Premium Economy (is it worth it?)

The difference between Economy and Premium Economy

The difference between Premium Economy and Economy will vary between airlines, and is likely to also depend on the type of aircraft you are flying on. In many cases, Premium Economy will be separated from Economy with a curtain to increase privacy. You can also expect wider seats and a few extra inches of recline, as well as extra amenities and facilities including complimentary snacks/meals/drinks, power, and a larger personal entertainment screen.

Top Tip: Is extra space a priority to you? Check out our guide to learn more about seat width and pitch and the best airlines for personal space in Economy: Airlines with the Biggest Seats in Economy and Premium Economy.

Is it worth paying for Premium Economy?

Premium Economy definitely offers a better flying experience. The upgrade can be quite a bit more expensive, so is it worth paying for the increased cost? There’s no denying that premium economy is a better flying experience compared to the economy, so the question is, how much are you willing to pay for that privilege? As stated above, there can be some good value, but it can also be quite expensive. It depends on your priorities; many people value the extra room, especially on transatlantic or long-haul flights. Premium class seats will typically have 5-7 extra inches of legroom and width. If the difference is just 15-20%, it might be worth upgrading.

Additional facilities often include adjustable headrests and leg-rests, larger personal TV screens and power ports for laptop or digital devices. Passengers can also usually look forward to a premium food service and complimentary alcoholic drinks.