Exploring the Key Differences Between Economy and Premium Economy Seats

Premium economy offers more legroom, wider seats, and better service than economy, at a lower price than business class.

Economy

Standard seat, usually 30 to 32 inches of pitch (legroom) and 17 inches wide.

Premium economy

• 34 to 38 inches of legroom.
• Wider seat, deeper recline and a footrest.
• Better meals and extra baggage in some airlines.

Price

Often 1.5 to 2 times economy and about half of business class.

Worth it

On long flights over 6 hours.

Space and comfort

Premium economy generally provides wider seats with more pitch (36 to 38 inches versus 30 to 32 inches in economy) and extra recline, as well as a larger footrest and leg rest on some airlines. Seats are around 18.5 to 19.5 inches wide compared to about 17 inches in economy.

Services

Premium economy often includes priority check in and boarding, a larger checked baggage allowance, better meals with real cutlery, and amenity kits. Some offer a welcome drink.

Price

Premium economy fares typically cost about 1.5 to 2.5 times the price of economy on international routes, but far less than business class, which can be 3 to 5 times the price.

Differences by airline

Features vary among carriers, such as Delta Premium Select, American Premium Economy, Air France Premium Economy and Virgin Atlantic Premium. Some airlines call it “economy plus” with only extra legroom.

Basic economy

Some airlines have a basic economy fare with restrictions, such as no seat selection, boarding last and no changes. It is below standard economy.

Value

It is most worthwhile on overnight flights longer than 6 to 8 hours, where sleep and space matter. On short flights, the benefit is smaller.

Upgrades

Compare the price at booking with paid upgrade offers at check in, which can sometimes be cheaper. Use miles for upgrades if available.

Health consideration

On long flights, moving regularly, wearing compression socks and staying hydrated help lower the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).

Check seat details

Use sites like SeatGuru to compare seat dimensions on specific aircraft.

Seat dimensions

Standard economy seats on many long haul flights have a pitch (legroom) of about 30 to 32 inches and a width of 17 to 18 inches. Premium economy typically gives 36 to 38 inches of pitch and 18.5 to 19.5 inches of width, with more recline, leg rests or footrests on some airlines. Premium economy cabins are smaller, often with 2 to 3 rows of seats per side and fewer passengers. SeatGuru and airline seat maps list exact measurements for each aircraft.

Service, price and value

Premium economy passengers often receive priority boarding, upgraded meals, free drinks, larger entertainment screens and extra baggage allowance. Fares are commonly 1.5 to 2 times economy and well below business class. Basic economy fares exclude seat selection and carry on bags on some airlines. Upgrading may be worthwhile on flights over 6 hours, especially for overnight trips. Moving regularly and staying hydrated reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis on long flights. Check each airline’s specific product, since offerings differ.

Based on data from airline published seat specifications and SeatGuru