September 3, 2024, 6:44 am | Read time: 3 minutes
More and more airlines are offering a class between Business and Economy, where passengers can enjoy more legroom and other amenities for a moderate surcharge. Premium Economy tickets will soon also be available from the German airline Lufthansa. TRAVELBOOK unpacks the new trend and shows what each airline has to offer.
Anyone who’s ever endured over three hours in the tight confines of Economy Class knows the yearning for more legroom and larger seats. Yet, the plush comforts of Business Class come with a price tag that’s out of reach for many. This is where many airlines are now stepping in and offering a cheaper “intermediate class” – Premium Economy Class.
According to the “Seat Guru” website, 27 airlines currently offer the upscale Economy Class option, including Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. Compared to regular Economy Class, the Premium version provides, on average, between 12 and 18 centimeters more legroom and 2.5 to 5 centimeters wider seats.
Other amenities in Premium Economy Class include:
- between 5 and 8 centimeters more seat recline
- adjustable headrests and leg rests
- larger TV screens
- power outlets for laptops and other devices.
- an enhanced selection of food and beverages
Air France passengers, for example, have a seat pitch of around 81.3 centimeters in Standard Economy Class on almost all long-haul flights, and the seats are between 43 and a good 48 centimeters wide. However, booking a flight in Premium Economy Class increases the legroom by more than 15 centimeters. The seats are only slightly wider than those in economy class, but each has a power outlet. With the Australian airline Qantas, premium passengers even have up to 28 centimeters more legroom, and the seats are, on average, 5 centimeters wider.
Lufthansa follows suit
Lufthansa announced its intention to gradually equip its entire long-haul fleet with the new Premium Economy Class in the near future. “As part of Economy Class, this significantly upgraded Economy product fills the gap between the upscale Business Class segment and classic Economy Class. The Premium Economy Class will therefore appeal to both comfort-oriented private travelers and business travelers in the future,” it says on the Lufthansa website.
The company has yet to disclose details regarding the price differences and features of the new seats. Details on Premium Economy are to be announced at the beginning of March at the ITB travel trade fair in Berlin. However, Lufthansa spokesperson Klaus Gorny already revealed this much when asked by TRAVELBOOK: “The offer can be booked from May 2014, and the first passengers will be able to experience the new Premium Economy Class from the fall.”
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For whom is Premium Economy worthwhile?
This offering might especially appeal to business travelers whose employers balk at the cost of a significantly pricier business-class ticket. Self-employed frequent fliers might also find value in opting for premium tickets.
A price comparison by “Seat Guru” showed that premium economy flights are cheaper closer to the desired departure date. This means that those who book early pay around 85 percent more than in standard economy class. However, bookings shortly before departure will only cost between 10 and 35 percent more.
Tip: If your airline offers Premium Economy and the seat allocation is not exhausted shortly before departure, you may be able to get a particularly cheap upgrade at short notice. Ask nicely at the check-in counter!