What's the difference between Economy and Premium Economy?

Economy and premium economy are travel classes that almost every airline offers. The services and facilities you get in these classes and their prices vary. However, the premium economy generally is an upgraded version of economy class. You get additional services and facilities in the premium economy, which you will lack while traveling in economy class. To determine which travel class meets your preferences and needs, you must know in detail about both classes. You can go through the information below. It will help you understand the classes so that you do not regret your decision while traveling. 

What is Economy Class? 

It is the most affordable and basic fare that airlines offer their customers. Economy is the cheapest class, but that does not mean it is not worth flying. The airlines understand your needs and provide basic services and comfortable seats. Find the facilities listed below to understand more about the economy-class travel experience. However, the facilities may differ from airline to airline, but here are the standard facilities: 

• Seating: You get a seat with limited comfort, smaller than the seats in the airline's other higher travel classes. 
• Food and beverages: You may get food and drink for free on long-haul flights. However, the airline may decide whether you will get food on a short-haul flight. 
• In-flight entertainment: You are provided with in-flight entertainment, but it is limited compared to the other classes of the airline. 
• Baggage allowance: This depends on the airline. However, you may carry a cabin bag and one luggage of up to 23 kg. 
• Price: The price of the economy class varies depending on the airline and route you are traveling. It may cost you from 40 USD to 80 USD. 

What is Premium Economy? 

The premium economy is an enhanced version of economy class and contains more comfort and facilities. With a premium economy fare, you can access priority-based services that benefit you. Some of the services and facilities that you get while traveling in the premium economy class include: 

• Seating: You get wider seats with extra space and legroom to stretch more. These seats allow you to sleep comfortably and are better overall than economy class. 
• Delicious meals: In premium economy class, you have more options for choosing the meals and drinks you can enjoy during your journey. 
• In-flight entertainment: When you travel in premium economy class, you can enjoy an upgraded version of in-flight entertainment with more movies. You are also offered vast TV shows and other entertainment options. 
• Priority-based services: You get priority during check-in and boarding. So you do not have to stand in long queues at the airport.
• Baggage allowance: Premium economy class allows you to carry more baggage, which varies from airline to airline. You may be allowed to have a cabin bag and about two checked bags weighing 23-32 kg. 
• Price: The price of the premium economy class varies and depends on the airline and route you are flying to. The approximate cost of the airline may go from 2 to 3 times the introductory economy class fare. 

The Main Differences between Premium Economy and Economy

There are key differences between the economy and the premium economy. Understanding the differences in the services and facilities of both classes will help you know which is right for your travel. So here are some of the main differences that you can consider while choosing a class for your travel:

Seating: The economy class includes smaller seats with limited space and comfort. The seat of the premium economy class is wider, with a few more inches. It also offers more space, comfort, and reclining facilities. 

Ticket Price: The economy class costs you less than the premium economy class. If you want budget travel, you must choose the economy class. For an enhanced travel experience, you can select the premium economy class. Premium economy costs about 1.5-3 times the basic economy class. You get more comfortable and peaceful sleep in premium economy than in economy class. 

In-Flight Services: In economy class, you get limited in-flight services, depending on your airline and route. Premium economy offers more services and in-flight facilities that improve your travel experience. Overall, it provides you with a more comfortable travel experience. In addition, you get more options for food, entertainment, etc. However, these services are limited in the economy. 

Baggage Allowance: In the premium economy class, you can carry an extra baggage allowance compared to the economy class. You may have one additional checked bag and some extra kgs in the cabin. The baggage allowance of the economy class is minimal and varies from airline to airline. 

Amenities: The economy class offers basic amenities, including food or snacks, in-flight entertainment, and a comfortable seat. In contrast, the premium economy seat includes additional benefits and facilities, including a spacious seat. Other premium economy amenities include food and in-flight entertainment with more options. 

Ideal For: Economy class is perfect for people who want to travel within budget and do not care much about the additional services and benefits. The premium economy class is ideal for long-haul and international flights. So, people who prefer comfort and want extra services can travel in the premium economy class. 

Additional Perks: You get just some basic perks and facilities in the economy class, but no other extra perks. In contrast, the premium economy class gives you additional perks and benefits, including priority boarding and check-in, additional baggage, and more. 

Booking Flexibility: You get more flexibility in premium economy than in economy class. You can change and cancel your premium economy ticket with fewer fees than economy class. In contrast, whether you will get a refund or if changes are allowed varies from airline to airline for economy class. 

Popular Airlines Offering Premium Economy

Not every airline offers premium economy class. The premium economy class could be one of the best choices for people who do not want to spend a lot for business class and do not want to settle for a just economy. Here are some of the popular airlines that offer the best premium economy class travel. So you can choose your preferred airlines, which include:

• Qantas Airways
• Emirates 
• Singapore Airlines 
• Japan Airlines
• Cathay Pacific 
• Air New Zealand
• Lufthansa 
• Virgin Atlantic 
• British Airways 
• Air France 

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Class for Your Journey 

This information included all the essential details about the economy and premium economy classes. Hope you are now aware of all the key differences between economy and premium economy classes. Knowing which is better, economy or premium economy, depends on your preferences and requirements. It is also subject to what type of travel experience you want. If you're going to enhance your travel experience, you can book your ticket in the premium economy. If the services and facilities are not a priority but the budget is, you can choose to travel in economy class. So, analyze the economy and premium classes of the airline you want to travel with. After that, you can select the class for the travel experience according to your preferences.