Lufthansa Premium Economy, Newark (EWR) to Munich (MUC)

I arrived with plenty of time for my evening flight from Newark (EWR) to Munich (MUC). On the earlier side, there was not much of a line to check-in; while my premium-economy ticket didn’t afford me priority access, I was still checked in easily and quickly, on my way to security in a matter of minutes. I did not check any luggage, but premium-economy passengers enjoy an additional baggage allowance of two bags each weighing up to 50 pounds, twice the economy-class baggage allowance.

Premium-economy travelers are able to use selected Lufthansa lounges prior to boarding with payment of a fee; however, feeling a bit hungry, I opted to enjoy a pre-flight snack of hummus and a glass of wine at a restaurant across from my gate. Answering emails while I worked, the time passed quickly and before I knew it, the Lufthansa gate crew began the boarding process. While I did not have priority boarding access, I was among the first groups to board and the process was quick and efficient.

Once on board, Lufthansa premium-economy passengers enjoy the enhanced perks of the separate cabin. The friendly flight attendants welcomed me with a non-alcoholic welcome drink and a well-stocked amenity kit, boasting a toothbrush/toothpaste, socks, ear plugs, a moistened wipe and an eye mask, waited for me at my seat, next to a bottle of water. I was in the middle section of the 2-3-2 configuration in an aisle seat. Thankfully, there wasn’t a passenger in the middle, meaning additional room to stretch beyond the 50 percent more space altogether on all sides offered by Lufthansa’s premium-economy seats.

As is my routine on most flights, I settled into my seat and began browsing the in-flight entertainment options on my personal, 11-inch seatback system. The selection is sizable, with 100 films in varying languages, entire televisions seasons, music and more. The entertainment helped pass the flight time, as did the meal service. From a menu of two options, I opted for the fish choice, accompanied by a white wine and freshly baked bread, and served on fine china, similar to any business-class meal service I’ve experienced. Dessert followed before settling in to get a bit of rest.

I slept fitfully, dozing on and off as I watched movies; however, I was comfortable throughout the flight, enjoying the added space afforded by the premium-economy cabin.