Flying long-haul on a budget often feels like a trade-off between your wallet and your well-being. However, Level Airlines, the low-cost long-haul subsidiary of the IAG group (the same parent company as British Airways and Iberia), offers a middle ground that many travelers overlook: the Premium Cabin.

If you are considering a transatlantic hop and wondering if the upgrade is worth it, here is an inside look at what it is really like to fly in the "front of the bus" with LEVEL.

1. The Pre-Flight Experience: Skipping the Scarcity

One of the most immediate benefits of Level Airlines booking in the premium tier is the airport experience. While standard economy passengers often face long lines, Premium Cabin tickets grant you access to:

• Priority Check-in: Dedicated counters at major hubs like Barcelona (BCN), New York (JFK), and Los Angeles (LAX).
• Priority Boarding: You are in Group 1, meaning you can settle into your seat and secure overhead bin space before the rush begins.
• Generous Baggage: Most Premium fares include two checked bags (23kg each), which is a massive value add considering LEVEL’s "Light" fares charge for almost everything.

2. The Seat: Comfort Where it Counts

The Premium Cabin is not a lie-flat business class (unless you happen to snag one of their rare ex-Virgin Australia aircraft), but it is a significant step up from standard economy.

Arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration on their Airbus A330-200 fleet, the cabin offers a much more intimate feel than the 2-4-2 layout in the back. The seats themselves feature:

• Enhanced Pitch: Expect around 37 to 38 inches of legroom, giving you plenty of space to stretch your legs without hitting the seat in front.
• Wider Seats: At roughly 18 to 19 inches wide, you aren't rubbing shoulders with your neighbor.
• Real Recline: The seats offer a deeper recline and include an adjustable footrest, which is the "make or break" feature for those trying to sleep on a red-eye.

3. In-Flight Service and Dining

On a low-cost carrier, food is usually a pay-per-item affair. However, in the Premium Cabin, the "full service" feel returns.

Shortly after takeoff, you’ll receive a three-course hot meal served with real cutlery and proper glassware. The menu typically leans into the airline's Spanish roots—think Mediterranean flavors, fresh salads, and surprisingly decent wine or beer, which are included for premium passengers.

Unlike the back of the plane, where you might have to pay for every cup of water, premium flyers get complimentary drinks throughout the flight and a second light meal or snack before landing.

4. The "Extras" That Aren't Extra

When you book Level Flights in the premium section, you receive a "Comfort Kit" that bridges the gap between budget and luxury. This includes:

• Noise-canceling headphones for the 12-inch personal seatback screen.
• A high-quality blanket and plush pillow (vastly superior to the thin felt ones found in economy).
• An amenity kit with essentials like an eye mask, socks, and earplugs.

The 12-inch HD screen is responsive and loaded with a decent selection of Hollywood movies and TV shows, though the library isn't as vast as a carrier like Emirates or Delta.

Is it Worth It?

The real appeal of Level Airlines is the price point. Often, a Premium Cabin seat on LEVEL is priced similarly to a standard economy seat on a legacy carrier like United or Lufthansa.

You should choose the Premium Cabin if:

1. You are tall: The extra legroom and footrest are essential for anyone over 6 feet.
2. You have luggage: Once you add two checked bags to an economy ticket, the price gap to Premium narrows significantly.
3. You want to sleep: The quiet, smaller cabin and better recline make a 10-hour flight to Buenos Aires or San Francisco much more bearable.

Final Verdict

Flying LEVEL's Premium Cabin feels like "Premium Economy Plus." It isn't a luxury suite, but it removes every pain point of low-cost travel. It’s a smart, pragmatic way to cross the Atlantic without arriving feeling like a folded piece of origami.