Summary Extra comfort & space: Premium economy offers wider seats & more legroom, making long flights more bearable. Priority boarding & check-in: Skip queues & enjoy stress-free travel experience with enhanced baggage allowance. Elevated dining & entertainment: Better meal options, complimentary alcoholic beverages, larger screens, and improved headphones.
Flying in premium economy offers a significant upgrade from standard economy without the hefty price tag of business class. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, the extra investment in premium economy can enhance your overall travel experience in ways that go beyond just a little more legroom. Here’s a look at why premium economy is worth the cost of upgrading.
1 Enhanced comfort and space Stretch out, relax, and enjoy the flight One of the most significant differences you'll notice when upgrading to premium economy is the added comfort and extra space. Premium economy seats are typically one to two inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wider than economy, with usually five to seven inches (12.
7 to 17.8 cm) more legroom. Premium economy seats also often offer more recline than standard economy seats, making long flights considerably more bearable, especially if you're looking to rest or sleep.
For example, according to AFAR Magazine , Air New Zealand’s premium economy seats are soft, recliner-style leather seats that are 19 inches (48 cm) wide, with an industry-leading 41 to 43 inches (104 to 109 cm) of pitch. Premium economy is popular with many airlines - but which are the best? The additional space means less likelihood of elbow wars with your seatmate, and for taller passengers, it can make the difference between a comfortable flight and one spent contorting to fit into a small space. 2 Priority boarding and check-in plus additional baggage allowance Skip long queues and enjoy a stress-free travel experience Premium economy passengers often enjoy priority check-in – such as offered by premium economy pioneer Virgin Atlantic , per NerdWallet .
This handy perk means you’ll get to make better use of your time, and can perhaps spend more time at a lounge if you’ve got a membership. Then there’s the benefit of priority boarding, which means you can settle into your seat sooner without the hassle of long lines. This premium economy entitlement can also be a lifesaver when overhead bin space is at a premium – plus, there’s the added convenience of securing space in a bin that’s close to you.
Additionally, many airlines offer enhanced baggage allowances for premium economy passengers, which is particularly useful if you’re traveling with more than just a carry-on. Key Benefits: Priority Check-In: Skip the queue and make better use of your time at the airport. Priority Boarding: Board early and avoid the rush.
Overhead Bin Space: Access to bin space without the last-minute scramble. Extra Baggage Allowance: More checked luggage at no additional cost. These perks streamline your airport experience, making the travel process less stressful and more efficient.
3 Elevated in-flight dining experience The sweet spot between business and economy meals Upgrading to premium economy often means an elevated in-flight dining experience. While it might not rival business class dining, premium economy meals are typically a step up from what you'd find in standard economy. Expect upgraded meal options, better quality ingredients, and often, complimentary alcoholic beverages.
Dining Perks: Improved Meal Options: Often includes a choice of dishes with higher quality ingredients. Complimentary Beverages: Many airlines include alcoholic beverages as part of the service. Real Tableware: Meals are typically served with metal cutlery and on real plates, not plastic.
Qantas is a perfect example of an airline that offers a stellar dining experience for premium economy passengers. According to the Condé Nast Traveller , the Australian carrier welcomes premium economy guests with a complimentary sparkling wine, cocktail, or juice upon boarding – and meals are served on custom-designed tableware. Air France is another airline that does it right, per AFAR Magazine .
In 2023, the French flag carrier introduced new premium economy meal offerings by chef Frédéric Simonin, namesake of the Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. 4 Upgraded entertainment options An especially useful perk on longer flights Premium economy often comes with larger entertainment screens and better headphones. This makes a big difference on long-haul flights, where good entertainment can help pass the time.
According to The Guardian and Little Grey Box , some airlines that offer enhanced entertainment in premium economy include: Virgin Atlantic: 13.3-inch (33.8-cm) seatback screens, compared to the 11.
6 inches (29.5 cm) found in economy. Singapore Airlines: noise-canceling headphones, instead of the standard-issue headphones given out in the economy cabin, plus multiple plugs to charge devices.
KLM: snake-armed reading light, as opposed to the standard overhead reading lights, for a better reading experience. For the right price, World Traveller Plus offers a much more comfortable flight. 5 Improved service and amenities The perks of a dedicated premium economy cabin Lastly, the service in premium economy is generally more attentive, with a higher ratio of crew to passengers than in economy class.
Passengers also often receive special amenities, such as an amenity kit , plusher pillows, and cozier blankets compared to those offered in the economy cabin. AFAR Magazine uncovers the following airlines that have their premium economy amenities down to a tee: KLM: the same pillows and blankets in business class are also provided for premium economy passengers. Delta Air Lines: memory-foam pillow and wider armrests.
American Airlines: plush Casper-branded blanket and pillow. These small touches contribute to an overall enhanced travel experience, making your journey more enjoyable from start to finish. Singapore Airlines leads the pack with the most premium economy class seats on offer.
While premium economy may come at an additional cost, the benefits are well worth the investment, especially on longer flights. From enhanced comfort and better dining options to priority boarding and improved service, premium economy offers a significant upgrade that can make your journey much more enjoyable. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, considering an upgrade to premium economy can be a smart choice that adds value to your travel experience.
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