planes that are older or smaller tend to have premium sections that offer less space and fewer luxuries than what you would find on larger aircraft. Newer, bigger planes generally come with premium cabins that include a broader set of features.
Why the First Row Stands Out
For most aircraft, row one of the premium cabin is considered the top choice. Being at the very front means you get the greatest amount of legroom and nobody seated ahead of you. You also get off the plane earlier than most passengers, even if the exit door happens to be positioned behind the premium section — in that case you are still among the first to leave. Deciding between an aisle or a window in that row comes down to what you personally prefer.
Premium Cabins on Long-Haul Routes
Many airlines sell a long-haul premium product on international or lengthy flights, and it delivers a higher level of comfort and luxury compared with standard premium seating. Four main seat categories fall under this long-haul premium umbrella. Recliner seats stay upright rather than lying flat, but they still provide generous space and comfort. Lie-flat seats do not go completely horizontal; they angle back close to flat, stopping just above the fully flat position. Flat bed seats recline all the way into a horizontal surface, letting you sleep well if you want to. Suites represent the most premium option of all: a private cabin of your own equipped with a workspace, an entertainment setup and a bed that reclines completely.
Modern Premium Cabin Features
By 2010, premium cabins were offering a number of features that older aircraft did not have. Among them are power ports for laptops, as much as 30 additional inches of legroom, broader seats, powered seat adjustments, built-in massage functions, sizable personal TV screens, noise-canceling headphones, amenity kits containing slippers and pajamas, and fine dining with wine. None of these extras carry an additional charge, although a premium ticket naturally costs more than a coach fare. Familiar premium perks remain as well, including priority boarding and disembarking and added attention from cabin crew.
