Key Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what premium economy offers:
- Premium economy is a separate travel class positioned between economy class and business class.
- You get more comfort than in economy, with wider seats, greater recline, and a better seat pitch for more legroom.
- Enjoy enhanced amenities, including upgraded meals, larger entertainment screens, and amenity kits on many airlines.
- Perks often include priority boarding, a more generous baggage allowance, and dedicated check-in counters.
- While it costs more than an economy ticket, it’s significantly less expensive than a business class seat.
Introduction
Are you looking for a way to make your flight experience more comfortable without the hefty price tag of business class? Premium economy might be the perfect solution for you. This travel class bridges the gap, offering a noticeable upgrade from the standard economy cabin. It provides extra space, better service, and added perks that can transform your travel experience, especially on long-haul journeys. If you want to arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed, this upgraded option is worth considering.
Understanding Premium Economy: The Basics
So, what does premium economy mean on a flight? Simply put, it’s a distinct class of service that offers a superior experience compared to the standard economy cabin. You’ll find the premium economy cabin situated between the main economy section and the more luxurious business class on many airlines.
This option is designed for travelers who want more than basic comfort but aren’t ready to splurge on a business class ticket. It’s a middle ground that provides tangible benefits you can feel. Let’s explore how this cabin class came to be and how different airlines have adopted it.
Definition and History of Premium Economy
Premium economy is a travel class that offers more space, comfort, and amenities than standard economy class but falls short of the luxury of business class or first class. Think of it as a call back to a time when flying felt a bit more special, but with modern comforts designed to make long flights more bearable.
The concept isn’t new. EVA Air was the pioneer, introducing this service as “Economy Deluxe Class” on its first trans-Pacific flight on December 12, 1992 [1]. This innovation created a new category for travelers seeking an elevated experience without the cost of a premium cabin.
Over the years, other carriers followed suit, with airlines like British Airways branding their version as “World Traveller Plus.” This class emerged partly as a response from companies that required staff to fly economy but still wanted to provide them with extra comfort and airport priority perks.
How Airlines Introduced This Cabin Class
Airlines introduced the premium economy class to cater to a growing segment of travelers willing to pay a little more for a lot more comfort, especially on long international flights. It became a way for airlines to differentiate their offerings and capture additional revenue from passengers who found the leap from the main cabin to business class too expensive.
The implementation varies widely. Some airlines created a dedicated, smaller premium economy cabin with specially designed seats. Others simply designated the most attractive rows in the economy section, like those with extra legroom, as a premium product. Today, many major airlines like Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines offer a distinct premium economy product.
According to the 2023 Skytrax World Airlines Awards, some of the airlines that offer the best premium economy experience include EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic. These carriers are recognized for providing exceptional comfort, service, and amenities in this class.
Key Differences Between Premium Economy and Economy
The most significant difference you’ll notice between premium economy seats and economy seats is the space. Premium economy offers more spacious seats, greater recline, and an increased seat pitch, which translates to more legroom. This extra room can make a world of difference on a long-haul flight.
But the upgrades don’t stop at the seat itself. The overall experience is elevated with better amenities and services that distinguish it from a standard economy ticket. Let’s break down the specifics of the seat dimensions and the other comfort features you can expect.
Seat Size, Pitch, and Legroom Comparison
Yes, you absolutely get more legroom in premium economy compared to economy class. While a standard economy seat usually offers a seat pitch of around 31-33 inches, premium economy seats typically provide 36-42 inches. This gives you several extra inches of legroom to stretch out, which is a game-changer on flights lasting more than a few hours.
Beyond just legroom, the seats themselves are often wider. In a premium economy cabin, you might find a 2-4-2 or 2-3-2 seat configuration, whereas economy class seats on the same aircraft could be a tighter 3-4-3. This means fewer seats per row, giving you more shoulder and elbow room. The recline is also more generous, often adding 2-3 extra inches.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Standard Economy Class | Premium Economy Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Pitch | 31–33 inches | 36–42 inches |
| Extra Legroom | Standard | 5–7 inches more |
| Seat Width | Standard | 1–2 inches wider |
| Recline | 5–6 inches | 7–9 inches |
Enhanced Comfort Features and Amenities
The perks of premium economy extend beyond just the extra inches of space. You’ll find that the seat itself is designed for better comfort, often including features like adjustable headrests, leg rests, or footrests that you won’t find in economy. These small additions help you find a more comfortable position for relaxing or sleeping.
Airlines also provide enhanced amenities to make your journey more pleasant. Upon boarding, you might be greeted with a bottle of water at your seat. The inflight entertainment system is often upgraded, featuring a larger personal screen and sometimes offering noise-canceling headphones for a more immersive experience.
Other typical benefits that come with premium economy seats include:
- At-seat power outlets and USB ports to keep your devices charged.
- A larger and sturdier tray table, which is great for working on a laptop.
- Upgraded pillows and blankets for better comfort.
- An amenity kit containing items like socks, an eye mask, and a toothbrush.
What You Get With Premium Economy
When you fly in the premium economy cabin, you can expect a higher level of service that sets it apart from the standard flight experience. The cabin crew is often dedicated to the premium economy class, meaning you receive more attentive service throughout your flight.
From better dining options to an upgraded inflight entertainment selection, the experience is designed to be more enjoyable. Let’s look at the specific in-flight services and meal quality you can anticipate when you book a premium economy ticket.
In-Flight Services and Entertainment Options
The in-flight services in premium economy are a clear step up. You’ll often receive a welcome drink shortly after boarding and a hot towel service to help you freshen up. These small touches contribute to a more premium feel, especially on long international routes. A pre-departure bottle of water is also a common perk.
Your entertainment experience gets a boost as well. The state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system typically features a larger, higher-resolution screen than in economy. You’ll have access to a wider selection of movies, TV shows, games, and music. To ensure you can enjoy it all, airlines often provide better-quality headphones.
Here are some of the service and entertainment features you can expect:
- Larger, more responsive personal entertainment screens.
- Noise-canceling or higher-quality headphones.
- Conveniently located power outlets and USB ports.
- Attentive service from a dedicated cabin crew.
Meal Quality and Dining Experience
Your dining experience in premium economy is noticeably enhanced compared to what’s offered in the main cabin. The meal quality is higher, with menus that are often inspired by business class offerings. You can expect multi-course meals served on real dishware with stainless steel cutlery instead of plastic.
This improved service makes mealtime feel more like a proper dining experience. In addition to the upgraded food, the beverage selection is also better. Many airlines offer free alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, which are typically a paid extra in economy.
The presentation itself adds to the premium feel. Your meal will likely be served on a tray with real glass drinkware, further separating the experience from the standard economy service. It’s these thoughtful details that elevate the entire journey.
Added Perks That Come With Premium Economy
Yes, flying premium economy often comes with valuable perks on the ground, not just in the air. Many airlines offer an increased baggage allowance, priority boarding, and dedicated check-in lines for premium economy passengers. These benefits can save you time and hassle at the airport.
While complimentary upgrades to business class are rare and usually reserved for elite status flyers, the ground services you receive make the entire travel process smoother. Let’s dive into the specifics of baggage allowances and priority services.
Baggage Allowance and Priority Services
One of the most practical benefits of premium economy is the increased baggage allowance. While rules vary by airline, you can often expect at least one or two free checked bags, which is a significant saving compared to economy fares where you might have to pay for each checked item.
In addition to more luggage, you’ll benefit from priority services at the airport. This typically includes access to dedicated check-in counters, which means shorter lines and a quicker start to your journey. Some airlines, like Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, even offer lounge access to their premium economy passengers.
Here’s what you can generally expect:
- An increased baggage allowance, often including free checked bags.
- Priority check-in counters to avoid long queues.
- Priority security screening at some airports.
- Priority boarding, so you can settle in before the main cabin boards.
Board Early and Breeze Through Check-In
With premium economy tickets, you can say goodbye to the long lines at the check-in counter and the rush to board the plane. The priority services that come with your ticket make the airport experience much more relaxed and efficient. Dedicated check-in desks mean you can drop off your bags and get your boarding pass in a fraction of the time.
This early boarding privilege is more than just a convenience. It allows you to get to your seat, stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin without competing for space, and settle in comfortably before the majority of passengers begin to board.
Starting your journey this way sets a calmer tone for the entire flight. You avoid the stress of crowded gate areas and can begin to relax the moment you step on the plane, making the most of the enhanced comfort and service that awaits you.
Price Comparison: Premium Economy vs. Coach
Deciding if premium economy tickets are worth the extra cost is a personal choice that depends on your priorities. The price difference between a premium economy seat and a regular economy seat in the main cabin can vary significantly, but you are paying for tangible upgrades in comfort and service.
For many travelers, especially on long-haul or overnight flights, the added benefits justify the higher fare. To help you decide, let’s examine the typical price difference and break down the value you receive for your money.
Typical Price Difference and Value Breakdown
The cost of premium economy tickets can range anywhere from 15 to 100 per cent more than a standard economy fare. The exact price difference depends on the airline, the route, and how close to the departure date you book. On shorter flights, the increase might be minimal, but for international journeys, it can be more substantial.
However, it’s important to look at the value breakdown. While premium economy is more expensive than coach, it’s still generally around 65 percent less than a business class ticket. You get a significant portion of the comfort without the massive price jump.
Here’s a general idea of the price structure:
| Travel Class | Typical Price Increase from Economy | Key Value |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Economy | Base Fare | Most affordable option |
| Premium Economy | 15% – 100% more | More space, better service, priority perks |
| Business Class | 200% – 400%+ more | Lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, lounge access |
When Is Upgrading Worth the Cost?
An upgrade to premium economy is often worth the cost on long-haul flights, especially those over six hours or overnight red-eyes. On these journeys, the extra legroom, wider seat, and increased recline can make the difference between arriving exhausted and arriving refreshed. The enhanced travel experience can significantly improve the start of your vacation or business trip.
The value also depends on you as a traveler. If you’re tall, value personal space, or have trouble sleeping on planes, the additional comfort can be a worthwhile investment. The priority airport services and increased baggage allowance also add tangible value, potentially saving you money on fees you might otherwise pay.
Consider upgrading if:
- You are flying on a long-haul or overnight flight.
- You are tall and need extra legroom.
- You want to arrive at your destination feeling more rested.
- The price difference is reasonable, for instance, if you find a good deal or bid for an upgrade.
How Premium Economy Stacks Up Against Business Class
While premium economy (sometimes called economy plus on certain airlines) is a definite step up from coach, it doesn’t compare to the luxurious experience of business class. The biggest difference lies in the seat itself. Business class seats on long-haul flights often convert into fully flat beds, a feature you won’t find in premium economy.
The gap in service, dining, and ground perks is also significant. Let’s explore the major distinctions in comfort and service to help you understand what you get with each option.
Major Distinctions in Comfort and Service
The major distinctions between premium economy and business class are centered on comfort and service. Business class offers a private, exclusive experience. The biggest selling point is the lie-flat business class seats on international flights, which allow for proper sleep. In contrast, premium economy offers more spacious seats than economy, but they only recline and do not lie flat.
Service in business class is highly personalized, with a lower passenger-to-crew ratio. The dining is a gourmet, multi-course affair, often designed by celebrity chefs, with top-shelf alcoholic beverages. While premium economy meals are an upgrade from coach, they don’t reach this level of culinary excellence.
This table highlights the key differences:
| Feature | Premium Economy | Business Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seat | Wider, more recline, leg rest | Lie-flat bed |
| Dining | Upgraded multi-course meal | Gourmet, restaurant-quality dining |
| Service | Attentive, dedicated crew | Highly personalized, on-demand service |
| Ground Perks | Priority check-in, boarding | Full lounge access, priority everything |
Who Should Choose Premium Economy Over Business Class?
Travelers who want a more comfortable travel experience than economy without the significant financial leap to business class should choose premium economy. It’s the ideal choice for budget-conscious flyers who still value space and enhanced service, particularly on long international or some transcontinental domestic flights.
Products like Delta’s Premium Select provide a balanced middle ground, offering a noticeable improvement in your journey without emptying your wallet. If a lie-flat bed isn’t a must-have for you, premium economy delivers excellent value. It elevates your trip from a simple means of transport to a more enjoyable part of your vacation.
Choose premium economy over business class if:
- You are paying for the ticket yourself and have a budget.
- You want more comfort but don’t need a lie-flat bed.
- The flight is a daytime route where you plan to stay awake.
- You want to get a great value for an upgraded travel experience.
Conclusion
In summary, premium economy offers a delightful balance between comfort and cost for travelers seeking an enhanced flying experience. With extra legroom, improved seating, and upgraded services, this cabin class stands out as a worthy alternative to both economy and business classes. Whether you’re looking for more space to relax on long-haul flights or enjoy better meal options, premium economy caters to your needs without breaking the bank. If you’re considering making the leap, take a moment to evaluate your travel preferences and budget. Happy travels! If you’re ready to elevate your next journey, don’t hesitate to get your free consultation with our travel experts today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all airlines offer premium economy, and are they all the same?
Not all airlines offer premium economy, and the product is not standardized. The offering varies significantly across carriers like Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, and British Airways. Differences include seat pitch, width, recline, and included amenities, so it’s wise to check the specifics before you book [2].
Can I sleep comfortably in a premium economy seat on a long-haul flight?
You can sleep more comfortably in premium economy seats than in economy class seats, thanks to the extra inches of legroom, greater recline, and features like adjustable headrests and leg rests. While they don’t lie flat, the added space on airlines like EVA Air makes a noticeable difference in restfulness.
How do I upgrade from economy to premium economy?
You can often upgrade from economy class by paying the fare difference online after booking. Some airlines also offer the chance to bid for an upgrade as the departure date nears or purchase premium economy tickets at check-in if seats are available. Complimentary upgrades are typically reserved for elite status flyers.
Citations:
[1] Chang, Rachel. “How a Little-Known Airline Transformed the Air Travel Industry 30 Years Ago.” Condé Nast Traveler, 1 May 2023, https://www.cntraveler.com/story/eva-air-premium-economy-30th-anniversary. [2] Snyder, Brett. “The long and short of ‘premium economy’.” CNN, 22 Sep. 2011, https://www.cnn.com/2011/09/22/travel/premium-economy/index.html.