Newark (EWR) to Munich (MUC)

On the Ground: 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.

Pre-Flight: Premium-economy travelers may 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 the Mediterranean restaurant across from my gate. The time passed quickly as I answered emails, 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 in a quick and efficient process.

In-Flight: Once on board, Lufthansa premium-economy passengers enjoy the enhanced perks of the separate premium-economy cabin. The friendly flight attendants offered me a non-alcoholic welcome drink. 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 greater 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 sizable selection included 100 films in varying languages, entire television seasons, music and more. It helped pass the flight time, as did the meal service. From a menu of two options, I chose the fish, 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 I settled 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.

The Experience: As on all my Lufthansa flights, I boarded assured of an efficient, comfortable, on-time experience. While the airline’s premium-economy cabin lacks many of the frills luxury travelers are accustomed to, it does offer a comfortable alternative.