This is our first Premium Economy Amenity Kit Review. We’ll see how it stands up to the scoring system. Similar to the refreshed American Airlines Business Class amenity kits, there are also new kits for Premium Economy flights. (Sriram reviewed the kit he received in Premium Economy a few years back. I have flown in the Premium Economy seats several times, but never on a long haul flight. I received this kit from the company who makes them and here is my review.
American provides amenity kits in premium cabins on longhaul flights. Nearly the entire widebody fleet has Premium Economy cabins. As of this writing, only a few 787-8 planes have not yet been converted, and the A330-300s do not have PE. These kits come in a pouch printed with a map of Brooklyn, the home of STATE bags, who make them. Grooming products come from Baxter of California.
Welcome to another installment of our amenity kit review series. As in past reviews, I will be reviewing this amenity kit on a scale from 1 to 5 (being the best) and will rate it based on five categories:
- Bag/container: design, quality and reusability/collectibility of the bag.
- Product: quality, size and variety of the facial and body products.
- Comfort items: eye masks, ear plugs, etc.
- Miscellaneous: pens, tissues and everything else.
- Extras: additional items that make your flight just a tad more comfortable including pajamas, slippers, etc.
American Premium Economy Amenity Kit
These new kits are part of what has become an annual refresh of their premium cabin amenity kits. Changes this year are more significant, with new vendors and new products. I’ve already discussed their release announcing these changes, but now I’ve gotten ahold of this kit so I can do a full review. These premium economy kits come in 2 color combinations, black and white.
STATE makes bags for men, women and children, and among other charitable endeavors, attempt to donate one fully stocked backpack to kids in need for each bag sold. Baxter of California makes skincare, hair and shave products from Los Angeles. There are 20% off coupons the kits for products from both of these companies.
Bag/Container
There are 2 color combinations of the kit, as shown above. The bags are small zip-top pouches with a short strap the close. I would describe the design similar to a wristlet. The bag is canvas with a map of Brooklyn on the outside, plus a STATE logo. Inside is black with a small tag with both AA and STATE. A small bag, no additional pockets, but this seems well made, and would work well repurposed to carry small items. Score: 3.5
Product
Given this is a premium economy product, this kit doesn’t compare that well with others reviewed here. The only products here are some lip balm and lotion. That is the bare minimum, and to be fair American only adds mouthwash to the business kit, so I guess this isn’t that much worse. Lotion seems nice enough, not greasy, and a very mild scent. Score 3
Comfort Items
Also very basic items here. Some thin polyester socks that barely cover my ankles when pulled up. The eye mask is small, and flimsy. These are required to make the amenity kit worthwhile, but not particularly nice. Score: 2.5
Miscellaneous Items
Travel toothbrush which fits into its own handle, the same as in the business class version of the kit. The only difference here is a tiny toothpaste tube, not as nice as the larger tube in the business class kit. There are also earplugs, but they are unbranded. Score: 2.5
Extras
Nothing else included here other than a small card with info on the companies who made the products and some discount codes Score: 1.5
Final thoughts on the American Premium Economy Amenity kit from STATE
This amenity kit doesn’t fit the scoring system that well, which is more intended for more premium products. Still, I tried to apply my scores fairly. I think this is decent for the premium economy products which seems to be decent, but certainly not frills. By averaging my scores, I rate this kit 2.6
Have you received a STATE amenity kit on an American flight in Premium Economy? Please let us know what you think.
Other Amenity Kit Reviews
- Japan Airlines First Class
- ANA First Class
- British Airways First Class
- Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
- Qantas First Class
- Thai Airways First Class (Rimowa 2014)
- Japan Airlines Business Class
- Lufthansa First Class (Escada)
- Cathay Pacific Business Class (new Seventy-Eight Percent)
- United Airlines BusinessFirst (Cowshed Kit)
- United Airlines BusinessFirst
- American Airlines Transcon First Class (Reno Air Heritage Series)
- United Airlines BusinessFirst (new TEAM USA kit)
- Lufthansa Business Class (Bree)
- Etihad Business Class (LUXE)
- Qatar Airways Economy Class
- American Airlines Business Class (Cole Haan 2016)
- American Airlnes Business Class (Cole Haan 2017)
- Austrian Airlines Business Class
- Delta One Domestic Tumi
- Air France La Premiére
- Qantas First Class Martin Grant
- American Airlines Business Class (Cole Haan 2018)
- Lufthansa Business Class (Reisenthel 2018)
- Swiss Business Class (Victorinox 2018)
- American Airlines Business Class (This is Ground 2019)
