TUI Boeing 787 Premium Economy: Is It Worth It?

Alright, guys, let's dive into the world of TUI's Boeing 787 Dreamliner and, more specifically, their Premium Economy offering. If you're considering treating yourself to a bit more comfort on your next holiday, this is the place to be. We'll break down everything you need to know, from seat specs to onboard service, helping you decide if the upgrade is truly worth your hard-earned cash.

What is Premium Economy on TUI's Boeing 787?

So, what exactly does Premium Economy get you on a TUI Boeing 787? It's essentially that sweet spot between standard economy and business class – a step up in comfort and service without the hefty price tag of flying upfront. Think of it as economy, but with more legroom, wider seats, enhanced meal options, and a few extra perks to make your journey more enjoyable. TUI aims to provide a more relaxed and comfortable flying experience for those who want a little extra without breaking the bank. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of what makes TUI Premium Economy stand out. Firstly, the seats themselves are a significant upgrade. You'll find that they are wider than the standard economy seats, offering more personal space to stretch out and relax. Legroom is also considerably increased, which is a godsend on long-haul flights, allowing you to avoid that cramped feeling and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. Recline is another key feature; premium economy seats typically offer a greater recline angle, making it easier to get comfortable and catch some Z's. But it's not just about the seats. TUI also enhances the onboard service for Premium Economy passengers. This often includes a welcome drink upon boarding, upgraded meal options with more choices and potentially higher quality ingredients, and complimentary drinks throughout the flight. The attentive cabin crew are usually more than happy to cater to your needs, ensuring a more personalized and enjoyable experience. In terms of entertainment, TUI Premium Economy passengers often benefit from larger personal entertainment screens with a wider selection of movies, TV shows, and music. This can make a huge difference on long flights, helping you pass the time and stay entertained. Additionally, you might find extras such as premium headphones, which can significantly improve the audio quality of your entertainment. Finally, let's talk about the little extras that can make a big difference. Premium Economy passengers often enjoy priority boarding, meaning you can settle into your seat and get comfortable before the rest of the plane fills up. You might also benefit from an increased baggage allowance, allowing you to pack more without worrying about extra fees. And upon arrival, some airlines offer priority baggage handling, ensuring your bags are among the first to come off the carousel, saving you time and hassle.

Comfort and Seating

When it comes to flying, comfort is king, right? TUI's Premium Economy on the Boeing 787 definitely focuses on upping the comfort game. Let's talk specifics about those seats. The seats in TUI Premium Economy are designed with extra width, typically a few inches more than what you'd find in standard economy. This might not sound like much, but trust me, those extra inches make a noticeable difference, especially on longer flights. You'll have more room to spread out and avoid that feeling of being crammed in. Legroom is another major selling point. Premium Economy seats boast a significantly larger pitch – the distance between your seat and the seat in front – compared to standard economy. This extra legroom allows you to stretch out your legs, reducing discomfort and promoting better circulation. Say goodbye to cramped knees and hello to a more relaxed flight. Recline is also a key factor in seat comfort. Premium Economy seats typically offer a greater recline angle than standard economy seats, allowing you to lean back further and find a more comfortable position for sleeping or relaxing. This can be a game-changer on overnight flights, helping you arrive at your destination feeling more rested. Beyond the dimensions, the design of the seats themselves contributes to overall comfort. Premium Economy seats often feature adjustable headrests and lumbar support, allowing you to customize the seat to your body and reduce strain. The cushioning is also typically more plush and supportive, providing a more comfortable seating experience. In addition to the seat itself, the overall cabin environment in Premium Economy can enhance comfort. Airlines often provide amenities such as pillows and blankets, which can make a big difference on long flights. The cabin lighting and temperature are also often adjusted to create a more relaxing atmosphere. And let's not forget about the little extras that can add to your comfort. Premium Economy passengers often receive amenity kits containing items such as eye masks, earplugs, and lip balm, which can help you sleep and stay comfortable during the flight. You might also find extras such as complimentary slippers or socks, allowing you to kick off your shoes and relax. All these things truly make a difference when flying long distances. The seat pitch is usually around 38 inches, which gives you ample space to stretch out those legs. The width is also increased, generally around 20 inches, so you're not rubbing elbows with your neighbor the whole flight. Plus, you usually get a footrest or leg rest to further enhance comfort.

In-Flight Entertainment and Amenities

Okay, so you're comfy in your seat, but what about keeping yourself entertained on a long flight? TUI has you covered. Let's explore the in-flight entertainment and amenities you can expect in their Boeing 787 Premium Economy cabin. First off, let's talk about the screens. Premium Economy usually means bigger and better screens compared to standard economy. You can expect a personal entertainment screen that's significantly larger, offering a more immersive viewing experience. This makes a big difference when you're trying to enjoy a movie or catch up on your favorite TV shows. And speaking of content, the selection is usually pretty extensive. TUI offers a wide variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games to keep you entertained for hours. Whether you're into the latest blockbusters, classic films, or binge-worthy TV series, you'll likely find something to suit your taste. Plus, the entertainment systems are often updated regularly with new content, so you won't get bored on frequent flights. But it's not just about the quantity of content; the quality matters too. Premium Economy passengers often benefit from higher-resolution screens and better audio quality, enhancing the overall entertainment experience. You might also find extras such as noise-canceling headphones, which can block out distractions and allow you to fully immerse yourself in your chosen entertainment. In addition to the personal entertainment screens, TUI often provides other amenities to enhance your in-flight experience. These might include power outlets or USB ports, allowing you to charge your electronic devices and stay connected. You might also find extras such as reading lights, which can be useful if you want to read a book or work on your laptop without disturbing your neighbors. And let's not forget about the in-flight magazines and newspapers, which can provide a welcome break from the screens. Premium Economy passengers often receive a selection of magazines and newspapers to browse, keeping them informed and entertained during the flight. Another key aspect of in-flight entertainment is Wi-Fi connectivity. Many airlines, including TUI, now offer Wi-Fi on board, allowing you to stay connected to the internet and communicate with friends and family. While Wi-Fi is often an additional charge, it can be a valuable amenity for those who need to work or stay in touch during the flight. Wi-Fi access varies from airline to airline, but TUI generally offers decent connectivity, allowing you to browse the web, check your email, and even stream videos (depending on the bandwidth available). And let’s not forget about the headphones. TUI usually provides a set of headphones, and in Premium Economy, they tend to be a bit better quality than the standard ones. Noise-canceling headphones can really make a difference, especially if you're trying to sleep.

Food and Beverage Service

Let's be honest, airline food doesn't always have the best reputation, but Premium Economy often steps it up a notch. On TUI's Boeing 787, expect a noticeable improvement in the food and beverage service compared to standard economy. Typically, Premium Economy passengers are offered a wider selection of meal options. This means you'll have more choices when it comes to your main course, and you might even find some more interesting and flavorful dishes on the menu. The presentation of the food is often enhanced as well, with meals served on proper plates with metal cutlery, rather than the plasticware you might find in economy. In terms of drinks, Premium Economy passengers usually enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and spirits. This can be a nice perk if you want to relax and enjoy a drink during your flight. Non-alcoholic options are also plentiful, with a variety of juices, sodas, and hot beverages available. The timing of the meal service is also often improved in Premium Economy. You might find that meals are served more promptly, and the cabin crew are more attentive to your needs. This can make a big difference in your overall dining experience. In addition to the main meal service, Premium Economy passengers often receive additional snacks and refreshments throughout the flight. This might include things like sandwiches, fruit, or cookies, providing a welcome boost between meals. The quality of the snacks is often higher than what you'd find in economy, with more premium ingredients and flavors. And let's not forget about the special dietary requirements. TUI usually caters to a variety of dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options. If you have any specific dietary requirements, it's always a good idea to inform the airline in advance, so they can ensure that a suitable meal is available for you. The airline staff will usually provide a menu before meal service so you can make your choices. The drinks service is also more frequent, so you won’t have to wait long if you’re feeling parched. TUI really tries to make the dining experience feel a bit more special in Premium Economy, and most passengers appreciate the extra effort.

Baggage Allowance and Priority Services

Another area where Premium Economy shines is in baggage allowance and priority services. Who doesn't love a bit of extra baggage allowance? In TUI's Premium Economy on the Boeing 787, you'll typically get a more generous baggage allowance compared to standard economy. This means you can pack more without having to worry about those pesky excess baggage fees. The exact allowance can vary depending on the route and fare class, but you can generally expect to be able to check in at least one extra bag, or have a higher weight limit for your existing bags. Priority check-in is another great perk. Premium Economy passengers often have access to dedicated check-in counters, allowing you to bypass the long queues and get through the airport more quickly. This can be a huge time-saver, especially during peak travel periods. Priority boarding is another benefit that Premium Economy passengers often enjoy. This means you'll be among the first to board the plane, allowing you to settle into your seat and get comfortable before the rest of the passengers arrive. This can be particularly useful if you want to secure overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage. Priority baggage handling is also a nice touch. When you arrive at your destination, your bags will be among the first to come off the carousel, saving you time and hassle at the baggage claim area. This can be a real lifesaver, especially if you have connecting flights to catch. In addition to these priority services, Premium Economy passengers sometimes receive other perks, such as access to airport lounges. This can provide a comfortable and relaxing space to unwind before your flight, with complimentary drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi access. Lounge access can vary depending on the airport and airline, but it's always a welcome bonus. TUI aims to make the airport experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for Premium Economy passengers, and these baggage allowance and priority services can make a big difference. The exact baggage allowance will be detailed in your ticket information, so double-check before you pack! Premium Economy really does give you that VIP feeling right from the start of your journey.

Is TUI Boeing 787 Premium Economy Worth It?

Okay, the big question: Is TUI's Boeing 787 Premium Economy actually worth the extra cost? The answer, as always, depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you value comfort above all else, then Premium Economy is definitely worth considering. The wider seats, extra legroom, and greater recline angle can make a huge difference on long-haul flights, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed and relaxed. If you're someone who struggles to sleep on planes, the improved comfort of Premium Economy can be a game-changer. If you appreciate good food and drinks, the enhanced meal service in Premium Economy is another compelling reason to upgrade. The wider selection of meal options, complimentary alcoholic beverages, and more attentive service can make your in-flight dining experience much more enjoyable. If you value convenience and a stress-free travel experience, the priority services offered in Premium Economy can be a major draw. The priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling can save you time and hassle at the airport, allowing you to start your vacation on a positive note. However, if you're on a tight budget, the extra cost of Premium Economy might be difficult to justify. If you can tolerate a bit of discomfort and don't mind the standard economy experience, you might be better off saving your money for other aspects of your trip. It's also worth considering the length of your flight. If you're only flying for a few hours, the benefits of Premium Economy might not be as significant. But if you're embarking on a long-haul journey, the extra comfort and amenities can make a much bigger difference. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to upgrade to TUI Premium Economy is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, consider your budget and travel preferences, and decide what's most important to you. If you're looking for a more comfortable and enjoyable flying experience without breaking the bank, Premium Economy is definitely worth considering. So, there you have it, guys! Hopefully, this breakdown has given you a clearer picture of what TUI Premium Economy on the Boeing 787 is all about. Happy travels!