What happened to Airlines’ premium economy Comfort Class?

প্রকাশিত: 23 July 2019, 7:47:39 pm

Turkish Airlines is one of the many airlines in recent years to have launched premium economy class, which it sold as Comfort Class, but also one of the very few to have subsequently axed this ‘better than economy’ offering.

In fact, whereas most airlines treat premium economy as an ‘economy plus’ experience, Turkish Airlines Comfort Class was more of a ‘business lite’ proposition with comfortable seats, upgraded amenities and superior inflight dining options.

Why Turkish Airlines discontinued Comfort Class

Turkish Airlines fitted premium economy Comfort Class seats only on its long-range Boeing 777-300ER jets, and began removing those same seats in 2016.

The fact that only those Boeing 777 jets had Comfort Class meant that passengers with a connecting Turkish Airlines flight to or from Istanbul, such as within Europe or to the UK, most often had to ‘downgrade’ from Comfort Class to the less comfortable standard economy seat for a major portion of their journey.

This led to the Star Alliance member rethinking and then axing premium economy Comfort Class. Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to book a premium economy ticket for travel on Turkish Airlines.

What do business travellers miss about Comfort Class?

1. More legroom and space: Premium economy with Turkish Airlines offered up to 46 inches of pitch compared to 32 inches in economy (pitch is the distance between one point of a seat and the same point in front or behind).

The seats were also noticeable wider – Comfort Class was 19.5 inches in a 2-3-2 configuration (the same as its business class) while economy class is currently 18 inches in 3-3-3 formation.

2. Earlier boarding: Turkish Airlines premium economy also offered priority boarding ahead of the 300 or so economy passengers, meaning less queuing and more time settling down onboard before the flight.

3. Better amenities and features: The amenities given out in Turkish Airlines economy was already very good but in Comfort Class, they were even better with just about everything you needed for a long flight, such as lotions, dental kits, slippers, socks, eye masks and a shoehorn. The seats have more recline and an adjustable leg rest for greater comfort.

4. Better meals: Finally, the inflight dining in Comfort Class was a much-elevated experience compared to economy. Think white linens, proper crockery and cutlery and most importantly, better quality food served over multiple courses – just like business class.

What classes are available now on Turkish Airlines?

With Turkish Airlines’ premium economy Comfort Class now gone, the airline continues to offer the traditional business and economy class cabins on all of its flights.

Turkish Airlines business class: As is common with European-based carriers, Turkish Airlines’ business class seats can vary wildly depending on what type of aircraft and route is being flown.