Is premium economy worth it? Well, maybe.
It really depends. On the right flight, aircraft, and seat, the extra couple of hundred dollars can make a lot of sense. But that’s not always the case.
As airlines continue to pour money into this new cabin class, discerning travelers need to read between all the marketing messaging to understand exactly what they’re paying for and when the upgrade is worth it.
Why Are Airlines Investing Billions in Premium Economy?
Premium economy is a lucrative revenue generator for airlines. It gives travelers a more luxurious experience at a fraction of the cost of business class.
Here’s what’s driving the push for a premium economy class:
- Higher revenue per seat for less: With no lie-flat seats and no first-class service, the premium class runs 30% or more above economy. Some airlines, like Lufthansa, have said premium economy generates more revenue per square meter and have invested $29 billion in this new cabin class.
- New aircraft layouts: Airbus and Boeing have new widebody aircraft with separate premium economy cabins.
- Competitive advantage: Emirates is retrofitting its fleet to target premium economy across 99 destinations by the end of 2026. Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and TAP Air Portugal are all busy expanding or launching their premium economy products.
In a nutshell, airlines can charge more without giving up much.
What’s Included in Premium Economy
Premium economy can include the following:
- A wider seat
- Deeper recline
- More legroom
- A dedicated footrest
- Upgraded meal service
- Priority boarding
- Extra checked luggage
Notice the word “can”. That’s because there is no standard premium economy. It all depends on the airline and aircraft that’s available.
Let’s look at an example.
Delta’s Comfort+ and United Airlines’ Economy Plus both sound like premium economy options on the surface. But once you look at the specs, things start to look a little different.
In reality, both options include standard economy seats with a few extra inches of legroom and priority boarding. True premium economy is Delta Premium Select and United Premium Plus. These options put you in a dedicated cabin with different seats, plated meals, and an amenity kit you won’t find in standard economy.
The lesson? Booking on the word “plus” or “comfort” alone can see you paying a premium fare for a standard economy seat and earlier boarding.
Read More: 10 Essential Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life
Premium Economy vs Economy: The Differences That Matter
Once you strip away the marketing, the difference between premium economy and economy comes down to a few measurable things.
| Feature | Economy | Premium Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Seat (legroom) | 30–32 inches | 34–38 inches |
| Seat width | 17–18 inches | 18–19.5 inches |
| Recline | 3–4 inches | 7–9 inches |
| Fare vs. economy | Baseline e.g. $500 | Costs 1.5x–2.5x more, e.g., $ 750- $1,250 |
| Cabin | Shared main cabin | Separate, dedicated cabin |
| Meal service | Standard tray | Upgraded / often plated |
| Footrest | No | Common on long-haul |
| Priority boarding | No | Usually included |
| Checked baggage | 1 bag, standard weight | +1 bag or higher weight limit |
**Ranges are for long-haul widebody aircraft and vary by airline and aircraft type.
Read More: How to Choose the Best Seats on the Plane
Should You Pay for The Premium Economy Upgrade?
I don’t always upgrade, and you shouldn’t either. However, if it’s an overnight long-haul flight and I’m going straight into meetings or a busy itinerary, the upgrade makes a lot of sense.
Depending on my client’s itinerary and preferences, I often tell them to save their money. A short daytime flight rarely justifies the cost, and the extra money you’d spend on a bit more legroom can go toward an experience.
After all, will you remember an hour or two of being cramped, or the Broadway show you’ve been dreaming about for years?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you figure out if it’s worth it:
| ✓ Worth Paying For | ✗ Skip It |
|---|---|
| ✓ Overnight long-haul flight (8+ hours) | ✗ Short daytime flight (under 5–6 hours) |
| ✓ You’re tall or don’t fit a standard seat | ✗ You’re flying on an older aircraft |
| ✓ You’re traveling overnight for a meeting or event and don’t have a buffer day to recover | ✗ If the price creeps near discounted business class |
| ✓ The extra cost is affordable relative to the total trip cost, e.g. $200 on a $3,000 fare vs $200 on a $400 fare | ✗ Seat has a hidden tradeoff (bulkhead seat that doesn’t recline, or is near the toilets/galley) |
| ✓ Strong points/miles redemption available | ✗ It’s a partner-operated flight with an unconfirmed seat map |
| ✓ You have a short connection time between flights | ✗ You’re traveling during the day and watching movies or working more than sleeping |
Read More: Airport Lounges: How to Enjoy Without Being That Traveler
My Honest Takeaway
Premium economy is worth it when the stars align. On the right route and aircraft, the markup can buy the comfort you need to arrive rested and ready to go.
But when it’s star-crossed, the markup buys you almost nothing beyond faster boarding.
Got any questions about premium economy or booking flights for your next trip? Let me know in the comments below!