Premium Economy Class

Premium economy flights are meant for travellers who have an eye for comfort but who do not want to splurge money on business class. These people now can opt for such seating arrangements and fly to their destination in comfort and without any hassles. What makes the entire deal so attractive is that you can earn yourself considerably more amenities at little extra cost. Indeed, with bigger and more comfy seats as well as a range of extra amenities, the premium economy class will transform your journey into a posh and polished experience.

Decoding Premium Economy Flights

Broadly speaking, it can be stated that premium economy flights are a seating arrangement that can be clubbed between economy and business class. The flyer therefore can expect a better flying experience than what would he experienced had he been flying in economy class. Fast gaining popularity as cheap premium economy flights, such flights offer facilities like additional legroom, expansive seats, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, sumptuous onboard food menu, and superior in-flight entertainment system etc. and are much in demand amongst the masses.

Economy Vs Premium Economy

These are two different seating arrangements offered by airlines with the premium economy being better than economy class. Some of the points that make the premium economy a better option than economy class are explained below.

Cost: Economy class indeed comes at a cheaper rate but the facilities offered in premium economy class are far more and therefore its prices are higher than economy class but lower than business class.
Seat Size: Not only are they bigger and wider in size but premium economy seats are also strategically located and in many cases also have access to separate toilets with smaller lines. They also come with extra recline and footrests.
Amenities: Amenities in economy class are very basic whereas they are much improved in the premium economy class with superior meals, enhanced luggage allowance and more entertainment options.
Services: Travellers in premium economy class are entitled to better services which might include priority boarding, personalized cabin crew, priority check-in, lounge access etc.

Advantages of Premium Economy Air Fare Deals

Premium economy airfare deals come with several advantages. Prominent amongst them are mentioned below.

Optimum Comfort: The seating in this category comes with larger seats, enhanced legroom, adjustable headrests, additional recline, leather upholstery, larger screens, headrests footrests etc. These features make for a superior flying experience and are particularly helpful during longer flights.
Priority Services: Some airlines may also offer priority services which might include priority boarding, check-in, as well as baggage handling which make for convenience during the flights.
Entry to Premium Lounges: In some instances, premium economy passengers are allowed access to airport lounges with complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and other amenities which make for a relaxed and peaceful pre-flight experience.
Superior Amenities: Passengers in this category are offered upgraded amenities like better meals, complimentary beverages which might also include alcoholic drinks on certain airlines, amenity kits as well as more entertainment options.
Exclusivity: The premium economy section, in most cases has fewer seats, than economy class transforming the atmosphere into a more exclusive and select environment.

Airlines that Offer Premium Economy Facilities

The acceptance of facilities like these has resulted in more and more airlines including them on their flights. Some of the airlines that offer such facilities include

United Airlines
Lufthansa
Qantas Airways
Air New Zealand
Eva Air
Singapore Airlines
Air France
Aeroflot
Japan Airlines
Virgin Australia
China Airlines

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you illustrate the difference between economy and premium economy seats?

Economy seats are basic seating facilities on any airline which provides elementary amenities Premium economy seats, on the other hand, guarantee more space which is an inch or two more than the economy seats, the rows in this section are farther apart and have more legroom space. Quite a few of the premium economy seats recline and have footrests which make travelling in such seats very comfortable and a pleasant experience.

Is it worth enough to shell out extra money for premium economy seats?

Premium economy seats guarantee additional comfort and facilities than economy seats and come at a lesser price than business class seats. This makes such seats very popular amongst the masses who aspire for a better travelling experience even at a slightly greater price. Especially if the journey is more than 4 to 5 hours long.

What are the amenities available for passengers travelling in premium economy seats?

Such amenities differ from one airline to another. However, most of the airlines offer wider seats with 5 to 7 inches of more legroom space than economy class. A variety of meal options and complementary beverages including hard drinks on certain airlines, priority boarding, personalized cabin crew and more options for entertainment.

Are the passengers flying in the premium economy have access to priority services?

Yes, indeed. The passengers travelling in this section are entitled to priority services which might include priority boarding, check-in and baggage handling. Services that would make the journey hassle-free and convenient.

Can I upgrade my economy seat to the premium economy?

Most certainly you can. Some airlines allow their passengers the facility of upgradation to premium economy from economy. But it comes with a price and depends on the availability of seats. There are several ways how one can upgrade his seat to premium economy. First of all, you can opt for premium economy seats at the time of booking your tickets. Then, you can also go for them while checking in. You can also opt for premium economy seats at the airport but that would depend on their availability. A frequent flyer program can also earn you an upgrade. You also stand a chance to buy the upgrade but it would again depend on the availability of the seats.

How can I book premium economy seats?

There are myriad ways to book premium economy seats. You can do so by booking early which would also brighten your chances to grab economical rates. You can also book through a frequent flyer program which can earn you points that can be used for upgrades. You should also be attentive to the promotional offers and deals which the airlines come up with for premium economy tickets. You should also plan your trip during the off-season as the premium economy tickets are available at lower rates during these times.

Can you help me with the names of the airlines that offer premium economy?

Airlines that offer premium economy include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand, Eva Air, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Aeroflot, Japan Airlines, Virgin Australia, China Airlines etc.

How is the food better in the premium economy compared to the economy section?

Not only the food but the entire experience in premium economy is infinitely better than economy section. First of all the passengers in the premium economy seats would receive free drinks and a variety of dishes to choose from. The food would be served in proper plates rather than in disposable trays as is the case in the economy section. It would also be worth stating here that some airlines also offer similar in-flight amenity kits as they offer in business class.

Who should opt for premium economy seats?

Though everyone will fall for premium economy seats over economy seats yet it is most conducive for professionals or business travellers who look for superior flying experience. One might not feel the need for premium economy seats during shorter flights when it comes to flights with longer duration then facilities like extra leg space, variety of food and drink, and greater entertainment options make the entire journey enjoyable and memorable. So, if you are a business traveler then premium economy seals are just what you need. The services on offer would be far more whereas the charges levied would be considerably lesser than business class making the entire offer very tempting.

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