5 More Things That Make Premium Economy Worth The Upgrade

Premium Economy has come a long way since it was introduced by Taiwan’s Eva Air in 1992. Its modern concept has attracted many budget-conscious travelers who cannot afford business class but are willing to splurge on something a little more for their next international trip. Premium economy varies from airline to airline, but what sets it apart from economy or business class, and is it worth the upgrade?

Product offerings differ between airlines

Depending on your airline of choice, premium economy can vary from carrier to carrier. In the low-cost airline environment, many of these carriers use the premium economy as their highest level of service. In contrast, legacy carriers have positioned premium economy as the middle ground between a standard economy seat and business class. While your

baggage allowance

may differ, and meals and entertainment are enhanced, premium economy has easily become much more appealing for the discerning traveler.

Premium economy, of course, cannot be compared to business and first class. The standards are far superior at the pointy end of the plane. However, the soft product offerings, such as service, food, and beverages on selected airlines, ensure their higher-paying passengers are treated to fine food and drink in the sky. This can make the journey all worthwhile. However, what five key aspects make flying in premium economy class worth it?

1

Spacious legroom

One of the key features of premium economy is the extra legroom; this can be a key reason for taller passengers to splurge for premium. This additional space is a key drawcard for travelers, and makes the cost worth considering on a long-haul trip. While most economy class seats offer around 30-32 inches, premium economy passengers can be treated to up to 40 inches of separation from the seat in front.

While most earlier offer slightly different products, one of the best is

Emirates

. The Middle-eastern Giant offers one of the most luxurious premium economy classes in the sky, and on the Airbus A380, customers can opt to purchase the upgrade on some of its longest routes. Seats feature eight inches of recline and up to 38-40 inches of pitch. A nice wide seat will make the trip even more comfortable, up to 19.5 inches in width.

In comparison, British Airways ‘ premium economy class is named ‘World Traveler Plus,’ and passengers can kick back and relax with 38 inches of seat pitch and a seat width of 18.5 inches on its Airbus A350-100 and A380 aircraft.

2

Delicious dining

Many international carriers offering premium economy offer an enhanced menu on fine china.

While this isn’t a guaranteed improvement on all premium economy airlines, it surely enhances the experience compared to economy class. Real cutlery and crockery cast a shadow on those eating with plastic in the economy. While it’s only a small thing, it makes the experience of flying much more luxurious.

Photo: Virgin Atlantic

Airlines offer enhanced menus to resemble a hotel dining experience in the sky. Alongside specially curated menus by world-class chefs, passengers boarding premium economy will commonly be greeted with a glass of champagne, ensuring passengers start the journey with a smile.

3

Additional amenities

Branded amenity kits

On your next long-haul trip, look at what special incisions you will find on your seat. For many international carriers, you may find a blanket, pillow, and earphones for your next journey. However, airlines look to pamper their passengers a little more in premium economy. For some airlines, like Korean Air, you are given slippers. However, many leading carriers have label

Airline Amenity kits

that can include face cream, eye masks, and lip balm to help you feel refreshed when it comes time to land.

Tokyo-based Japan Airlines offers premium economy passengers a toothbrush set, a moisture mask, earplugs, and an eye mask on all its international routes. Cathay Pacific provides an ‘environmentally friendly’ kit featuring socks, an eyeshade, earplugs, a toothbrush, and toothpaste on all long-haul routes. Since 2016, Qantas has partnered with fashion brand Country Road for its aesthetically pleasing amenity kit. The kit includes an eye mask, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, and even the noise-canceling headphones business passengers receive.

4

Airport lounge access

Free access to airline lounges

While this offering isn’t common with most carriers, a handful of international airlines treat their customers to complimentary lounge access.

Imagine being granted access to the

Airline Lounge

at your respective hub before your next trip in premium economy class. While this offering is rare for premium economy passengers, four airlines grant lounge access to their premium economy customers. In the lounge, standard amenities include complimentary food and beverages, showers, newspapers, free WiFi, and more comfortable chairs and tables.

For premium economy travelers on Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (also known as ANA), those in W class are granted access to the airline lounges in Haneda Airport (HND), Narita Airport (NRT), Kansai Airport (KIX), and Honolulu Airport (HNL). The lounges have varied services, such as comfortable chairs, a bar, and dining. Japan Airlines also offers similar services in HND, NRT, and KIX.

5

Additional baggage

Sometimes twice the economy allowance

Granted that airlines are tightening their luggage allowances, it can become costly for those who like to travel with a bit more. For premium economy passengers, it is typical for your allowance to sometimes double, depending on your airline of choice. Premium economy travelers on

Lufthansa

, are entitled to two items of baggage, each weighing up to 23 kg, twice as much as its

economy

fare.

While we have broken down five reasons why it’s worth upgrading to Premium Economy, there can be downsides, check out five reasons why it’s not worth upgrading below: