Premium Economy

Premium Economy — what is it and is it worth it?

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Where to?

Departure date

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Passengers

1 Adult, Economy/Coach

Is it worth upgrading from Economy to Premium Economy?

Find out information on Premium Economy and whether purchasing a Premium ticket over and Economy ticket is worth it. Use our comparison table below to see how the two classes compare for all the major airlines!

What is Premium Economy?

Because comfort is such as big priority for many travellers, some airlines offer Premium Economy as a separate seating class to Economy, usually with a greater service and space. Not all airlines offer Premium Economy - it is usually found on international flights. Airlines are increasingly offering Premium Economy, but the question is, is the increased fare worth the upgrade?

What is the difference between Economy and Premium Economy?

The difference between Premium Economy and Economy will vary between airlines, and is likely to also depend on the type of aircraft you are flying on. In many cases, Premium Economy will be separated from Economy with a curtain to increase privacy. You can also expect wider seats and a few extra inches of recline, as well as extra amenities and facilities including complimentary snacks/meals/drinks, power, and a larger personal entertainment screen.

Top Tip:Is extra space a priority to you? Check out our guide to learn more about seat width and pitch and the best airlines for personal space in Economy:Airlines with the Biggest Seats in Economy and Premium Economy.

Is it worth paying for Premium Economy?

Premium Economy definitely offers a better flying experience. The upgrade can be quite a bit more expensive, so is it worth paying for the increased cost? There’s no denying that premium economy is a better flying experience compared to the economy, so the question is, how much are you willing to pay for that privilege? As stated above, there can be some good value, but it can also be quite expensive. It depends on your priorities; many people value the extra room, especially ontransatlanticorlong-haul flights. Premium class seats will typically have 5-7 extra inches of legroom and width. If the difference is just 15-20%, it might be worth upgrading.

Additional facilities often include adjustable headrests and leg-rests, larger personal TV screens and power ports for laptop or digital devices. Passengers can also usually look forward to a premium food service and complimentary alcoholic drinks.

Airline Comparison

Take a look at below to see how Economy compares with Premium Economy on some of the most popular airlines:

Aegean Airlines

Seat Pitch:
Economy: 30 inches
Premium Economy: not available
Seat Width:
Economy: 17-18 inches
Premium Economy: not available

Adria Airways

Seat Pitch:
Economy: -
Premium Economy: not available
Seat Width:
Economy: 16+ inches
Premium Economy: not available

Aer Lingus

Seat Pitch:
Economy: 31-32 inches
Premium Economy: not available
Seat Width:
Economy: 17 inches
Premium Economy: not available

Aeroflot

Seat Pitch:
Economy: -
Premium Economy: not available
Seat Width:
Economy: 17+ inches
Premium Economy: not available

Air Astana

Seat Pitch:
Economy: 30-32 inches
Premium Economy: not available
Seat Width:
Economy: 18 inches
Premium Economy: not available

Air Canada

Seat Pitch:
Economy: 29-34 inches
Premium Economy: not available
Seat Width:
Economy: 17-20 inches
Premium Economy: not available

Air China

Seat Pitch:
Economy: -
Premium Economy: not available
Seat Width:
Economy: 32 inches
Premium Economy: not available

Air France

Seat Pitch:
Economy: 29-32 inches
Premium Economy: 38 inches
Seat Width:
Economy: 17-18 inches
Premium Economy: 19 inches

Air New Zealand

Seat Pitch:
Economy: 30-34 inches
Premium Economy: 41-42 inches
Seat Width:
Economy: 17 inches
Premium Economy: 18.5-19 inches

All Nippon Airways

Seat Pitch:
Economy: 34 inches
Premium Economy: 38 inches
Seat Width:
Economy: -
Premium Economy: 19.3 inches

Austrian

Seat Pitch:
Economy: 30 inches
Premium Economy: 33-35 inches
Seat Width:
Economy: 17-18 inches
Premium Economy: 19 inches

American Airlines

Which Airlines Offer Premium Economy?

Aerolineas Argentinas

Country: Argentina
Name for Premium Economy: Club Economy

Aeroflot

Country: Russia
Name for Premium Economy: Comfort Class

Aeroméxico

Country: Mexico
Name for Premium Economy: Aeromexico Plus

Air Austral

Country: France
Name for Premium Economy: Classe Comfort

Air Canada

Country: Canada
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Air Caraïbes

Country: France/Caribbean
Name for Premium Economy: La Classe Caraïbes

Air China

Country: China
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Air France

Country: France
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Air Transat

Country: Canada
Name for Premium Economy: Club Class

Air New Zealand

Country: New Zealand
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Air Senegal

Country: Senegal
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

AirAsia

Country: Malaysia
Name for Premium Economy: Hot Seat

AirAsia X

Country: Malaysia
Name for Premium Economy: Hot Seat

Alitalia

Country: Italy
Name for Premium Economy: Classica Plus

All Nippon Airways

Country: Japan
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Allegiant Air

Country: USA
Name for Premium Economy: Legroom Plus

American Airlines

Country: USA
Name for Premium Economy: Main Cabin Extra

Asiana Airlines

Country: China
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Smartium

Austrian Airlines

Country: Austria
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Avianca

Country: Colombia
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Plus

British Airways

Country: UK
Name for Premium Economy: World Traveller Plus

Brussels Airlines

Country: Belgium
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Privilege

Cathay Pacific

Country: Hong Kong
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

China Airlines

Country: China
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

China Southern Airlines

Country: China
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Condor

Country: Germany
Name for Premium Economy: Condor Premium Economy

Delta Air Lines

Country: USA
Name for Premium Economy: Delta Comfort+

Edelweiss Air

Country: Switzerland
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Plus

El Al

Country: Israel
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Plus

EVA Air

Country: Taiwan
Name for Premium Economy: Elite Class

Finnair

Country: Finland
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Comfort

Frontier Airlines

Country: USA
Name for Premium Economy: Stretch

Hawaiian Airlines

Country: USA
Name for Premium Economy: Extra Comfort

Iberia

Country: Spain
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Icelandair

Country: Iceland
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Comfort

Japan Airlines

Country: Japan
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

JetBlue Airways

Country: USA
Name for Premium Economy: Even More Space

KLM

Country: Netherlands
Name for Premium Economy: Europe Select

LAN Airlines

Country: Chile
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

LOT Polish Airlines

Country: Poland
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Club

Lufthansa

Country: Germany
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Mahan Air

Country: Iran
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Malaysia Airlines

Country: Malaysia
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Plus

Norwegian

Country: Norway
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Oman Air

Country: Oman
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Class

Pakistan International Airlines

Country: Pakistan
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Plus+

Philippine Airlines

Country: The Philippines
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Fiesta Class

Qantas

Country: Australia
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

Country: Denmark/Norway/Sweden
Name for Premium Economy: SAS Plus

Scoot

Country: Singapore
Name for Premium Economy: Super/Stretch Seats

Singapore Airlines

Country: Singapore
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Spicejet

Country: India
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Sunwing Airlines

Country: Canada
Name for Premium Economy: Elite Plus

TAM Airlines

Country: Brazil
Name for Premium Economy: Space Plus

Thai Airways

Country: Thailand
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Ukraine International Airlines

Country: Ukraine
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

United Airlines

Country: USA
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Plus

Vietnam Airlines

Country: Vietnam
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Deluxe

Virgin America

Country: USA
Name for Premium Economy: Main Cabin Select

Virgin Atlantic

Country: USA
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Virgin Australia

Country: Australia
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

Vistara

Country: India
Name for Premium Economy: Premium Economy

WestJet

Country: Canada
Name for Premium Economy: Economy Plus

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Premium Economy - What is it and is it worth it? (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth paying for premium economy? ›

Premium class seats will typically have 5-7 extra inches of legroom and width. If the difference is just 15-20%, it might be worth upgrading. Additional facilities often include adjustable headrests and leg-rests, larger personal TV screens and power ports for laptop or digital devices.

Read On ›

Is it worth it to upgrade to premium economy? ›

Is Premium Economy Worth It? For travelers with extra cash or miles to spare, premium economy is obviously a much nicer experience that can be worth the money. On overnight flights or longer journeys, the extra space and recline could be the difference between getting some rest or arriving sore, cramped and tired.

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Is it better to fly economy or premium economy? ›

Premium Economy is most suitable for business travelers who want additional comfort for their air travel. It might not be worth it on short-haul flights, but on long-haul flights, the extra space and greater choice of entertainment and food and drink can make all the difference.

What is the benefit of premium economy? ›

You do have a better seat — there's more legroom, and on some airlines, they're more plush, wider, or newer than the other seats in coach. Beyond that, you'll be at the front of the main cabin and typically benefit from priority boarding or, sometimes, a better beverage or meal service, depending on the airline.

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How to sleep in premium economy? ›

Tips for sleeping in premium economy

Don't rely on provided amenities: Bring your own personal comfort items, including a travel pillow or blanket, as they can make a big difference to your sleeping experience.

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Why is premium economy so popular? ›

More space, but not necessarily more comfort

The seats are an inch or two wider on average than the typical coach seat, and the rows are farther apart, offering several more inches of legroom. Most premium economy seats recline, and many have footrests. How much space you actually get depends on the airline.

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Is it cheaper to upgrade flight after purchase? ›

If you're flying during an off-peak season and the airline has plenty of empty seats in Business Class, it may be a cost-effective option. But, if you're flying during a peak season and the airline has a limited number of seats available for upgrades, booking in advance may be the better choice.

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Can you recline in premium economy? ›

Typically speaking, Premium Economy seats offer 5-7 inches of additional legroom and wider seats with a greater recline. Depending on the airline and route, passengers may also receive a separate catering menu and extended entertainment offering.

Explore More ›

Where to sit in premium economy? ›

Consider your surroundings. This might depend on personal preference. Some people like to be near a handy bathroom, some love a window and some hate climbing over people, so they prefer an aisle seat. The key is to know what you like and get in early to book your preferred seat location.

How much extra does premium economy cost? ›

Well, it all depends on the airline and the route, but on average, you can expect to pay around 1.5-3 times more for premium economy. For example, if an economy class ticket costs $500, a premium economy ticket for the same flight could cost anywhere from $750 to $1000.

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Which flight economy seat is best? ›

Exit rows, aisle or window seats, and anywhere close to the front are typically considered the best seats on a plane. For a brief business trip, you might prefer an aisle seat towards the front of the plane, facilitating a swift exit upon arrival.

Read The Full Story ›

Does premium economy get lounge access? ›

United's premium economy fare offers seats in a separate cabin, discounted lounge access, free alcohol and more.

See Details ›

Do you get free drinks in premium economy? ›

American Airlines premium economy menu

American Airlines premium economy includes "chef-inspired dining" and complimentary beer, wine and spirits. On long-haul international flights, American will serve multi-course meals with real metal silverware on top of white tablecloths.

Get More Info Here ›

Why upgrade to premium economy? ›

The extra legroom was helpful when I needed to stretch out

The premium-economy seats had plenty of legroom — 38 inches compared to 31 to 34 inches in economy. The extra room allowed me to stretch my legs when needed without getting up and walking around the plane every hour or so.

Is the food different in economy to premium economy? ›

The food on offer in Premium Economy also gets an upgrade, with passengers likely to receive free drinks and a choice of dishes served on proper plates rather than disposable trays. If, like me, you're a fan of in-flight amenity kits, it's worth noting that some airlines offer the same kits as in Business Class.

How much extra should you pay for premium economy? ›

View Details ›

How much more expensive is premium economy than economy? ›

How much more expensive is Premium Economy vs Economy? Naturally, the price difference depends on which route and airline you're flying with, but typically you'd expect to pay around 30% more than for a Premium Economy ticket.

Is premium economy cheaper than business class? ›

Business Class

It is significantly more expensive than premium economy class but may be worth it if comfort is essential to you. If you want more space during your flight, you may want a business-class seat. Depending on your destination, international flights can be very long and tedious.

Learn More ›

Do you get lounge access with premium economy? ›

Travel in Premium Economy does not give you access to lounges. Lounge access is available to Airpoints™ Elite, Gold or Elite or Elite Partner or Koru members, or a Star Alliance Gold member. Take a look at our lounges section for more information about lounge access. How well did this answer your question?

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