Premium Economy seats cost more than Economy seats. The price difference between an Economy and Premium Economy seat depends on varying factors such as the airline, availability and fuel prices. While the price may fluctuate, the cost of a Premium Economy seat is usually somewhere between the cost of an Economy and Business class seat on the same flight. Premium Economy seats can cost as low as an extra 10 to 15 percent more than Economy to over double the cost.
The one advantage offered by all airlines for their Premium Economy seats is more room. A seat's leg room is determined by its pitch, defined as the distance between the back of a seat to the front of the seat behind it. Virgin Atlantic's Premium Economy seats have a width of 21 inches and a pitch of 38 inches, while their Economy seats have a width of 17.5 inches and a pitch of 31 inches. Depending on the aircraft, United Airlines' Premium Economy seats have a width of 17 to 18 inches and pitch of 34 to 36 inches. Their Economy seats have the same width but a pitch of only 31 inches.
Premium Economy seats may also have better entertainment systems and food service. Air France's Premium Economy seats have larger television screens than Economy. Additionally, their Premium Economy seats have individual reading lights and seat power. Air New Zealand offers their Premium Economy travelers a revamped menu that includes tapas items as well as a self-service bar.
Besides a better experience during the flight, travelers with Premium Economy tickets may have preboarding benefits. Air France's Premium Economy travelers have priority check-in. Air Qantas provides their Premium Economy travelers with priority check-in, priority boarding, priority disembarkation and additional baggage allowance. Virgin Atlantic offers priority check-in, priority boarding and a preflight drink.
