20/09/2026
Imagine paying extra for British Airways Premium Economy… only to discover your “window seat” DOESN’T EVEN HAVE A WINDOW. 😳✈️
And unfortunately, that wasn’t the only thing that made me question what exactly I was paying extra for.
I arrived at Heathrow Terminal 5 expecting a Boeing 777. Instead, British Airways pulled an aircraft swap and sent a 787 Dreamliner with the older Premium Economy cabin.
Then I reached my carefully selected “window seat.”
No window. Just a wall. 😬
Yes, the seat was wider than Economy, the legroom was generous and there was a footrest—but once I started looking around, the “premium” experience became questionable.
The entertainment screen looked old and washed out.
There was no alcoholic pre-departure drink.
And then came something that really divided my opinion…
Wine served in a plastic cup. 🍷🥤
On a cabin passengers are paying extra to call Premium Economy?
To be fair, British Airways did redeem itself in one BIG way: the food.
The braised lamb was phenomenal—possibly the best Premium Economy meal I’ve experienced and genuinely better than some recent Business Class meals.
Wi-Fi was also surprisingly good value at £4.99, and the seat was comfortable enough for several hours of proper sleep.
But here’s the problem…
Take away my status benefits—the First Class Wing and First Class Lounge—and what was actually “premium” about the ground experience?
An aircraft swap.
An older cabin.
A window seat without a window.
A dated screen.
No alcoholic welcome drink.
And wine in plastic cups.
Yes, you get much more space than Economy, and the food was excellent.
But is that enough?
Be honest: is British Airways Premium Economy genuinely premium… or is it basically Economy with a bigger seat and a bigger price tag? 👀🍿