PREMIUM ECONOMY BRIDGES THE GAP
In the beginning, air travel was egalitarian, classless — and, well, classy. Everyone sat in identical seats. In the 1950s, they resembled your father’s LaZ-Boy: luxuriously padded, with footrests.
In the ’60s those seats morphed into “first class” and, to make travel affordable for all, economy class seats were introduced, configured six across in each row. There still was plenty of legroom in coach, and you got a hot meal, playing cards and plastic wings for the kiddies.
But as economy class became ever more cramped, airlines began offering premium economy. On U.S.-based airlines, it generally offers extra legroom and priority boarding, plus some bonus drinks and food. But on international carriers, there can be additional perks: fewer seats per row, better meals, discounted access to lounges and little niceties such as amenity kits.
Still, it’s premium economy’s wider seats, extra leg and knee room (“seat pitch” in airline parlance) and greater seat recline — all making sleep easier on long-haul flights — that many fliers find are worth the extra cost.
And before you dismiss the option as beyond your budget, we found a few flights where premium economy costs the same or only a bit more than regular economy. We even found a case where seats in premium economy were less for certain flights, so always look at both options.
In general, fliers should expect to pay about 50% more than regular economy, but premium economy usually is 75% to 80% less than business class, providing a bridge to fliers seeking more comfort. Here’s what to expect on a variety of airlines if you’re willing to pay a premium.