Is flying premium economy with Qantas worth it? We find out on a trip from Brisbane to LA

I've taken a number of long-haul flights in my life and, usually, when the pilot finally switches on the seatbelt sign for landing, I'm chomping at the bit to get off the plane.

But that all changed recently.

I was lucky enough to fly premium economy from Brisbane to Los Angeles on Qantas' recently returned Dreamliner route and the experience was a far cry from the cramped economy flights I've grown accustomed to.

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This time, as the pilot announced our descent, I finished the final sips of my cappuccino, watched the sprawling cityscape come into view and silently wished for a couple more hours on the plane.

Yes, I was itching to get to my holiday on the golden sands of Santa Monica but it truly felt as though the holiday started the minute I stepped on the plane in Brisbane.

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Inside the world's best first, business and premium economy class cabins

What is a premium economy seat like? 

As I boarded, the friendly cabin crew handed me a glass of champagne and, feeling like a fish-out-of-water, I tried to hide my overwhelming excitement when I saw the seat that would be mine for the next 13 hours as we crossed the Pacific.

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It's funny how a decent-sized seat that you wouldn't think twice about on land suddenly turns into the ultimate luxury as soon as you step on board an aircraft. 

But anyone who has braved a long-haul flight squished in economy can attest that when you're cramped in a metal tube, hurtling through the air with hundreds of random strangers, even a few extra centimetres can make a world of difference. 

And now, from experience, I can confirm it truly does.

My seat was so well-sized that I was able to sit with my legs crossed while watching a movie without disturbing the person sitting next to me and stretch my legs out when I was ready for sleep.

There were large pockets under the armrests and under the entertainment screen that held all of my things, plenty of charging ports, an impressive entertainment display, and a well-sized armrest side table on which I smugly rested my champagne (and later my cappuccino) throughout the flight.

The seat also included an adjustable footrest that made the flight even more comfortable.

It could be adjusted into a cradle-like position, allowing me to stretch my legs out completely under the seat in front of me or – my favourite – it could be locked in place close to the seat so I could sit with my knees and feet tucked up.

I was also given a cozy blanket, a toiletries bag with all the essentials and a clever pillow that was designed to fit perfectly on the headrest so that I wasn't wrestling with my pillow throughout the night.

What is the food in premium economy like?

Once we were airborne, I slipped into my pjs – the ability to use the business class washroom was another perk of the flight – and settled into my seat to watch a movie. 

It wasn't long until my first meal of the flight was brought out. Each meal I had on board was genuinely delicious and served on proper dishes with cutlery and a cloth napkin that truly put the "premium" in premium economy.

There wasn't a plastic tray or foil cover in sight and with a menu curated by chef Neil Perry, I all but licked each plate clean.

As someone who is perpetually peckish, I was also delighted to learn that after the flight attendants dimmed the cabin lights for sleep, there was an in-flight snack bar set up in the business class cabin where I could help myself to an assortment of snacks and beverages at my leisure.

Then, in the morning, I was overjoyed when the flight attendant offered me my morning cuppa and brought it out in a ceramic mug – I may be easily pleased but that felt like the ultimate in-flight luxury. 

The service

The premium economy cabin seated only 28 people, meaning the flight attendants were able to be incredibly attentive. 

All of our meals were quick to arrive and, whenever I needed something, the crew were more than willing to help out.

I even stopped for a chat with one of the flight attendants as I stretched my legs during the night.

Kip Dooley told me: "The crew love working on the [Dreamliner] and I'm sure our customers love it as well".

There truly was a feeling on board that the crew loved what they do, which made the experience all the more special.

One more thing

As I begrudgingly stepped off the plane I noticed something else. 

Normally, after a long flight my skin and mouth feel cracked and dry. But those Sahara-like symptoms hadn't reared their heads this time and, thanks also to a full night's sleep, I hopped off the plane at LAX airport feeling refreshed and ready for my holiday.

I thought it might be a coincidence or simply due to the fact that the flight attendants served me plenty of water but I later learned that it was no coincidence at all. 

Vanessa Mead, Customer Service Manager for Qantas International Cabin Crew, later told me that the Dreamliner has "cabin pressure and humidity optimised for wellbeing". 

Dooley reiterated this, explaining that "the air-conditioning system is amazing, [meaning] people are really comfortable [on board]".

Is premium economy worth it? 

Before boarding, I wasn't expecting there to be much of a difference between the premium economy cabin and the economy cabin I know all too well.

So, I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that the experience is much more akin to business class, with a premium food and beverage offering, cozy amenities, a very comfortable seat and impeccable service. 

I left the flight feeling rejuvenated and, albeit a little jet-lagged, ready to jump into long days of sightseeing.

While I'm usually a penny-pincher and will often choose the most affordable option, I do feel that premium economy is worth it for those who want to hit the ground running straight after landing.

I was only in LA for a quick visit to Santa Monica so it was amazing not to lose a day of my trip feeling groggy and dying for a nap.

While you are paying a premium for the flight – often at least a grand or two more than economy – the flight can be worth it for those looking for premium comfort and can be a major lifesaver for those who are travelling for work or only have a short time away. 

Of course, this review is specific to the Qantas Dreamliner's premium economy offering and the experience may vary based on the airline. 

Next time, I board a long-haul flight I will likely let out a sigh as I walk through the premium economy cabin on my way to economy and silently wish for the next time I find myself cozied up in one of those premium seats.

The writer travelled as a guest of Qantas and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. Qantas relaunched its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on flights between Brisbane and Los Angeles daily in October 2025.