Premium economy vs economy – what are the main differences?

When it comes to choosing the flight class on an airplane, there’s often some confusion when it comes to premium economy vs economy – what exactly are the key differences between these two classes? How does economy plus fit into the equation? And is it actually worth paying more for a premium economy ticket?

Of course, what you actually get in each class differs depending on the airline you’re booking with, as well as the length and route of your flight. Read on for our ultimate guide on the main differences between economy and premium economy, including what’s included in your ticket and what the difference in cost is.

What is Economy Class?

Of all the airline cabin classes, Economy is the most basic option. Also referred to as Coach, Standard or Main Cabin, these are the most affordable seats on a plane and are generally preferred by travelers on a budget or those making fairly short trips.

You can expect your seat to be narrower than in other classes, and there’ll also be less legroom. That being said, every airline differs, so it’s worth checking which ones offer the most comfortable seats as standard.

Be aware that it’s also common to have to pay for extras like checked baggage, in-flight food and drink, and entertainment when you’re traveling in economy, though certain airlines will include some complimentary perks depending on the route and length of the flight (as a general rule, you’ll get more thrown-in on international flights than domestic ones).

What is Premium Economy?

Premium Economy sits between Economy and Business Class, both literally in terms of where you’ll find it on the plane, and price-wise when it comes to tickets. It’s a great option for those looking to make a step up from Economy, but who can’t quite justify the price of a Business Class seat. Here are some of the key things you can expect in Premium Economy:

• Larger, more comfortable seats.
• Better legroom.
• A wider selection of food and drink.
• Higher quality amenities.
• More privacy and attention from flight attendants.

The main differences between Premium Economy vs Economy

When it comes to the difference between Economy and Premium Economy, a lot depends on the specific airline you choose, but here are some of the main things you can expect:

• Thanks to being further forward in the plane, Premium Economy seats are in a more desirable location than Economy seats, and usually also have access to a separate toilet with shorter lines.
• If you’re booking a Premium Economy seat you can expect it to be wider than those in Economy, with more space to recline. There’s also around five to seven inches more legroom compared to a standard seat.
• These seats are also likely to be more comfortable and might feature leather upholstery, larger screens, and headrests and footrests, depending on the airline.
• The food on offer in Premium Economy also gets an upgrade, with passengers likely to receive free drinks and a choice of dishes served on proper plates rather than disposable trays.
• If, like me, you’re a fan of in-flight amenity kits, it’s worth noting that some airlines offer the same kits as in Business Class. You’re also likely to get more luxurious blankets and better-quality headphones in Premium Economy.

What is Economy Plus?

Just when you’d wrapped your head around Economy and Premium Economy, they throw a new one into the mix: Economy Plus. Economy Plus isn’t as deluxe as Premium Economy, but it does offer a superior experience at a more affordable price.

Unlike Premium Economy, which is generally separated from Economy, Economy Plus is still part of the main cabin. The main difference is that you have a better seat, with more legroom, and your seat will be right at the front of the cabin. There might also be more flexibility when it comes to making changes to your ticket.

What does Premium Economy look like on different airlines

Now that you have understood the main differences between economy, premium economy, and economy plus, let’s check out the main amenities of premium economy offered by the main North American airlines.

American Airlines

Delta

United

How to get upgraded from Economy to Premium?

While the majority of airlines would always rather see people pay for upgrades, there are generally a number of Premium Economy seats available at a discounted price at the gate. These are usually allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s always worth checking in to see what’s available as soon as you get to your gate.

As for free upgrades, these are usually awarded to those with the highest airline status. The higher your status (and number of points), the more likely you are to be gifted that upgrade. So, if you haven’t already, make sure you’ve signed up for the relevant schemes for whichever airline you fly with most frequently.

How this guide was created

I’ve been a travel journalist for 15 years and during that time have hopped on and off more planes than I can count, experiencing everything from cramped long-haul stints in coach to ultra-luxurious trips in first-class and all-expenses-paid private jets. This guide pulls together all the knowledge I’ve gathered during those excursions, as well as extensive research into different airline cabin policies and fare classes.

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Premium Economy vs Economy FAQ