On this flight only the first two seat rows of the two-year-old A321 are assigned to Premium Class, making a total maximum of eight passengers, because the middle seat stays free. Seat pitch of 30’’ is as tight here as in the other rows. I am sitting on 2F, all other seats are occupied as well, no wonder at this low fare. On the empty middle seat lies a transparent plastic pouch, the so-called “wellbeing set”, containing socks, eyeshades, ear plugs as well as earphones of the cheapest kind. The bag offers itself for after-use in taking liquids along in carry-on bags. Flying Premium Class feels a little like flying in the good old times when all holiday carriers treated all passengers a bit like we are treated here now. Before take-off a friendly flight attendant offers magazines, after departure drinks, which are all inclusive here, unlimited, also alcoholic ones, which otherwise are charged for, costing three to five Euros.

Friendly and efficient.

A full meal is included, while other passengers can just purchase smaller snacks. There is no selection unless one pre-orders a special meal, vegetarian for example. 'Haute Cuisine above the clouds' boasts the printed on cardboard box covering the meal tray, and “selected fresh ingredients”. Of this I become seriously doubtful once I am able to decipher the small print on the foil covering the heated porcelain dish. That’s when I first become aware of what I am going to eat soon - 'Beef Goulash Potato Leek Mash' it says, adding: “Best before 24.01.2019“. Aha, so this is a non-perishable instant menu, meaning the contents the master chef put together can’t be that fresh anymore. Still, the meal is OK, but doesn’t even evoke a hint of “Haute Cuisine” that nobody would have expected anyway. For me, it needn’t have to be a double round of meat with smoked pork also in the appetizer, but it is for sure filling enough.

Condor shows short movies and TV documentaries on overhead screens and also offers twelve audio channels.

Premium Class, at least at this fare, offers a value-for-money proposition that is hard to beat. It might depend on the length of flight and the fare difference, but on a fairly long flight as from the Canary Islands this does make a difference in passenger experience.