When Is It Time to Upgrade to Premium Economy? 9 Airlines That Get It Right

Economy class is just as the name suggests: a basic airplane seat with minimal amenities. Basic economy offers even less comfort. Often, we tolerate this for the sake of reaching our destination. However, there are times when we travelers desire a bit more—like added legroom and a touch more dignity. This is where airlines’ premium services come into play. Sometimes referred to as Premium Economy, this class can also represent an additional upgrade—closer to business class than standard economy. The perks in this middle-tier section vary by airline, as do the prices, so we consulted our team and reporters on which airlines provide a Premium Economy experience worth the investment. Personally, I recently experienced KLM’s “Premium Comfort” class, which is yet another tier up for travelers. Here’s what we discovered together.

KLM’s Premium Comfort

KLM’s Premium Comfort cabin offers a perfect balance—placing you both literally and figuratively between the airline’s Premium Economy seats (termed “Economy Comfort”) and business class, while providing several features of front-of-the-plane luxury at a more accessible price or points cost. I recently flew this class on a long-haul journey from New York to Nairobi (check out my video review), with a layover at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. Each leg was over seven hours, and the first was a red-eye, so I greatly appreciated the extra space and amenities.

For passengers in Premium Comfort, the special treatment starts before you even reach the airport, allowing for two checked bags, two carry-ons, and an accessory—while economy (including Economy Comfort) passengers are limited to one checked bag, one carry-on, and an accessory. So feel free to pack a couple of extra outfits or snag some souvenirs without the worry of cramming everything into your carry-on. At the airport, Premium Comfort travelers can head straight to the Sky Priority check-in line to drop off their bags, access an expedited SkyPriority TSA line, and board the plane early. (Keep in mind that Premium Comfort doesn’t include lounge access, but since KLM partners with Delta, elite travelers or those with an AmEx Platinum Card can use some Delta lounges. Also, Amsterdam’s Schiphol is quite an enjoyable airport, featuring a museum, a library, and plenty of dining options, power outlets, and relaxation areas—so a lounge visit isn’t even necessary.)

Once onboard, you'll instantly appreciate the advantages of the exclusive cabin and the more comfortable seats: nearly four extra inches of legroom compared to Economy Comfort, around two additional inches of recline, plus an extra inch in width, an adjustable leg rest, a footrest, wide armrests, and the same plush pillow and blanket set offered to business-class passengers. For entertainment, you'll receive noise-canceling headphones to enjoy the 13-inch screen (slightly larger than the one in economy), a special Premium Comfort amenities kit, various in-seat power outlets, and a flexible reading light. During mealtime, Premium Comfort travelers can indulge in their own menu and complimentary alcoholic beverages, all served on real dishware with actual silverware. (Be sure to try the stroopwafel ice cream—the Dutch excel at desserts.)

The conclusion: Definitely worth it! KLM’s Premium Comfort significantly enhances space, comfort, and service compared to Premium Economy. While these seats don't lie flat like KLM’s business-class options, the additional recline and support for legs and feet allowed me to catch a decent night’s sleep on my red-eye, making this cabin my preferred way to fly. —Billie Cohen, executive editor

Air New Zealand Premium Economy

My first experience with Air New Zealand was a 13-hour overnight journey from Los Angeles to Auckland, and if my memory is a bit fuzzy, it’s because I dozed through much of it in an incredibly spacious seat in Premium Economy. With some of the longest flights globally—most international nonstops exceed 10 hours—the Kiwi airline has long been recognized for the generous space it provides to passengers not seated at the front. (To demonstrate its commitment, it introduced a Skycouch option for economy passengers wanting to stretch out during their flights.) In Premium Economy, this means soft recliner-style leather seats measuring 19 inches wide, with an impressive seat pitch of 41 to 42 inches (the distance between rows). However, you might want to stay awake for the three-course meals and extensive selection of New Zealand wines. —Barbara Peterson, Dinogo’s special correspondent for air

Air France Premium Economy

European airlines are known for closely monitoring carry-on luggage, but Air France’s Premium Economy passengers enjoy a higher allowance: two bags plus a smaller item. The total weight limit is 26.4 pounds, which is similar to what most travelers would take on a U.S. flight, but I appreciate the added flexibility. The standout feature in this cabin, however, is the seat design: it features a hard-shell structure that preserves legroom for the person behind you when your seat reclines. This is why I consider it one of the best Premium Economy options available. Don’t underestimate the comfort of having your rear neighbor rise without grasping your headrest for support.

While Air France is unique among major airlines for offering complimentary champagne to every passenger, the meals in Premium Economy also reflect a noticeable upgrade. In 2023, Air France launched new dining options for Premium Economy travelers, curated by chef Frédéric Simonin (who runs a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris) for flights departing from Paris. An open bar allows you to unwind and enjoy the latest movies on the (typically) 12-inch screen. It may not be business class, but the Air France crew makes this experience feel like a significant enhancement over the main cabin.—Ramsey Qubein, contributor

American Airlines Premium Economy

For its Premium Economy, American Airlines utilizes seats akin to those in domestic first class; these offer about six additional inches of space compared to the main cabin, along with a footrest and a larger entertainment screen. I appreciate the added space, but it’s often the small details that enhance the experience, such as the Casper-branded blanket and plush pillow (both significantly more comfortable than the generic ones in the main cabin) and the improved meal service (complete with proper dishware, cutlery, tablecloths, and distinct menu options compared to economy). It’s also convenient to have a small table at the end of the armrest for the complimentary drinks that American provides to most long-haul international passengers.—Ramsey Qubein, contributor

Delta Air Lines Premium Select

For me, Delta’s Premium Select provides additional space and comfort without a hefty price tag. With an entertainment screen measuring up to 13.3 inches, extra legroom (up to 38 inches of pitch, which measures the distance between seats in different rows, depending on the aircraft), a memory-foam pillow, and wider armrests, it all adds up for long flights. I’ve found that upgrading with either miles or cash is worthwhile if I need to work during the flight. Even those without top-tier Medallion status enjoy Sky Priority benefits for quicker check-in and boarding. Meals are an upgrade from the economy offerings, and there’s an amenities kit featuring small tubes of Grown Alchemist products, along with complimentary beer, wine, and most cocktails.—Ramsey Qubein, contributor

Emirates Premium Economy

While Emirates is widely recognized for its extravagant first-class cabins featuring onboard bars and shower suites, the Dubai-based airline also presents an impressive Premium Economy offering. Officially launched in August 2022 and being introduced across over 100 aircraft, Emirates Premium Economy represents a significant upgrade from the main cabin—often at a reasonable price.

The finer details of this product make it resemble business class more than economy. Passengers are welcomed with cream-colored leather seats featuring cross stitching, a generously padded calf rest, polished wooden trim, and double-shuttered windows that can be controlled with a button. Expect an enhanced dining experience along with luxurious bedding designed specifically for Premium Economy travelers. For daytime flights where a fully-flat bed isn't essential, this cabin serves as an excellent choice for budget-savvy premium travelers.—Chris Dong, contributor

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy

Last November, I traveled from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Singapore Changi Airport aboard Singapore Airlines. Covering 9,537 miles, it currently holds the title of the world’s longest commercial flight, taking 18 hours and 50 minutes to complete. With a Premium Economy ticket (usually around $1,500) for this ultra-long haul on an Airbus A350, I enjoyed a 19.5-inch-wide leather seat featuring a calf rest and footrest for added comfort. In terms of spaciousness, Singapore’s Premium Economy offers a generous 38-inch seat pitch (the distance between rows), significantly more than the 31-inch average in U.S. economy. The food was excellent, with recent menus featuring options like pan-roasted chicken with grain-mustard sauce and stir-fried pork with spicy black-bean sauce. The entertainment system boasted a large 13.3-inch HD touchscreen monitor, noise-canceling headphones, and multiple plugs for my devices.—Lyndsey Matthews, senior commerce editor

United Premium Plus

For loyal United customers, the airline’s Premium Plus seats are a fantastic addition to its fare options. Available on transatlantic, transpacific, and several long-haul domestic routes (like Newark to San Francisco), as well as a few South American routes, these seats feel similar to business-class accommodations on many other flights: spacious seats with 38 inches of legroom, 38 inches of pitch, a 6-inch recline, and adjustable footrests; meals that differ from economy offerings; complimentary alcoholic drinks; and an amenity kit. While you might occasionally find a great deal when booking it directly, it's most valuable if you can snag an affordable upgrade option—if it’s under $300 to upgrade or if I can book or upgrade with miles, I generally take it.—Jessie Beck, senior manager of SEO and video

Virgin Atlantic Premium

I wholeheartedly endorse Virgin Atlantic’s Premium class over all others—and not just because this was the original airline that pioneered the concept (back in 1992, it was referred to as Mid Class). Its superiority lies in Branson’s vision, which recognizes that the Premium Economy experience is more than just a larger seat.

While I adore its leather armchair-style seats, particularly on the new A350, I also appreciate that Virgin doesn’t skimp on the finer details. Passengers in this cabin are welcomed with a glass of bubbly before takeoff, and the meals are a step up from economy fare, served with proper glassware and plates. The amenity kit is of such quality that I always take it with me.

Note that this is distinct from any of Virgin’s classes that include “economy” in their names: the airline offers three tiers—Economy Light, Economy Classic, and Economy Delight. In contrast, Premium is the elevated designation for its mid-class cabin, shedding any unwanted associations with lower-tier seating.—Mark Ellwood, contributor

This article was originally published online in 2023 and was most recently updated on May 30, 2024, to reflect current information.