What's special about premium economy? Is upgrading worth it?

Herald Sun

3 days ago

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I hadn't even finished saying the words 'premium economy' when laughter at the airline's call centre began echoing in my ear.
'No chance – you should have booked that ticket months ago,' the woman said. I would once again be folded like origami in economy.
Truth be told, I should have known better. Premium economy is now so popular that despite the increase in the number of international airlines offering the elevated cabin class (jumping from 42 to 63 between 2017 and 2022, according to aviation analytics specialists Cirium), seats are quickly being snapped up well in advance by travellers seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank.
New to the cabin class? Here's what you need to know.
WHAT IS PREMIUM ECONOMY?
When you want the opulence of business class at a price point that's closer to its economy cousin, premium economy aims for the middle ground. An exclusive space offering fewer seats than in economy (and sometimes even fewer than you will find in business), the key highlight in this cabin class is space and comfortable seating. Seat specifications vary between airlines, but passengers flying premium economy can bank on an extra 12cm-18cm of legroom, 2.5cm-5cm of extra seat width and an additional 5cm-7cm of seat reclining space.
Qantas premium economy seats are wider and have more legroom than economy.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES PREMIUM ECONOMY OFFER?
Extra space and legroom is a commonality, but each airline sets its own standards when it comes to what it's willing to shoehorn into its premium economy offering. Generally speaking, travellers in this cabin class can expect to enjoy on-ground perks such as extra baggage allowance, dedicated check-in counters to beat the queues and priority boarding and baggage handling.
In the air, the cabin class tends to include an enhanced dining experience using proper tableware, with what is often a full complimentary menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Add to that an improved entertainment system, luxury amenity kits, a dedicated cabin crew and – back to the all-important seat – a seat cushion that's thicker and more comfortable, along with a thicker blanket and fluffier pillow.
Some airlines, such as Delta, offer an upgraded menu offering for premium economy passengers.
HOW HAS PREMIUM ECONOMY CHANGED?
Any time you have the pleasure of flying premium economy, you can thank the Taiwanese, who introduced the concept (initially titled 'Evergreen Deluxe Class') in 1992, courtesy of Eva Air.
When the product was first launched, however, it was purely an in-air experience offering extra legroom, wider seats and little else. It was only after Virgin Atlantic launched 'Mid Class' – pitched as the sweet spot between its 'Upper Class' and economy classes and rebranded to premium economy shortly afterwards – that things changed somewhat.
Despite passengers still 'enjoying' the same meals served in its economy cabins, premium economy passengers were offered separate check-in counters at the airport, welcome drinks upon boarding and a separate cabin with larger seating.
Premium economy seating on Air New Zealand's redesigned 787-9 Dreamliner.
HOW DOES THE AIRCRAFT TYPE AFFECT THE OFFERING?
Got money to burn? As tempting as it may be to book the first premium economy seat you can find, the cabin class experience varies widely between aircraft models. Generally, newer planes such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 787 Dreamliners and even the A380 tend to offer a higher standard of product and experience, with dimmable windows, individual storage areas and access to lounge areas.
Although some airlines' retrofitted 777s still provide that all-important space, they can have older, less comfortable seats, so doing your research on the aircraft model being operated on your desired route is essential to get the best value for your dollar.
HOW MUCH DOES PREMIUM ECONOMY COST?
Don't let the word 'economy' fool you, flying premium economy still costs a pretty penny and while prices vary significantly between carriers, you can expect to pay between one and a half to three times the price of an economy fare.
To give you an idea, a premium economy fare from Sydney to Dubai with Emirates starts from $2912, while a business class ticket for the same route starts from $7805. Air New Zealand has economy fares between Sydney and Los Angeles via Auckland from $2300, while a premium economy fare would start from $4800 and business premier from around $11,400 return.
Meanwhile, a Qantas business all-inclusive fare between Sydney and London might start from $11,711 return, but premium economy will start from $4740.
Emirates' premium economy is considered one of the best in the world, with fares less than half the price of business class.
WHICH AIRLINE HAS THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY?
Ultimately this depends on what you consider to be good value. However, those considering dipping their toe into the world of premium economy for the first time might be interested to know that Japan Airlines was awarded the world's best premium economy class at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024 where they also took home the top gong for the best economy class seat. Emirates, Eva Air, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, All Nippon Airways, Delta Air Lines, Cathay Pacific, Air France and Qantas round out the top 10 of the awards.
Meanwhile Vietnam Airlines was named AirlineRatings.com's inaugural winner of the best value premium economy award for 2024, along with Air New Zealand, which was awarded best premium economy.
DO ALL AIRLINES OFFER PREMIUM ECONOMY?
Surprisingly not. Despite the popularity of the cabin class, some airlines – Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines among them – have opted out, saying the elevated level of their economy product places it on par with many airlines' premium economy offerings. 'Qatar Airways does not offer a separate premium economy cabin, as its economy class already features one of the widest seats in the industry, complete with adjustable headrests, excellent on-board dining and extensive in-flight entertainment options,' an airline spokesman said.
On Japan Airlines, premium economy passengers get Sakura Lounge access.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM BUSINESS CLASS?
The difference between economy and premium economy is easily understood, but – flat beds aside – the benefits between premium economy and business class can be a little trickier to quantify beyond 'the latter offers a higher-end product'. This, of course, can mean access to a more extensive range of gourmet food and drinks, larger screens and more entertainment options, and more luxurious amenity kits.
While a few airlines – Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and LATAM among them – offer lounge access to passengers booked in premium economy on international flights, most do not unless you have the equivalent of gold or higher status with the airline you're flying (or one of its partners). With Qantas, for example, passengers booked on a premium economy seat can use select lounges if they have a single-entry lounge pass, hold a gold or platinum frequent flyer status, or have Oneworld Sapphire status (or higher).
BEFORE YOU BOOK, CONSIDER THIS
Due to the popularity of the cabin class, booking well in advance is advised – particularly on longer sectors such as the Sydney-to-London 'Kangaroo Route', say the team at Qantas. Fares are 'likely to be lowest outside three months from departure'.
Research the aircraft on your desired route and ask yourself whether the extra outlay will be worth flying on an older, retrofitted aircraft.
Look at what is on offer at the connecting airports. Some airlines offer lounge access and/or services at their hubs, for example, but not at other airports, leaving you hanging at the departure gate.
Originally published as Flyers are going bananas for premium economy right now, here's why