Worth the upgrade?

To splurge, or not, on upgraded economy seats on a flight

As coach travel gets more cramped, airlines have added "premium economy" sections that promise more space and comfort — often at a substantially higher price.

Some travelers are willing to pay two or even three times the prevailing economy fare to escape the crowded confines of coach. But what you get can vary dramatically by airline. A little buyer-beware knowledge can help you avoid wasting your money next time.

1 The basics Premium economy's big selling point is more space. 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. According to airline seat review site SeatGuru, Japan Airlines offers about 10 inches more leg space than you typically find in coach, while most other carriers offer just 5 or 6 inches more. 2 What else? The amenities and customer service you get in premium economy are all over the map. Some, including Virgin Atlantic, offer priority check-in counters, cushy seats, amenity kits, plenty of good-quality food and expedited baggage handling. Others, such as Norwegian Air, skimp on the extras, offering less to its premium economy customers than other airlines provide in coach.

SeatGuru can give you some idea of the space you can expect, and the airline’s site usually details what’s included with your fare.

3 The cost The gap between economy and premium economy fares tends to narrow as the date of travel nears, airline experts say. If you book a ticket within three months of departure, for example, you may pay only a few hundred dollars more to get premium economy, which could be a good deal.

Airlines may also give you the opportunity to upgrade when you check in, if all the premium economy seats haven't been sold. Paying the full price for premium economy can make sense in some circumstances. Enduring five or more hours in a cramped coach seat may be hard for older or taller travelers. A good premium economy cabin also can enhance special occasions or a business trip where you need to arrive in fairly good shape. But do some research to make sure that what you get will be worth the additional expense.

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Want to suggest a personal finance topic that Quick Fix can address? Email apmoney@ap.org.