Is Upgrading to Premium Economy on International Flights Worth It?
When thinking about international flights, many travelers wonder if premium economy is worth the extra money. This class offers a mix of comfort and cost, and it’s getting more attention lately. Recently, TAP Air Portugal announced a new premium-economy cabin set to launch next summer. This move is part of a long-running trend that began over 30 years ago when airlines started adding premium labels to certain coach seats and charging more for them.
Growing Demand for Premium Economy
The demand for premium economy has been climbing steadily. Last year, over 114 million premium-economy seats were available worldwide. This is nearly a 40 percent increase over the past two years. Travelers are looking for a more comfortable experience in the air and are willing to pay a bit more for it.
Carlos Antunes, TAP’s director for the Americas, mentioned that the airline is responding to what travelers want—more premium amenities. TAP currently only has business and coach classes but is hoping this new offering meets the needs of passengers looking for more comfort.
TAP Air Portugal’s Unique Offering
The new premium-economy cabin on TAP will feature just 12 seats, with four seats per row. This design aims to create a quieter, more private atmosphere. Passengers will enjoy benefits like priority check-in, bonus miles, better headphones, and a wider selection of food and drinks.
The new seats will be available on TAP’s Airbus A330s and A321 LR planes, which fly between Portugal and several U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.
Comparing Premium Economy Options Across Airlines
Other airlines usually offer a few extra inches of legroom and wider seats in premium economy. This setup helps passengers avoid feeling cramped in coach without paying the high prices of business class. For many airlines, premium economy is actually a profitable part of their business. Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic have noted that this section of the plane often brings in a lot of revenue.
Gary Leff, an airline expert, shared that premium economy is a moneymaker for airlines. They can charge a price that’s much higher than the costs involved in providing a little extra space.
Variety in Premium Economy Seats
Legroom in premium economy can range from 38 inches to 43 inches.
Seat widths can vary from 17.5 inches to 20 inches.
Some airlines, like Air France, offer perks such as expedited airport services and champagne on departure.
Is Premium Economy Worth It?
However, not every flight experience in premium economy is perfect. On busy overnight flights, it might still feel a lot like coach, and the extra money spent for this upgrade might not feel justified. Many travelers have shared their thoughts on the ideal price range for premium economy, often suggesting about $300 to $400 more than coach fares.
Travelers frequently find themselves confused by price differences. For instance, one traveler planning a trip to Spain found that the premium-economy seats were nearly $1,000 more than standard coach fares. But just a week before their flight, they received an email offering an upgrade for just over $200. After considering a seat-selection fee refund, the upgrade became a great deal.
Comfort vs. Cost Considerations
Even with a more reclining seat in premium economy, getting a good night’s sleep can still be a challenge on long-haul flights. Many believe that the soft benefits, like being away from the crowds and having earlier boarding, are worth the extra cost.
Joe Brancatelli, who writes for business travelers, pointed out that airlines have not fully figured out premium economy after all these years. Many travelers are moving up from coach due to crowded conditions, while some business travelers cannot access first-class seats due to company policies.
Future of Premium Economy
With TAP’s recent announcement, will we see other airlines follow suit? Former British Airways official Jennifer Coutts Clay mentioned that there are talks about new seat designs that will allow for more reclining and comfort in premium economy. In the end, the key factors for passengers will always be seat comfort and space.
Upgrading to premium economy can be worthwhile, especially for those who can’t splurge on business class. But it’s smart to shop around and not settle for the first price you see. You might find better deals as your departure date approaches.
