Flying High: We Jetted Off To Rome With Jacqui Toumbas In Premium Economy, Here’s What Went Down

If you're travel-obsessed and haven't heard of Brisbane-based creator Jacqui Toumbas yet, stop what you're doing and follow her on Instagram, stat. She's all about getting to the heart of a destination by finding the best places to eat, discovering local experiences and embracing a slower style of sightseeing. 

She also runs Savour The Slow, a beautiful collection of intimate, thoughtfully designed retreats across Southern Italy and Greece, centred around food, culture, place and connection. No rushing or box-ticking. Just meaningful travel, experienced slowly.

It's safe to say Toumbas is no stranger to a long-haul flight. And on her latest sojourn from Brisbane Airport to Rome, she put Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy to the test ahead of Premium Economy becoming available on SQ266 from November 2026

Here, the travel creator answers all of our burning questions on the new Singapore Airlines flight experience. 

The Check-In

What was the airport experience like from the moment you arrived? 

Whether it’s for a holiday or work, I'm one of those crazy people who loves the excitement of a new adventure and getting to the airport early. So for me, check-in sets the whole tone for the trip.  

Checking in for Premium Economy is an experience (plus, the new Brisbane Airport check-in area is luxe). Having a dedicated lane got me through security quicker, but I think the most underrated perk is priority baggage. It might sound like a small thing, but you don't think about it until you're the one still standing at the carousel at the other end. After check-in, all I had to do was enjoy my time duty-free shopping and having dinner, plus a sweet treat from the Brooki vending machine! 

First Impressions

When you stepped onto the plane, what was your first impression?

Hello, legroom! That was literally my first thought. Besides being able to actually stretch my legs, I loved not having to think about my body for twelve hours; no tossing and turning to find a spot for your feet or negotiating an armrest with a stranger. I also loved having dedicated places to put things, like my lip balm and eye mask.

Getting Comfy

You’re settled in and ready for take-off. What was the first thing you did to get comfortable?

I have a whole routine, and I’m not embarrassed about it. Bag stowed, everything I need into the seat pockets, phone charging cord out and noise-cancelling headphones in my lap. I cannot stand rummaging through my bags mid-flight, so the pockets and compartments saved me. 

Then it's shoes off, fresh socks on, footrest down and calf rest up! The combination of the footrest and calf raise is what everyone underestimates about Premium Economy. By the time we were in the air, I’d basically moved in, which is exactly how I like to start a long journey.

Meal Time

Okay, important question: what did you eat? What was on the menu, and was there anything you’d happily order again?

This might be the part I thought about the most, mainly because the experience started hours before my flight. The Book the Cook service lets you preorder your meals before you fly, and there's a huge range to choose from. 

On the flight, my standout was the teriyaki salmon and rice, which was exactly what I needed. It was warm, not too heavy, and I could sleep well afterwards. Plus, it came with garlic bread, which I did not see coming and absolutely loved. 

The chicken and rice on my second flight was my favourite of the two. It was simple, properly seasoned and came with a side of sautéed greens. I'd order it again without thinking about it. 

Cruising

How did you keep yourself entertained up there? Did you find anything you got completely hooked on?

On long-haul flights, I always try to watch something that matches where I’m going. So I started with Under the Tuscan Sun. Krisworld has a great range of movies and TV shows, with a mix of old nostalgic favourites and new releases, so I wasn't scrolling through the same twelve films. I also watched The Devil Wears Prada 2 and my favourite series, Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy.

The Layover

When you landed in Singapore, how did you spend your time at Changi? 

I landed just after midnight, with about 80 minutes to spare before my next flight. After a long flight, I love to explore and walk about the airport. Changi is a calm, well-signed airport and even at half past midnight it doesn't have that dead fluorescent feeling most airports get overnight. I stopped in at Bacha Coffee for a hot chocolate on the way to my next gate.

Sleep Check

Time for a mid-air nap. Did you get much shut-eye? What made it easier to get comfortable?

Confession: I am not a good plane sleeper. I'm normally the person who watches three films, gets forty minutes of sleep somewhere over India and lands feeling like a ghost. But the Premium Economy experience surprised me. 

I think it came down to three things. Firstly, the calf rest and footrest, because when your legs are properly supported, you stop unconsciously bracing against the seat. And then the recline, which goes back far enough to actually matter rather than just tipping you slightly, and finally the width, because you're not spending the whole night aware of the person next to you.

The sleep mask from the supplied amenity kit did the rest. As it was a 1:30am departure, the cabin went dark quickly and stayed that way. I woke up somewhere over Europe (the best possible way to arrive in Italy) and got off the plane feeling fresh, which is the dream after 24 hours of travelling.

Touchdown

You’ve finally landed. Looking back on the flight, what impressed you most?

If anything, it was the fact that the flight went by so fast. Usually on a long-haul flight, you're counting down the hours until you’re off the plane. Your back hurts, your feet swell, and 24 hours feels like 48. I felt none of that. Instead, I ate well, watched movies I love, had a great sleep and then it was over.

But if I had to pin it down to something, it’s the calf rest and footrest. While it might be the least glamorous feature of Premium Economy, it's the one that changed my experience the most. 

The Final Verdict

If you could describe the experience in three words, what would they be?

Calm, comfortable and unexpected.