Flight time 8hr 50min.

On-time performance It's five minutes to midnight and way past this Cinderella's bedtime,so the departure,right on schedule,is a good omen and we touch down in Sydney a few minutes early.

Seat width and pitch The seat pitch of 38 inches is a good 6 inches more than in economy seats. It might not sound much but it feels roomier. The 20-inch seat width is a welcomed upgrade of two inches over economy's size and the recline of eight inches leaves plenty of legroom.

Seat configuration A two-three-two layout of just four rows (28 seats) gives the cabin an airy ambience. It also makes the best seats (row 30) stand out like beacons. They have padded leg rests and adjustable pop-up screens.

Comfort The premium-economy cabin is calm and quiet. Pillows and blankets are the same as those in business class. An extra layer of padding in the contoured seats acts like a mattress topper and the armrests are upholstered in leather. Adjustable head and footrests add to the comfort. There's a bit of magic engineered in the recline — the seat base lifts and slides forward,leaving me in a cradled position. Nighty night.