We flew premium economy, flight only, NCL-MLB return in May/June 2025. A similar price to British Airways Gatwick LGW- Orlando MCO, but everything was so much better.
The flight from Newcastle was mid-morning and so we stayed at the Hilton Doubletree – just a three-minute walk away from the terminal. Much as I hate morning flights, it really helps to arrive in Florida early afternoon as you’re already eight hours ahead.
You can choose your seat for free in advance. There is a dedicated check in for Premium Economy passengers, plus fast-track security and lounge access. Note that BA doesn’t offer free seat selection, fast track, nor lounge to Premium Economy passengers, unless they are Silver or Gold card holders.
The Newcastle Airport lounge is pretty comfortable and had a hot breakfast buffet.
TUI doesn’t have a business class and so Premium Economy passengers are first to board and also turn left into the front of the aircraft. That means the remaining passengers don’t pass through that cabin while boarding and gives everyone plenty of time to stow their bags and get comfortable.
The amenity pack.
The outbound menu card.
And this is how the main meal looked.
The meals are all pretty good for airline food. Cabin crew were friendly and generous with the drinks.
Passengers on the left/port side of the aircraft use the bathroom in the nose section, those on the right/starboard side are encouraged to use the bathroom between premium economy and economy. There was hardly ever a queue for the bathrooms, unlike the single bathroom on BA PE which always has a line.
Melbourne airport (MLB) is about an hour’s drive south of Orlando airport (MCO) on the East coast of Florida. Melbourne is a much smaller airport. They have an odd system whereby passengers must collect bags before immigration. Our bags arrived really quickly – Orlando and Tampa airport wait times are often over one hour. There wasn’t any wait time for immigration – those without Global Entry arriving to Orlando and Tampa can easily wait an hour.
The only delay was at the Avis rental car desk. I have no idea why Avis employ so many useless staff, but almost every time we rent a car in the US, the staff move at the slowest possible pace and try to charge for stuff you don’t need or that is already included in your rental. Rental cars are parked just outside the terminal.
MLB – NCL
Departing on an early afternoon flight means that you arrive in the evening (Florida time to which you have become accustomed) and get to bed early morning UK time. Perfect flight to avoid jet lag.
There is a dedicated check in for Premium Economy passengers, plus lounge access. There isn’t a fast track and TUI doesn’t support TSA Pre-Check, but that didn’t matter as there wasn’t a wait for security.
US airport lounges are usually terrible, so it was a great surprise to find a spacious lounge, with friendly staff, a free bar and a semi-decent food buffet.
The on-board experience was similar to outbound, except amenity kits weren’t provided – I think they expect passengers to keep the outbound kit for the inbound flight.
The inbound menu card.
And this is how the main meal looked.
The breakfast service before landing. Slightly weird as it was midnight Florida time, but all airlines seem to do this.
TUI flights are a great alternative to other airlines and offer much better value than BA. Melbourne airport is excellent and easily makes up for being farther away.
Flights are only bookable from Newcastle. US travelers miss out as they can’t buy a ticket originating from Orlando.
The table below compares premium economy on TUI and BA.
| Service | TUI | BA |
| Free seat selection in advance. | Yes | No |
| Dedicated check in | Yes | Yes |
| Fast-track security on UK-US flight | Yes | No |
| Fast-track security on US-UK flight | No | No |
| Lounge access | Yes | No |
| First to board | Yes | No |
| Turn left into a quiet cabin | Yes | No |
| Two bathrooms | Yes | No |
| First off after landing | Yes | No |
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