Sometimes booking a ticket feels like a math exercise. You’re eying what’s included at each price level and trying to determine if you’ll use the add-ons. Is the extra cost worth it? Should you choose the lower airfare and add services individually? It’s not always straightforward, so let’s break it down and look into the differences between the two fare types. 

What is premium economy?

The first version of premium economy was introduced in the early 1990s by EVA Air to bridge the gap between the low cost of economy and the comfort offered by business and first class. Premium economy is a step up from economy, perhaps offering different seat options or the inclusion of a checked bag, but not as expensive as first or business class, and therefore missing the upscale extras that come with these cabin classes. 

Interesting facts about premium economy

• A premium economy fare is generally more than 50% less expensive than a business class fare. Of course, the difference ranges by airline, route, time of booking, etc., but there are significant savings to be had.

• While premium economy doesn’t offer lie-flat beds, lounge access, or gourmet multi-course meals, you will have a slightly more comfortable and relaxing journey than on the lowest tier of economy class.

• A typical premium economy fare includes around 5-7 inches of extra legroom, wider seats, and more space to recline.

• A separate food menu and enhanced entertainment may also be included with premium economy. 

Primary differences between premium economy and economy

The difference between these classes varies among airlines and is often influenced by the type of aircraft you are flying on. In general, here’s what you can expect in premium economy seats compared to economy class:

• More leg room

• Wider seats

• Further seat recline

• Power outlets

• Larger personal entertainment screens

• Elevated food options

• Priority services, like check-in and boarding 

• Ability to earn more frequent flyer miles

What is premium economy like on different airlines?

Every airline provides a different experience with each cabin class they offer. The following includes some of the key features of these premium cabin classes. Just know that they are subject to change and may not be available on every route. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from premium economy on some of the most popular airlines in North America. 

American Airlines premium economy

An American Airlines premium economy ticket includes special amenities with seats behind Flagship, Business, or First class. You can select this cabin on a range of domestic and international routes. Here’s what you’ll get if you fly premium economy on American Airlines:

• Two checked bags included

• Priority check-in, security line, and boarding group

• Get your bags checked first upon landing

• Wider, adjustable leather seats with more legroom and extendable footrest and headrest

• Power outlets and USB ports

• Complimentary, personal on-demand entertainment on larger monitors

• Chef-inspired dining on flights with full drink service 

• Premium lumbar pillow and crepe weave blanket

• Amenity kit on international flights and select flights to/from Los Angeles and New York

Delta premium economy

Delta calls its premium economy cabin Premium Select, which offers the following amenities, subject to change depending on the route:

• Recline with fold-out adjustable footrest and leg rest

• Personal entertainment screen with complimentary Delta Studio

• Elevated meal service with free wine, beer, and spirits

• Sky Priority® service, including faster check-in, security line, baggage service, and priority boarding

• Hot towel service with a beverage and a savory snack served before the meal

• Premium amenity kit, memory-foam pillow, blanket, and noise-canceling headphones

United Airlines premium economy

United Premium Plus is the upgraded economy cabin option that’s available on select flights. These are the perks you’ll get when you upgrade:

• Two checked bags included

• Priority check-in, boarding, security line, and bag handling 

• Bigger and wider seats with extra legroom

• Semi-private area

• Power outlet and USB

• Amenity kit and blanket

• 13” inflight entertainment screen

• Meals, snacks, and complimentary wine, beer, and spirits

• Noise-reducing headphones

Air Canada premium economy

Air Canada is committed to expanding its premium economy class fares across its routes. When you book a premium economy ticket with Air Canada, you’ll reap the following benefits:

• Two checked bags included

• A larger seat with a greater recline and seat pitch

• Personal touchscreen entertainment system

• Complimentary earbud headset

• In-seat power, USB port, and single-pin audio jack

• Priority boarding, check-in, and baggage handling

Final thoughts: Differences between economy and premium economy

The differences between economy and premium economy can be significant, with benefits ranging from priority check-in, security lines, and boarding groups to on-board comfort with bigger seats and elevated meal options. These perks come with a price, so only you can decide whether the experience is worth the splurge. And if it is, soak in every minute of that upgrade!