I flew on one of the world's best airlines – what to expect in premium economy as a 6ft2 passenger
Comfort, entertainment and friendly staff rank high among the list of must-haves. (Also WiFi - but more of that later.)
2
I tried out Qantas' premium economy seats on one of their longest flights
For these, a seat in Qantas' premium economy cabin while taking the slog from
London
Heathrow to Sydney (with a 2-hour layover in Singapore) ticks the boxes.
As a 6ft 2in man mountain, I've had my share of uncomfortable experiences on long-haul flights.
So a trip to Australia - the longest I'd ever attempted - did give me a slight sense of dread.
An upgrade to premium economy on the upper deck of one the airline's Airbus A380s made the journey bearable, though.
Read more on airline reviews
The seats were roomy enough to twist one way or another in
sleep
and also had the all-important extendable head-rest that adjusts from the sides for crucial extra support while dozing.
With a decent pillow from the cabin crew (plus blanket, eye mask and all the usual gubbins) it was about the easiest I've found it to get some kip on a plane.
The food was decent, and staff were more than happy to dig out an extra glass of wine when I was up to stretch my legs.
The usual array of films and TV shows were available to pass the time on the entertainment system, but for those of us who like to alternate movies with in-flight games the selection wasn't the best.
Most read in News Travel
Which kind of brings me to the biggest criticism of the service - no WiFi.
While I wouldn't necessarily use it, I know for others it would be an absolute necessity.
Airline launches world-first onboard suites that are five windows long
Qantas say it's in the process of being rolled out across the wider fleet and will be available on A380s in early 2026 (and free to all passengers).
With
With no stopover in Singapore to jump on WhatsApp and
, how would you update your family on what a wonderful journey you're having?
Return from Heathrow to
Sydney
from £1475 economy, from £3097 premium economy.
We've tried out some other amazing premium economy cabins as well.
The Sun's Head of Travel Caroline McGuire raves about Norse Atlantic Airways' - here's why.
Her'e's the airline that launched the
And one airline has revealed plans to
2
There was more than enough space - but the lack of WiFi will annoy some
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Brit reveals how to find the ‘world's cheapest pint' while in Spain for just 43p
A BRIT claims to have found the 'world's cheapest pint' - which costs less than a bar of chocolate. Costing just 43p, Louis Grier, who lives in 3 A Brit has found the 'world's cheapest pint' costing less than a bar of chocolate Credit: Jam Press/@thebenidormfanatic 3 4 JKS in Benidorm, Spain, serves up pints of Estrella Damm for just 50 cents Credit: Jam Press/@thebenidormfanatic The 32-year-old revealed how to find a pint of Estrella Damm for just 50 cents (around 43p). The spot called 4 JKS - also known as 4 JAKS - only opened back in Spain in June and regularly gives away free drinks to punters. In a TikTok , Louis said that he came up with the idea himself, along with the The offering is all inspired by the stock exchange. Read more on cheap travel Also in the video, owner Brett explained to viewers that despite the low price tag, it isn't actually a "cheap beer" nor does it come from 'expired' barrels. Instead, Brett made a deal with the beer brand for a four-day-a-week promotion when the cheap 43p pint is served. Louis added that the pint has already become "a local legend" and that he has even popped behind the bar to serve the tipple himself. "People are coming from everywhere to meet up and try it with me," he told What's The Jam. Most read in News Travel "They're calling it the 'Fanatic Pint'. It's the cheapest in And since launching, many travellers reportedly "queue for the opportunity" to get themselves a pint from Louis, who dubs himself as a "Benidorm fanatic". I nabbed a bargain Benidorm penthouse suite with stunning views for just £17-a-head - but it came with a catch Louis stated: "It's not just about the pint; it's about the people, the laughter, and keeping The owners of the bar, Brett and Andrea, continued: "It's about bringing people together and giving people in "We're not pursuing five-star reviews. We are here for good times, reasonable prices, and a bit of madness. "That is what Benidorm is all about." And another couple recently shared how they left the UK to live in a £2.5k 3 The owners of the bar managed to make a good deal with the beer brand for a four-day-a-week promotion Credit: Jam Press/@thebenidormfanatic
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I tried the new Race Across the World The Experience – fans of the BBC TV show will love it
WHO doesn't want to Race Across the World like they do in the TV series? To ditch the 9-5 to go on an epic quest and see incredible destinations along the way? But let's face facts, most of us can't take months out of our lives to do that. So I tried out the best next thing, the new Race Across the World The Experience - and fans of the show (just like me) will love it. 5 I recruited my friends to play Race Across the World The Experience Credit: Alice Penwill 5 We ventured around London solving puzzles and brain teasers Credit: Alice Penwill On one of the hottest weekends of the year, myself and a team of three willing friends, met at the game's starting point: As a fan of the Just like the series, the experience is a race against the clock to get from one checkpoint to the next. But unlike the show, you get there by solving lots of puzzles, which are sent through WhatsApp - which is very against the rules of the show, but essential for the experience. To begin, I simply typed 'ready' into my screen and despite having no idea what to expect, sent the message, and the experience began. The first stop was a cafe where I told the man behind the counter I was 'with the race', and he handed over very first task, which was one of the few physical puzzles. It was very maths-heavy, so I wasn't off to a great start and had to take a step back while my friends took over. The answer led us to the very first checkpoint, where the clock began to tick. Most read in News Travel There are three legs throughout, with options to take different routes along the way varying in complexity and cost. Along the way you have to solve riddles that will guide you to the checkpoint, and keep an eye out because the answers are simple but easy to miss, like a name on an engraving or plaque. I went on my first Disney cruise with classy champagne bars, watercoasters and West End-style shows 5 There are some physical puzzles around London too Credit: Alice Penwill WhatsApp is crucial as you text the answers throughout to confirm you're in the correct location and not aimlessly wandering about. If you don't know the area around Liverpool Street very well, the experience is still very doable as long as you pay attention to what you see. Just like in the TV series, you need 'money' to continue. Each route you choose takes cash out of your budget which initially is £30. To top this up you'll have to 'work', although there's no pulling pints in a London pub - instead, this is done is by solving tricky brain teasers. On the weekend we did the race, it happened to be one of the hottest weekends of the year but you do get breaks and plenty of time to enjoy them too. After reaching each checkpoint, the clock stops to give your team an optional break and at each is a venue where you get an exclusive discount off drinks and snacks. My team and I stopped in at one of the pubs to enjoy a cold drink and some much-needed shade. 5 All the routes cost money which you can top up by doing 'work' tasks Credit: Alice Penwill If you are a large group, you can be split into teams to play against each other with different start locations, but will end in the same place. If you choose to play as a whole team instead, you will be put against other teams with similar times to you. At each leg the game will update you on how you do in comparison, and it does a lot to stir the competitive spirit - by the end, my team and I had set ourselves a fast pace in order to come out on top. At the very end, we got our results and were pretty chuffed to find ourselves at the top of our leader board, and in the top 17 per cent of overall racers. The race can take up to three hours which doesn't include breaks. We completed the experience in just under two hours, but with our breaks, were out around three and a half. The website says that you can play the game multiple times, as there are route variations - but these aren't guaranteed to be different when you book. And one of the downsides is that the physical puzzles at each checkpoint also remain the same so you'll know the answer to those if you play more than once. But it is also running in Manchester so you can give the other experience a go in a different city. Tickets for Race Across the World The Experience are £50 per person. But the cost is reduced the more people you book, for example, a team of eight adults is £200, which works out as £25 each. The opening times are during Monday–Saturday from 9am to 7.30pm (last entry at 7.30pm) Sunday 9.30am to 4.30pm (last entry at 4.30pm). Read more on the Irish Sun For more information and tickets go to: Other things Sun Travel has tried are the viral My Top Tips for completing the Race Across the World The Experience Dress for the occasion Wear comfy shoes and bring some water and snacks too if you don't want to take advantage of the checkpoints. Consider playing work puzzles Play work puzzles throughout the game even if you have money in your budget- the more money you have at the end, the better, as this counts towards your result. Check your spelling You have to send answers to the puzzles through WhatsApp and when you do, double check the spelling. We were caught out by auto correct and receive a fault which affected our score. It's in the details Input everyone's phone number before the experience begins so the whole team can read the questions throughout the game. Lots have images and prompts, so if you want a good time, this is key. Running or walking? Speaking of, decide at the very start what your game-plan is, whether you want to win the race or take your time so everyone's on the same page. 5 My friends and I attempted the Race Across the World The Experience Credit: Alice Penwill
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds review
THE Angel is a gorgeous ivy-clad Georgian hotel in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. But what are the rooms like and what's the best thing on the menu? 2 The hotel sits at the heart of the historic town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk Credit: The angel hotel Where is the hotel? The hotel sits at the heart of the historic town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, so all the main sights are within easy walking distance. The train station is a five-minute taxi ride away or less than 20 minutes on foot. What is the hotel like? Its imposing historic exterior belies its contemporary, chic boutique hotel interior. Expect pop art and vintage furniture alongside huge comfy leather sofas and velvet banquettes in the spacious lounge, plus a bustling restaurant and bar. What is there to do at The Angel hotel? You're in the perfect spot to explore with the abbey gardens and independent shops all nearby. Definitely worth a few hours is a tour of Tours cost £20 and include a five-ale taster. Most read in News Travel What is there to eat and drink there? We loved the Pickwick Pie, stuffed full of steak in a rich ale sauce. The Sunday roasts at around £20 a head are also worth a try. What are the rooms like at the hotel? The rooms are classic but contemporary with some quirky touches. Splash out on one of the Ivy Copper rooms and you are rewarded with views of the Abbey Gardens, as well as a free-standing copper bath. Our room featured a vast marble bathroom. The eclectic style was a winner for me, with an antique desk alongside a feathered floor lamp. The bed was huge and comfy. Classic rooms from £117 including breakfast, Ivy Copper rooms from £440 in October. Is it family friendly? It may not be the best choice for those with young kids, although extra zed beds and sofa beds can be added for £10 per child, per night. Cots can also be added to rooms for £10 per night. A kids breakfast costs £5. Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, there are some accessible rooms. Read more on the Irish Sun There is also a flatter entrance at the side of the hotel or guests can request for the ramp to be laid down. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 2 Splash out on one of the Ivy Copper rooms with a freestanding copper bath Credit: the angel hotel
