Key Highlights
Considering an upgrade for your next trip? Here’s a quick look at how premium economy stacks up against economy class.
- Premium economy offers significantly more space, including wider seats and extra legroom.
- You can expect better in-flight amenities like upgraded meals, free drinks, and amenity kits.
- Priority services such as dedicated check-in and boarding are common perks.
- The price difference can be substantial, especially on international flights where premium economy is most common.
- It serves as a comfortable middle ground between a standard economy class seat and a pricey business class experience.
Understanding Airline Seating Classes
When booking a flight, you’ll encounter several travel classes, each offering a different level of comfort and service. The main options typically include economy class, premium economy, and business class. Economy is the most basic and budget-friendly choice, while business class provides a luxury experience with features like flat beds.
Positioned right in the middle, premium economy offers a welcome upgrade from standard coach without the high cost of a business class ticket. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want more comfort on longer journeys. Let’s look closer at what separates these travel classes.
Defining Economy Class
Economy class, often called the main cabin, offers the most affordable seats on an airplane, making it the go-to for budget-conscious travelers. Within this class, you might find different tiers, such as basic economy and standard economy. Basic economy is the cheapest option but comes with restrictions, like not being able to choose your seat.
In a standard economy seat, you can generally expect a seat width of 17 to 18 inches and a pitch (the distance between your seat and the one in front) of 28 to 34 inches. Legroom is minimal, and recline is often limited.
While amenities vary, most airlines provide free onboard entertainment, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks on longer routes. However, perks like checked bags or seat selection often come with extra fees. Essentially, economy gets you from point A to point B without any frills.
What Makes Premium Economy Different?
So, what sets premium economy apart? This class is a distinct step up from the main cabin, often located in a separate cabin between economy and business class. One of the main differences is the enhanced comfort you receive. You’ll enjoy wider seats, more recline, and, most importantly, extra legroom.
The benefits extend beyond just the seat. Premium economy passengers often receive a higher level of service and better amenities. These perks can make a big difference, especially on long-haul flights. Have you ever wished for just a little more personal space on a plane?
Here’s what you can typically expect:
- More Space: Seats are generally 1-3 inches wider with 5-7 more inches of legroom.
- Upgraded Amenities: You can often look forward to better meals, free drinks (including alcohol), and amenity kits.
- Priority Services: Dedicated check-in counters and priority boarding are common features.
Key Differences Between Premium Economy and Economy
The primary distinction between these two classes comes down to comfort and cost. Premium economy provides more comfortable seats, better service, and extra perks that are absent in economy. However, these enhancements come with a noticeable price difference, which can be a deciding factor for many travelers.
While premium economy offers a significant upgrade, it’s important to note that it typically does not include benefits like lounge access, which is reserved for business or first-class passengers. Now, let’s break down the specific differences in seat comfort and in-flight service.
Seat Comfort and Legroom
The most significant upgrade you’ll experience in premium economy is the seat comfort. Premium economy seats are designed to give you more personal space. This means you get extra legroom to stretch out, wider seats so you don’t feel cramped, and a deeper recline to help you rest. Some airlines even include adjustable headrests and leg rests or footrests.
In contrast, standard economy seats are built for efficiency, fitting more passengers into the main cabin. The leg room is more limited, and the seats are narrower. On a long flight, this difference can have a huge impact on your overall travel experience.
Here is a general comparison of the seat dimensions:
| Feature | Economy Class | Premium Economy Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Pitch (Legroom) | 28–34 inches | 35–40 inches |
| Seat Width | 17–18 inches | 18–20 inches |
| Recline | Limited | Enhanced |
In-Flight Amenities and Service Levels
Your experience in premium economy is also elevated by superior in-flight amenities and a higher level of service. Do you enjoy having better food and drink options on a flight? In premium economy, you’ll often be treated to upgraded meal options, sometimes served on real dishware, and a wider selection of complimentary beverages, including free drinks like wine and beer.
The entertainment is also a step up. Passengers frequently receive larger personal screens for watching TV shows and movies, along with noise-canceling headphones to improve the experience. For many, the small touches make the biggest difference.
Here are some other perks you might receive:
- Amenity Kits: Containing items like blankets, pillows, and toiletries.
- Priority Boarding: Allowing you to settle in before the main cabin boards.
- Dedicated Service: A lower passenger-to-attendant ratio often means more attentive service.
- Increased Baggage Allowance: Many airlines offer a more generous checked bag policy.
Cost Analysis: Is the Price Difference Worth It?
The big question is whether the upgrade is worth the money. The price difference between an economy ticket and a premium economy one can range from 50% to 100% more, but it remains significantly cheaper than business class fares. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking comfort without the extreme cost.
Whether the added expense is justified depends on your personal priorities, the length of the flight, and your budget. For some, the comfort is a worthy investment, while others might prefer to stick with the most affordable seats. Let’s explore how this cost varies and how to evaluate the value.
Price Gaps on Domestic vs International Flights
The price difference between economy and premium economy is most noticeable on international flights, where the premium cabin is more common. On a long-haul international route, a premium economy ticket can be several hundred dollars more than a standard economy fare, sometimes even double the price. However, these fares are still a fraction of what you would pay for business class fares.
On domestic flights, the offering is less consistent. Some airlines offer a version of premium economy on longer cross-country routes, but it might be labeled differently, like “Economy Plus” or “Main Cabin Extra,” which offer extra legroom but fewer amenities than a true international premium economy product.
Here’s a hypothetical example of the price difference on a long-haul flight:
| Fare Class | Hypothetical Round-Trip Cost |
|---|---|
| Economy | $800 |
| Premium Economy | $1,500 |
| Business Class | $4,500 |
Evaluating Value for Money
Is premium economy a good value for your money? The answer truly depends on what you prioritize as a traveler. If your main goal is simply to get to your destination for the lowest possible cost, then sticking with the economy class main cabin is your best bet.
However, if you value comfort and a more relaxed journey, premium economy can be an excellent compromise. It offers a taste of the business class experience—more space, better food, and enhanced service—without the astronomical price tag. It’s about deciding how much your comfort is worth over the duration of your flight.
Consider these factors when evaluating the value:
- Flight Duration: The longer the flight, the more you’ll appreciate the extra space.
- Your Budget: Can you comfortably afford the upgrade?
- Personal Needs: Are you tall, traveling for business, or simply want to arrive more rested?
- The Airline: Some carriers offer a premium economy product that is much closer to business class than others.
When Should You Consider Upgrading to Premium Economy?
Certain travel scenarios make the price difference for an upgrade to premium economy particularly worthwhile. If you’re facing a long-haul or overnight flight, the added comfort can be a game-changer for your well-being upon arrival. Do you often feel exhausted after a long flight?
For business travelers who need to be productive or frequent flyers who can use points for an upgrade, premium economy also presents a compelling case. Let’s examine these situations more closely to help you decide when to make the leap.
Long-Haul and Overnight Travel Scenarios
On a long-haul flight lasting eight hours or more, the limitations of standard economy seats can become painfully obvious. An overnight flight, in particular, can be difficult when you’re trying to sleep upright in a cramped space. This is where premium economy truly shines.
The comfier seats, with their extra recline and legroom, make it much easier to rest or even get some quality sleep. Arriving at your destination feeling more refreshed can help minimize jet lag and allow you to start your trip on the right foot. For many travelers, this benefit alone justifies the upgrade.
Consider upgrading on a long-haul flight if you want to:
- Arrive feeling more rested and less stiff.
- Enjoy a quieter, more exclusive cabin environment.
- Have a better chance of sleeping comfortably.
- Make the journey itself part of the vacation experience.
Special Situations: Business, Family, or Frequent Flyers
Beyond long flights, specific types of travelers can find great value in premium economy. For business travelers on a budget that doesn’t stretch to business class, premium economy offers a productive and comfortable environment. The extra space and in-seat power outlets make it easier to work on a laptop.
Families traveling with children or older adults may also find the upgrade beneficial. The additional room can make the journey less stressful for everyone, while priority boarding helps families get settled without the rush of general boarding. It provides a smoother travel experience.
Here’s who else should consider the upgrade:
- Frequent Flyers: You may be able to secure free upgrades or use miles to book a premium economy seat for less.
- Taller Individuals: The extra legroom can make the difference between a comfortable flight and a miserable one.
- Special Occasion Travelers: For a honeymoon or anniversary trip, the added luxury can make the journey more memorable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between premium economy and economy class boils down to personal preferences and travel needs. While premium economy offers enhanced comfort and amenities that can significantly improve your travel experience—especially on long-haul flights—the economy class remains a budget-friendly option for those who prioritize cost over comfort. If you’re a frequent flyer or have specific travel scenarios where comfort is crucial, upgrading might be worth every penny. Before booking your next flight, consider your travel habits and what value you place on an upgraded experience. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do premium economy passengers get priority boarding?
Yes, priority boarding is a common perk for premium economy passengers. You’ll typically be invited to board after business class and other elite status holders but before the majority of economy class travelers. This allows you to find overhead bin space and get settled without the usual rush.
How significant are the comfort differences between premium economy and economy?
The comfort differences are quite significant. Premium economy seats provide several inches of extra leg room and are noticeably wider than standard economy seats. Combined with a deeper recline and features like leg rests, these comfier seats make it much easier to relax and rest, especially on long flights.
Which airlines have the best premium economy cabins?
Several airlines are known for their excellent premium economy cabins. Carriers like Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic are highly regarded for their service and comfort. Other great options include British Airways (World Traveller Plus), United Airlines (Premium Plus), Lufthansa, and Emirates, all offering a solid upgrade over economy.
Is it worth upgrading to premium economy?
Whether the upgrade is worth it depends on the flight length and your budget. For long-haul or overnight flights, the added comfort often provides excellent value for money. If you prioritize space and arriving well-rested over the lowest price, the main differences make premium economy a worthwhile investment.
What is premium economy class?
Premium economy is a travel class that sits between standard economy and business class. It is typically in a separate cabin and offers wider seats, extra legroom, enhanced amenities, and better service. It’s designed to provide a more comfortable experience without the high cost of a business class seat.