Premium Economy vs. Economy on Airlines

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You’re booking a flight and the inevitable question of what type of ticket to buy is asked. You might be frugal and want to save money. But you also want a comfortable flight. So, the decision to make is between economy or premium economy.

There’s a noticeable price difference. Premium economy is priced higher, but is it worth it? Do you really have that many more amenities with premium economy than with economy?

What Comes With Premium Economy

The big selling point for premium economy is the legroom. Most airlines tout more space.

On average, the seats are an inch or two wider than the typical coach seat. The rows are farther apart, which does offer you more inches of legroom.

But exactly how much legroom and amenities do the major airlines in the United States offer?

American Airlines Premium Economy vs. Economy

In 2017, American Airlines started offering premium economy. On most of their planes, premium economy has 38 inches of pitch, which is five to seven inches more than economy. This means more legroom.

American Airlines seats are 18–19 inches wide, which is one to two inches wider than economy.

One to two inches may not seem like a lot on the surface, but if you’re on a long flight, two inches may make a difference in degree of comfort.

Most premium economy seats recline deeper than economy and have adjustable footrests.

American Airlines Premium Economy Perks

One underrated perk is the priority check-in area. This is where you are fast-tracked through the security line. Although, if it’s super busy, you might hit a little bottle neck, but it still is fast.

With premium economy tickets, you also receive priority boarding. This is great if you have a carry-on and want space in the overhead bins.

On American Airlines, premium economy doesn’t come with free lounge access. You'll need to have a membership in American’s Lounge Club. You can also use a priority pass or a credit card.

And for those gourmets who want to travel, American Airlines offers something for you besides more room. They have “chef-inspired” dining on international flights.

American Airlines also provides complimentary beer, wine, and spirits.

Delta Airlines Premium Economy vs. Economy

Delta Airlines refers to its premium economy as premium select. They also have more spacious seating.

For premium select seats on Delta, wider armrests prevent your neighbor from bumping into you.

Premium select seats on Delta have 38 inches of pitch, which is more than the 31–33 inches of legroom in the economy seats.

But Delta’s premium select seats are only half an inch wider than those in economy: 18½ inches in Delta’s premium select versus 18 inches in economy.

Delta Airlines Premium Select Perks

Unfortunately, Delta premium doesn’t provide lounge access. You must have a membership to access Delta Sky Club lounges.

On board, premium select has a separate designated lavatory available.

Depending on your destination, the food might vary. For short flights, a selection of snacks are available. For those long flights, you'll receive a three-course meal served with stainless-steel utensils instead of plastic.

For those 21 and over, free alcoholic beverages are available. Other drinks include complimentary soda, Starbucks coffee, and tea.

Premium select flyers also receive two free checked bags up to 50 pounds.

Finally, in addition to other perks, premium select passengers have access to priority security lanes, accelerated check-in, and early boarding.

United Airlines Premium Economy vs. Economy

United Airlines calls its better seat designation economy premium plus. It’s roomier than economy. United premium plus seats are up to 19 inches wide, while economy seats are 17.3 inches wide. Premium plus seats have a 38-inch pitch, which means you have up to seven inches more legroom than economy.

Since the seats are bigger, there are fewer per row. For example, in United’s Boeing777-200, the premium plus cabins have eight seats per row, while economy has 10 seats per row.

United Airlines Premium Plus Perks

Economy plus passengers receive priority boarding, which allows them to find overhead bin space. These passengers receive two checked bags plus a carry-on and personal item. United also provides premium plus passengers with priority bag handling, boarding, and check-in.

You’ll also receive a discounted United Cub pass.

Further, United has more passenger-friendly change and refund policies for those last-minute changes.

Premium plus receives free wine and beer, but doesn’t offer spirits. Snacks are distributed on the short trips. On the longer trips, food is served on china dishes with real glasses and stainless-steel silverware. Snacks are also provided.

Premium Economy Seating at a Cost

You'll pay a higher ticket price for economy plus seats and service. On average, premium economy costs 1.5–3 times more than economy class. Most people purchase premium economy for the more considerable legroom and seats.

The trend in airlines is to move away from first class and move to premium economy. With many companies no longer paying for first or business class, premium economy is making up the shortfall in ticket prices.

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