Is Premium Economy Worth the Price on Long-Haul Flights?

For frequent flyers with longer journeys, the choice between economy and premium economy class is often a critical one, considering factors such as legroom, comfort, and overall cost. If you have long legs and finding a seat in the 'cheap seats' on a long-haul flight is near impossible, premium economy might be the better option. Let's explore the differences and advantages that justify the extra cost.

Comparing Premium Economy vs Economy Class

Dependent on the airline, the differences in premium economy class vs economy class can vary. For example, with airlines like Singapore Airlines, Premium Economy seats are known to offer considerably more comfort and space.

Lufthansa's Premium Economy experience offers a 2-4-2 seating configuration, contrasted with the more crowded 3-4-3 arrangement in economy. This setup results in increased legroom and better space for belongings. Additionally, the seats are generally of a higher standard, and you might find that you sleep better due to these improved conditions.

Key Advantages of Premium Economy

There are three significant advantages of choosing premium economy over economy class:

Closer proximity to exits: This can be particularly useful if you need to disembark quickly during an emergency. Improved food and drinks: You may enjoy slightly better meals and beverages, as well as additional amenities like a welcome drink and a hot towel upon boarding. Comfy seats with more legroom: Seat pitch and width are often better in premium economy, allowing for more comfortable seating.

Additional Perks Dependent on Airline

The additional perks of premium economy can vary depending on the airline. Generally, you may find:

More space: This can be especially beneficial on long-haul flights, where extra legroom can make a significant difference. Better seats: The seats are often more comfortable and designed for better support. Smaller cabin areas: This can make the flight feel less cramped. More luggage locker space: Valuable for those with plenty of belongings to store. Better service: Some airlines offer enhanced service in premium economy, making the journey more enjoyable.

Real-Life Examples and Opinions

For international flights such as British Airways, premium economy can offer a comfortable alternative to long-haul flights. On the London Beijing (LHR to PVG) route, the journey is 12.5 hours, while flights to Miami (LHR to ELM) last 10 hours. More typical long-haul routes like Bangkok (LHR to BKK), New York (LHR to EWR), Chicago (LHR to ORD), and Dubai (LHR to DXB), which take around 7 to 8 hours, have also been positively reported by frequent flyers.

Many travelers find that premium economy is a worthwhile choice, especially if they prefer not to fly business class. To keep costs down, some travelers opt to fly out in premium economy and return in business class, ensuring they get the rest they need during the flight.

While not as luxurious as business class, premium economy offers a comfortable and often better experience for long-haul flights. Depending on the airline, you might find that the benefits significantly improve your travel experience.