New options start this fall from LAX

Qantas is expanding its new premium economy cabins to U.S. routes this fall, and will also start flying the giant Airbus A380 super-jumbo transpacific to Los Angeles. The Australian carrier’s premium economy cabin is already available on six 747-400s, offered on routes between Australia and Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, London and Johannesburg. It will be offered on select flights from Los Angeles to Sydney starting November 14, and from LAX to Melbourne starting December 19. Premium economy fares start at $4,098 roundtrip. The premium economy seats offer 42-inch pitch and a recline of nine inches. Seats are 19.5 inches wide, and come with ergonomic cushioning and an adjustable headrest, as well as an in-arm, touch-screen video monitor and a premium menu with wines. Premium economy passengers gat an additional carry-on alliance and priority boarding. The premium economy service will also be available on Qantas’ new Airbus A380s, which will start flying between Los Angeles and Melbourne October 20, and between LAX and Sydney on October 24. Initially, the super-jumbo will operate one flight a week in each of those two markets; the airline will add a second A380 to the routes in November, boosting service to three flights a week to Sydney and two to Melbourne. The A380 will have four classes of service, including a redesigned first class with 14 First Suites; a 72-passenger business class with next-generation, fully-flat Skybeds and a separate lounge area; a 32-seat premium economy section; and 332 economy seats. Passengers will be able to use an on-demand in-flight entertainment system with more than 1,000 programming options, and will also have onboard connectivity.