Flight Check

bmi Airlines Chicago-Manchester
Premium Economy

by Ramsey Qubein

Introduction

I arrived at Chicago O’Hare with anticipation knowing that this would be my first long-haul trip with the carrier, and the Chicago-Manchester sector was one of the airline’s first and only routes to the United States.

Airport

The British airline operates from the International Terminal 5 with most other foreign airlines at Chicago O’Hare (ORD). As soon as check-in began, I approached the well-staffed counter. Check-in is handled by the airline’s Star Alliance partner SAS Scandinavian Airlines, and I was able to use the Business Class line. Their staff is swift, cool and efficient in true Scandinavian style and made me feel welcome even before I had stepped on the plane.

I was traveling in bmi’s Premium Economy Class, which is the middle ground between Business Class and Economy. If the cabin is not full, Economy Class passengers can purchase an upgrade to Premium Economy. Luckily, I was already seated in this cabin where the larger seats make a huge difference in the travel experience (especially for me as a tall guy). Lounge access is not a benefit for travelers in this cabin so I proceeded directly to the gate where I watched the Airbus A330 aircraft being towed into its gate position.

On Board

Flight attendants were attired in the signature British hat and distributed menus, amenity kits and welcome orange juice with a smile. After I was directed to my seat, I realized that this was the airline’s former Business Class seat. Service was reserved yet genteel with British class. The seats in Premium Economy were as good as domestic First Class seats with excellent pitch and ample space. I had no problem storing my luggage under the seat in front of me, and could stretch my legs out as far as I wanted.

The recline is definitely better than Economy, but not as glamorous as the airline’s lie-flat Business Class product. Unfortunately, the leg rest did not extend high enough for me, but the seat is definitely worth the upgrade.

After takeoff, aperitifs were offered promptly and served in glasses with packaged snacks. As I enjoyed a glass of wine, I began watching a movie on my personal in-seat entertainment system. The meal service is exactly the same as Economy, but alcoholic drinks are served with the airline’s compliments (rather than with a price tag like in Economy). I selected the chicken biryani with roasted new potatoes, which was quite tasty. Multiple passes were made with rolls and coffee or tea. I was impressed that bmi offers a printed menu to passengers in all cabins, which is something few airlines still do these days.

The movies and short subject pieces run on a loop meaning that they cannot be stopped if passengers want to eat, talk, or use the bathroom. Still, they make the flight literally fly by. I was fast asleep before the movie even finished and awakened at the sound of clinking glasses of orange juice. A continental breakfast was served in a paper bag before landing, and crewmembers cheerily shared suggestions on things to do at my final destination (London).

Arrival

I was pleased at the ease of deplaning since the boarding door is just in front of the Premium Economy cabin. I was through immigration and on the way to my connecting flight in no time. bmi offers a commendable long-haul service with an excellent frequent flyer program backed by the extensive Star Alliance. I already had my connecting boarding pass from check-in at O’Hare and relished in the fact that I had just crossed the ocean in style.

My connection to London was an all-economy flight, but I closed my eyes and pretended I was still relaxing in bmi’s Premium Economy seat. Who said you can’t still travel in style and on a budget without breaking the bank?!