In order to compete with other airlines to attract more passengers, Virgin Atlantic is offering serious discounts on their premium economy flights. Passengers unfamiliar with premium economy are in for a surprise since the accommodation is almost like the business class but sold a little higher than an economy fare. Additional discounts can make the reservation at par with the economy fare.

The aggressive deal from Virgin Atlantic is only available from June 29 to July 12, 2011. The flight dates should be from June 30, 2011 to March 31, 2012 before it could qualify.  Setting a date for the aggressive deals could be a bit restricting for some passengers but the allowance for these dates should be more than enough to attract passengers. Passengers can still have time to plan for their trip with considerable discounts as long as they purchase the ticket before July 12, 2011.

Virgin Atlantic offers for discount in premium economy are already available for flights to Sydney, Shanghai, Tokyo and Delhi. Customers on premium economy seating will enjoy different types of perks before, during and after the flight and these perks usually focuses on increase in comfort, additional entertainment options as well as more choices on food while on flight.

But the trend of announcing and offering discounts in premium flights is now extending to online travel agencies. Opodo, one of the leading online travel websites in Europe is offering discounts on select seats for premium flights. Specifically, Opodo is offering discounts for international flights on premium economy seating for Virgin Atlantic.

Validity of Virgin Atlantic’s offer on discount rates for premium economy seating is only for the month of June 2011. Possible travel dates may vary per itinerary but potential travelers will receive notification for the valid travel dates with discount rates for premium economy accommodation.

Opodo’s aggressive discount offer on Virgin Atlantic is notable because the online travel agency is a consortium of different European airline companies but Virgin Atlantic is not part of the consortium. Some of the travel destinations with considerable discounts are: Miami, Barbados, Johannesburg, New Delhi, Dubai, New York and Nairobi.

With Opodo’s discount offer on premium flights, customers should expect that other travel agencies will start rolling out discounts on premium economy seating. It’s a very attractive form of accommodation because it comes with the amenities for a business class with a just a few extra dollars (or pounds) from economy fare.

Although premium economy is only available in select aircrafts, most of the flights with more than six hours of travel time will eventually offer this type of seating. Aside from extra leg space for additional relaxation, passengers on premium economy will also experience most of the services usually reserved for business and first class. Passengers can enjoy a tasty meal while on flight with free drinks. Additional entertainment will also be available for travelers looking for some unique ways to pass the time while on board.

Fees for premium economy seating vary depending on the destination. However, customers should expect to pay from $80 to $160 each way if they would like to upgrade from economy to premium economy. The rate is actually a good deal as customers will have to stay on the plane for hours. The extra fee for additional comfort and services is always worth it.

Delta Airlines will introduce premium economy seating for their flights coming out of Europe to different continents. The initial seating will be available for passengers from Europe to Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. Europe is chosen for its introductory service to cater to the growing demands of travelers who want to visit different countries with optimal comfort on a budget.

Space and Seating

Because of the aircraft size, passengers in premium economy should enjoy better seating with the additional space. A 38-inch pitch, fully adjustable with shape memory seating is perfect for every passenger as it offers personal seating preferences. The space is also commendable as it limits the number of passengers on the flight.

Personal Entertainment

Standard entertainment found in business accommodation is also available in premium economy services on EVA Air. The entertainment selection is easily accessible through the onboard touch screen panel and quick access to important communication platforms such as text messaging and email. Additional plugs for laptops and other electronic devices are also available.

Dining and Personal Care

One of the best features of premium economy accommodation in EVA Air is their meal. The unique and impressive selection of cuisine coupled with exclusive design on tableware is a perfect combination for fine dining while in the air. Even the glasses are exclusively designed for EVA Air making meals a unique experience for guests.

For personal care, every traveler has a personal kit which includes products for skin care. Complementing the kit are additional pillows for extra comfort while onboard.

The first premium economy seating from Qantas was on Melbourne to London route. The same offer still stands which means the additional seating for premium economy.

The amenities offered by Qantas premium economy can easily rival business class in other airlines. Travelers will enjoy additional nine inches of legroom and their seating space is 19.5 inches.

Adding to the legroom comfort because of extra space is the adjustable headrest. Before and during the flight, travelers can also enjoy drinks and food specified by a popular Australian chef.

The impressive feature of premium economy accommodation of Qantas is not just based on comfort. Because it’s a long haul flight, travelers will no longer have to feel cramped during travel as they can easily rest in their seats. The seating specifications can be compared to a very comfortable sofa and enjoying your favorite entertainment on television while waiting for the airline to land.

Because of the increase in demand, the company opted to ask the government if they are allowed to increase their flights. Instead of four flights a week, they will be offering six flights a week (everyday except Monday). The ultimate plan for Jeju Air is to provide daily flights but the company wants to slow down growth and test the market before committing to the daily flight. The company credits the Korea’s economy rebounding from global recession. Passengers going in and out of Korea are also attracted to using this company which brought down rates and encouraged travel.

Jeju Air is a relatively new airline in the region. The company officially started their operations in 2006 but has to temporarily stop because of Bangkok’s political uncertainty.

Since 1^st December, Japan Airlines (JAL), the leading Asian air company, has introduced Premium Economy on the Tokyo-Sydney route with a once-daily flight operated on Boeing 777-200ER air crafts. Premium Economy service with JAL has so fare been available on routes connecting Japan to some main European and US destinations, including London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam as well as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Passengers with Premium Economy seats have 30kg baggage allowance, priority on their check-in at the Executive Class counters and access to the airport lounge. When travelling on board, they will enjoy the comfort of Shell Flat Seats, an award winning seat design feature, so-called for its shell-shaped figure which ensures privacy for the passengers and avoid space being occupied when the front seats recline. These seats have an extra 20% legroom than normal Economy class and a personal 9-inch TV-screen. They can be reclined up to an angle of 120 degrees, with fitted headrest and footrest.

Introductory prices for Premium Economy seats went on sale starting from 1,500 Dollars.

With the new service, JAL is confirming and expanding the success of Premium Economy cabins that other major airlines such as Air New Zealand, Qantas and British Airways have been experiencing.

As a start, this November they launched this service for daily round trips from New York and Tokyo to Paris. The new Premium Voyageur seats were also launched for flights to Tokyo in November. Just after Christmas the flights to Singapore will also have the Premium Voyageur cabin folllowed by other destinations. The airlines wants to gradually add the Premium Voyageur to all its long haul flights.

The feature has many advantages for travellers: they will be able to enjoy more comfort at a lower cost. Experts preict that more companies will follow the example and add premium economy seats and downgrading regular economy class.