Summary American Airlines offers premium economy on long-haul routes, with better seating and more space for extra comfort. Premium economy seats have a pitch of 38 inches and a width of 18.5-19 inches, with additional features like adjustable footrests and noise-canceling headsets.
Premium economy passengers receive improved service, including an enhanced meal service and priority boarding, but lounge access is not included. More and more airlines have added a premium economy cabin in recent years - in fact, the product is now one of the highest profit-spinners for airlines, giving passengers an enhanced onboard experience more affordable than the price of business class. Sitting between economy and business class, it is a popular option for more affordable extra comfort.
American Airlines was the first major US airline to introduce the cabin, so let's see whether or not it's worth the upgrade. American Airlines Premium Economy American Airlines offers premium economy on many of its long-haul routes. As mentioned, the airline was the first of the main legacy US airlines to bring in the new cabin - still, this wasn't until 2017, long after many European Airlines ( British Airways , for example, introduced the cabin in 2000 and now offers it on all of its widebody fleet).
It is especially relevant going forward, as American Airlines has confirmed the withdrawal of international first class , taking the airline back to a three-cabin offering. Premium Economy is a separate cabin, with improved seating over economy class, or main cabin. This is different from the airline’s ‘Main Cabin Extra’ product, which has been on offer longer and involves more spacious seating within the main economy cabin for an extra charge, or as a benefit for frequent travelers and elite status holders.
Read more about what Main Cabin Extra offers in our guide Premium Economy is available with American Airlines on all of its Boeing widebody aircraft, such as the 777-200, 777-300, 787-8, and 787-9. It was previously offered on the Airbus A330 as well, but the fleet was retired during the pandemic. The big three airlines have similar premium economy seat offerings.
Additionally, the carrier will offer Premium Economy onboard its upcoming Airbus A321XLR, or A321 Transcon, fleet. The airline's new long-range narrowbodies will be deployed on "premium transcontinental" routes, although delivery dates have yet to be confirmed. Premium Economy's main benefit is more spacious seating The main benefit of any premium economy cabin is a better seat and more space.
This makes a big difference to comfort and rest, particularly on a long flight. While it is nowhere near the flatbed and privacy on offer in business class, it is a big step up from economy cabins. American Airlines Premium Economy offers a seat pitch of 38 inches across all aircraft.
The premium economy seat's width is either 18.5 inches (Boeing 777-300ER, and 787-8) or 19 inches (777-200 and 787-9). Seating information here is based on data made available by SeatGuru .
The cabin is also smaller, leading to a (hopefully) more relaxing experience and better service. On the Boeing 787-9, for example, there are 21 seats (compared to 234 in the main cabin). On the Boeing 777-300, there are 28 premium economy seats (compared to 216 main cabin seats).
As well as being larger, the seats offer extra features for comfort, including adjustable footrests, and better headrests. The inflight entertainment system is improved, too, with a larger screen and noise-canceling headsets offered. Better service for Premium Economy passengers Much like the seating, the service in premium economy is improved, but it is still a long way behind business class.
There is an improved meal service and likely better attention from the crew due to the smaller cabin. On longer routes, the meal will be multiple courses and served on real crockery, but on shorter Americas routes, it may be more like in the main cabin. There is no pre-departure drinks service, or a better bar offering as you would find with business class.
These five airlines offer the best premium economy product in the skies today. Passengers on international flights will also receive a ‘Casper Sleep Set.’ This includes a small pillow and light blanket and an amenity kit with socks, eyemask, earplugs, and body lotions.
But there are also important improvements on the ground. Premium economy passengers are offered faster check-in (along with elite members), fast-track security (at some airports), and priority boarding and baggage handling. However, lounge access is not included.
Premium Economy tickets also offer an increased luggage allowance of two checked bags, which is a valuable benefit if needed. Want to see more of our trip reports - click here! Earning miles and elite status Booking premium tickets used to be a useful way for frequent flyers to expedite elite status earning. This has changed significantly in recent years with many airlines (including American Airlines and other US airlines) switching more to revenue-based earning systems rather than based on distance flown and cabin booked.
Read more about American Airlines AAdvantage miles and loyalty program. Of course, the additional spending on a premium economy ticket will earn higher miles and elite credit. There are opportunities to earn higher levels by crediting to other one world airlines, but this is only an option for those that don’t want or value AAdvantage membership.
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