Imagine my joy as I embarked on Qantas flight QF34 from Paris to Perth on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. With premium economy tickets in hand, I was eager to see how this leg of the journey would compare to my previous economy escapades (you can read that review here!).

CDG check-in: A breeze

Premium economy passengers share a check-in line with business class, making the process swift and efficient. The increased baggage allowance (same as business class) allowed for an extra piece, up to 40 kg total, making packing and souvenirs less of a hassle. No lounge access, which was unfortunate but understandable - I would have loved to sip on some champagne and enjoy the luxury.

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premium economy Qantas (Mobile Video) by Sharon Petersen

Boarding: priority and painless

Priority boarding for premium economy meant I was comfortably seated in no time. The premium cabin has a perfect size with just 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, giving it a more intimate feel. The layout ensured that even with a full cabin, it never felt crowded. Once on board, I was greeted with a warm welcome and a refreshing drink—sparkling water with a hint of citrus. The welcome drinks were served promptly. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but notice the extra legroom and wider seat compared to the economy.

Takeoff and setting the clock

Taking off at 10 am Paris time, I was initially anxious about sleeping and the inevitable jet lag, but the Dreamliner's lighting and window darkening features worked wonders. The gentle lighting changes were designed to mimic natural daylight cycles, helping passengers adjust to new time zones. I set my watch to Perth time as soon as we took off to help my body clock adjust.

Meals and in-flight comfort

Meals were served about two hours after takeoff, and the boeuf bourguignon was a delight. The multi-course meal included a fresh salad, a hearty main course, and a delectable dessert. It was a far cry from the typical aircraft food I've had in the past. I also had a pain au chocolat with breakfast. While it wasn't quite up to the French patisserie standards I had enjoyed the day before, it was still quite tasty.

After enjoying the meal, I decided to explore the in-flight entertainment. With larger personal screens (10-13 inches), the selection of movies and TV shows seemed endless. I watched two movies, both new releases I had missed in theatres. The screen's clarity and the soft comfortable noise-cancelling headphones provided made for an immersive viewing experience. I didn't have to worry about keeping my headphones charged.

Sleeping arrangements

Before settling in for sleep, I reclined my seat back as far as it would go. The enhanced recline (6-8 inches) and foot cradle with hammock made it quite comfortable, even though the seats don't go fully flat like in business class - I could still stretch out and did not feel cramped. The seats themselves are 22.8 inches wide and the seat pitch is a comfortable 38 inches.

The pillows were perfect—large and supportive—and I managed to snag a second cosy blanket from business class. The custom-designed pillow can be fixed onto the headrest for the duration of the flight. For such a simple and innovative feature, it delivers plenty of pillowy goodness throughout the flight. The seatbelt had a soft cover, making it more comfortable to keep on while sleeping, and the neckrests were an excellent addition—something economy seats could benefit from too. Pro tip: Changing into publicly acceptable PJs can make a world of difference for in-flight comfort, and changing back into your regular clothes before landing will help you feel fresher. I drifted off to sleep, feeling surprisingly comfortable.

The temperature in the cabin changed a few times during the flight, swinging between quite cold and warm/stuffy. I was glad I had layers and the cosy blankets to adjust accordingly. It was a bit like being in a flying sauna one minute and a refrigerator the next.

WIFI woes: Still no connection

One of the few downsides was the lack of WIFI. It's a bit of a letdown that there is no WIFI at all—not even for purchase. On the flip side, being 'off the grid' for 17 hours can be quite refreshing. It's a forced digital detox, which can be oddly comforting but would be nicer if it wasn't our only option. Sometimes, staying connected and knowing what's happening in the world while soaring above it is reassuring.

Midnight snack: irresistible

Around midnight, the cabin lights dimmed, and the flight attendants quietly moved through the cabin with a snack service. I was tempted by the smell of a cheese croissant. I wasn't planning to eat again, but the aroma was irresistible. I couldn't resist, and it was as delicious as it smelled—warm, flaky, and filled with gooey cheese. It was a perfect midnight treat.

Despite some turbulence in the middle of the flight, which lasted for about an hour, I managed to get more sleep. The turbulence wasn't too severe, just enough to be noticeable but not alarming. I woke up just in time for a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs. The breakfast was hearty and satisfying, giving me the energy I needed for the final leg of the journey.

Dedicated cabin crew: Qantas at its best

Now, let’s talk about the service. Having a dedicated cabin crew for premium economy is a true luxury. These angels in the sky were attentive, friendly, and always ready with a smile. Whether it was promptly refilling drinks, assisting with seat adjustments, or just checking in to ensure everyone was comfortable, their service was impeccable. It felt like a five-star experience in the sky, without the first-class price tag. Their kindness and attentiveness made the journey special, truly embodying the "Spirit of Australia.”

Keeping the plane ‘light’: A new approach

I noticed there were fewer items on board compared to other flights. For example, they ran out of some meals early on, as with one option - there were only two of them on the aircraft, which were snapped up early on. They also ran out of bottled water towards the end of the flight. I can only assume this is to keep the aircraft's weight down as much as possible for the long-haul flight, allowing for more fuel on board. The plane did take a fairly long time to take off, perhaps due to these considerations. While it was a bit inconvenient, it’s understandable given the logistics of such a lengthy journey.

Jet lag and comfort: Surprisingly manageable

Despite my initial worries, I was pleasantly surprised by how well I adjusted to the new time zone. The smart lighting and scheduled meal times on the flight played a big part in helping me adjust. The flight was an hour faster from Paris to Perth than the reverse journey, which was a nice bonus. Usually, after a long-haul flight, I experience swollen feet (or "sausage toes," as I call them), but not this time. Perhaps it was the extra legroom or the comfortable seating, but my feet were in great shape upon landing. This made the transition back to my routine much easier.

Final verdict: Premium economy is worth every penny

Flying premium economy on Qantas from Paris to Perth was a game changer. From priority check-in and boarding to the enhanced comfort and service, the experience was well worth the extra cost. If you're planning a long-haul journey, consider upgrading—your future self will thank you. The overall experience was exceptional, and I arrived in Perth feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Sandie West was travelling on a paid ticket.