Premium Economy or Economy?
I've always flown economy class because the cost of premium economy was a deal breaker for me. I used to travel with my family, but now that I'm flying solo, I've chosen premium economy for my upcoming trip to London next spring. I have already booked my ticket, and I am ready to go! Surprisingly, the cost of premium economy was just as much as economy once I factored in the expense of choosing a seat and paying for luggage, as well as the change and cancellation options. With all these factors, I decided to go for it and fly with a little more comfort.
The difference between economy and premium economy on airlines typically involves seat comfort, amenities, and service variations. Here's a breakdown:
Seat Comfort
Economy: Seats typically have less legroom (30-32 inches of pitch) and recline, with a seat width of around 17-18 inches.
Premium Economy: Seats have increased legroom (typically 34-38 inches of pitch), and enhanced recline with wider seat dimensions (18-19 inches). Certain airlines also offer footrests and adjustable headrests.
Amenities
Economy: Basic amenities include a small pillow, blanket, and standard in-flight entertainment. Meals and drinks are typically provided, but the options are limited, and you may have to pay for them.
Premium Economy: Enhanced amenities include better-quality pillows, blankets, and sometimes noise-cancelling headphones. The in-flight entertainment system may feature a larger screen and more content options. Meals are often upgraded with higher-quality food and beverages and may be served on real china with metal cutlery.
Services
Economy: The standard service has fewer flight attendants per passenger, which can result in slower service times. Due to the number of passengers in Economy and the limited washrooms, there may be long line-ups for the washrooms.
Premium Economy: More personalized service with a higher flight attendant-to-passenger ratio. Beverages such as orange juice or water are usually provided before the flight departs. Passengers in Premium Economy may also have priority boarding and additional baggage allowance. There is a designated washroom for Premium Economy passengers.
Pricing
Economy: Usually the most affordable option, with prices varying based on the airline, route, time of week you fly and when you book.
Premium Economy: Premium Economy is more expensive than Economy but significantly cheaper than Business Class. Premium Economy offers a comfortable option without the high cost of Business Class.
Summary:
Economy offers limited essential services with no extras if you're looking for a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, Premium Economy often includes perks such as wider seats, priority check-in, and additional baggage allowance. If you're looking for a more enhanced experience, especially on long-haul flights, but can't or don't want to pay for a Business class seat, this may be your best choice.