By Kim Wildman
MSN NZ Travel writer
When it comes to the economy class crunch, as any frequent flyer will attest, not all airlines are created equal. But with the world economy slowing, the fight is on to deliver better service and comfort to passengers paying full economy prices. So doing a little research before you take-off can mean the difference between an unbearable flight and a comfortable one.
Air New Zealand
New Zealand's national airline flies to 48 destinations worldwide. In 2005 the airline introduced premium economy. For around $500 extra you'll receive a roomier ride, business class check-in and on-demand in-flight entertainment.
Baggage allowance: 20kg (Australia, Pacific Islands, Asia and London); two bags 23kg each (USA, Canada, Tahiti and London via Los Angeles).
Seat pitch: 34" (86.4cm).
Entertainment: drop-down screens; personal screens with on-demand TV, movies and audio (on selected flights).
Pros Air New Zealand 747s offer more leg room than most airlines.
Cons: there's no UBS connection for laptops and not all aircraft offer personal screens.
Air Pacific
Fiji's flagship carrier services 18 destinations in the Pacific, North America and Japan. Based in Nadi, it's renowned for its friendly, smiling cabin crew.
Baggage allowance: two bags 23kg each (Los Angeles); 30kg (Honolulu and Canada); 20kg (all other destinations).
Seat pitch: 32" (81.3cm).
Entertainment: drop down screens; personal screens (747s only).
Pros: all children receive a complimentary Captain Bula Kit which will help keep them entertained.
Cons: not all aircraft offer personal screens and there's no UBS connection for laptops.
Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific flies to 120 destinations worldwide. The airline offers superlative service — even in economy class — starting with single line queuing and mobile check system, designed to minimise check-in time.
Baggage allowance: two pieces 32kg each (USA and Canada); 20kg (all other destinations).
Seat pitch: 32" (81.3cm).
Entertainment: all seats have personal screens with on-demand TV, movies and audio, and UBS connections for laptops.
Pros: excellent in-flight service and plenty of personal entertainment options.
Cons: fares are more expensive than most airlines.
Emirates Airlines
The international airline of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines
flies to more than 47 cities in 37 countries.
Baggage allowance: two bags 23kg each (USA, Canada and Brazil); 20kg (all other destinations).
Seat pitch: 33" (83.8cm).
Entertainment: all seats have personal screens with on-demand TV, movies, games and audio, as well as SMS, phone and e-mail services. Some aircraft also have UBS connections for laptops.
Pros: it has one of the best personal entertainment systems available on airlines today.
Cons: Emirates places the maximum number of seats permitted in economy class, leaving passengers with less personal space.
Malaysia Airlines
Since its first flight in 1947, Malaysia Airlines has grown into an award-winning international airline servicing more than 110 destinations. Based in Kuala Lumpur, their cabin staffs holds the title as the world's best.
Baggage allowance: 20kg (all destinations).
Seat pitch: 34" (86.4cm).
Entertainment: personal screens with on-demand TV, movies, games and audio.
Pros: outstanding in-flight service and generous leg room.
Cons: there's no UBS connection for laptops.
Qantas
Australia's leading airline, Qantas flies to 96 destinations worldwide. From April 2008, premium economy class will be progressively rolled out across its fleet. The new service will offer more spacious and comfortable seating, extra elbow room and in-arm entertainment screens.
Baggage allowance: two bags 32kg each (USA, Tahiti, South America and Canada); 20kg (all other destinations).
Seat pitch: 31" (78.7cm).
Entertainment: drop down screens; personal screens with on-demand, games and audio (selected flights only).
Pros: it offers good service and has the one of the world's best safety records.
Cons: there's less leg room, personal screens are only on limited routes and fares are generally more expensive.
Thai Airways
Thai Airways services 74 destinations in Asia, the UK and Europe. The Bangkok-based airline offers premium class economy (only on Airbus 340-500 aircraft) with larger seats, more leg room and wider isles as well as greater baggage allowance.
Seat pitch: 32-34" (81.3-86.4cm).
Baggage allowance: two bags 32kg each (USA and Canada); 20kg economy, 30kg premium economy (all other destinations).
Entertainment: drop down screens; personal screens with on-demand TV, video and audio (on certain aircraft only).
Pros: consistently voted as one of the world's best airlines for its in-flight service.
Cons: personal screens are not available on all aircraft.
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