Is an Economy Plus seat worth it?

Is an Economy Plus Seat Worth It? The Legroom Lottery vs. Your Wallet

The siren song of extra legroom. It whispers promises of in-flight comfort, a chance to actually cross your legs, and maybe even – dare we dream – a sliver of personal space. But is upgrading to Economy Plus, Premium Economy, or whatever your airline calls its enhanced economy offering, actually worth the extra cash? The answer, as with most travel dilemmas, is: it depends.

Upgrading to Economy Plus offers a spacious and comfortable travel experience. While it lacks the amenities and service of Business Class, it provides additional legroom and can alleviate the discomfort of flying. Consider the cost difference and whether the enhanced space is worth the investment. That extra space can be a game-changer, especially on longer flights. Imagine being able to stretch out without contorting yourself into a human pretzel. Picture actually being able to use your laptop without bashing your knees against the tray table. For taller passengers, those extra few inches can be the difference between cramped misery and tolerable comfort. And for anyone who simply values personal space, that buffer zone can make a flight significantly more enjoyable.

However, the “plus” in Economy Plus often comes with a “plus” in price. The cost of an upgrade can vary significantly depending on the airline, the route, and the time of year. Sometimes it’s a modest bump of a few tens of dollars, other times it can be a substantial increase that pushes the total ticket price closer to business class territory. This is where the real deliberation begins.

Before clicking that upgrade button, consider the following:

• Flight Duration: A short hop across a couple of states? You might be able to tough it out in standard economy. But a transatlantic red-eye? Those extra inches can be worth their weight in gold.
• Your Physical Build: Taller individuals or those with longer legs will undoubtedly benefit more from the extra legroom. If you’re on the shorter side, you might find the standard seat sufficient.
• Your Budget: Be honest with yourself. Is the upgrade within your travel budget without compromising other aspects of your trip? A comfortable flight is great, but not if it means sacrificing experiences at your destination.
• Alternative Options: Consider your airline’s seat selection policy. Sometimes, exit row seats or bulkhead seats offer similar legroom without the extra charge (although these often come with their own set of limitations). Checking seat maps and using seat guru websites can help you snag a more spacious seat within standard economy.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to upgrade to Economy Plus is a personal one. Weigh the benefits of extra legroom against the added cost and consider your individual needs and circumstances. It’s a balancing act between comfort and your wallet. Sometimes that extra space is a worthwhile luxury, other times it’s just not worth the squeeze.