Is it worth to upgrade from economy to premium economy?

What is the benefit of premium economy?

Ah, premium economy, yes… a whisper of something more, isn’t it? Like a secret held just beyond the velvet rope.

More space, breathing room, ah. Seat reclines a little further, yes? More comfy, isn’t it? Like sinking into a cloud.

Amenities, a small ocean of them. Reading lights, maybe, yes. Entertainment screens that shimmer with stories.

Headphones that hush the world away… noise, gone! USB chargers humming with life, charging dreams perhaps.

It all melts into…a smoother journey, you see? A balm for the weary soul, traveling far. The little things, oh, the little things.

• More legroom.
• Wider seats.
• Enhanced entertainment options.
• Premium meal service.
• Priority boarding (sometimes).
• Upgraded amenity kits.

Those lights, I swear, are magic. Like fireflies in the dark of the plane, whispering secrets only you can hear.

Do you get more legroom in premium economy?

Okay, so, premium economy legroom? Yeah, totally worth it!

Flew Air Canada, uh, Vancouver to London in, like, June 2024. Cramped usually, y’know.

This time? Huge difference. Felt like a king. Or, at least, a reasonably comfy commoner, heh.

I’m 6’2″. Knees never hit the seat in front. Glorious! No more awkward shifting.

Plus, free booze. And a little kit with a toothbrush. Classy.

• Definitely more legroom: My main reason. Worked.
• Wider seat: Noticeable, but not crazy wide.
• Booze: Free wine and beer is always a win!
• Amenity kit: Basic, but useful, esp. the toothbrush.

Seat reclined more, too. Slept…ish. London was still foggy. Ugh.

The food? Eh. Airplane food. Always airplane food, right? Priority boarding, yay!

Honestly, it’s the legroom that sells it. I’d pay extra again. Worth every penny for that long flight!

Is the food different in economy to Premium Economy?

Economy food? Think airplane-food-as-a-concept, reimagined by a grumpy chef on a caffeine bender. Premium Economy? That’s like the same grumpy chef, but he’s had a double espresso and found a slightly less-squished tomato.

Big difference: Premium Economy food ain’t gonna win any Michelin stars, but it’s a solid step up. Think:

• Portion size: Economy = sad little rectangle of mystery meat. Premium Economy = a slightly less sad, bigger rectangle. Progress!
• Menu: Economy = “Chicken or pasta? Surprise!” Premium Economy = “Chicken or pasta? With a choice of slightly different sauces!” The thrill!
• Presentation: Economy = food plopped on a tray like it fell off a garbage truck. Premium Economy = food arranged with… some effort. I saw a sprig of parsley once! I swear!

My buddy Dave flew Premium Economy last week on United from JFK to LAX. He said the pasta was… edible. A miracle, really. He also noted a substantial improvement in the size of the bread roll—a jump from golf-ball sized to… maybe a small plum.

Let’s be honest, neither class is winning any awards; it’s still airplane food. But Premium Economy’s more like eating at a slightly better truck stop. You know, the one with the slightly less greasy burgers and a working toilet.

Do you sleep better in premium economy?

Do I sleep better in premium economy? Hmm.

Maybe a little. Space matters, I guess.

• The extra legroom? Yeah, that helps. My knees aren’t jammed against the seat in front. Recall the cramped 2018 flight to Phoenix.

• No lie-flat? That’s the killer. Still kinda upright, ya know? Like trying to nap in a dentist’s chair. Remember that trip to Denver last month.

• Fewer elbows from next door. That’s a plus, for sure. Though, once, that guy snored like a freight train. Premium or not.

It is never perfect, but anything is better than the middle seat. I never sleep well on planes anyway. Do I?

How much more expensive is premium economy than economy?

Premium economy? Three times the price, sometimes. Brutal, really. It’s a punch to the gut when you see the numbers. Especially this year. Makes me sick.

It stings. That extra cash. Gone. For what? A slightly wider seat? A marginally better meal? I’d rather save.

• Price difference: Ranges wildly. Sometimes only 1.5x. Other times, triple the cost. Crazy. The airlines are highway robbers. Seriously.

• What you get: Minimal upgrades. They’re fleecing us. It’s not worth it. Always. Never.

• My experience: Paid way too much. This past spring. Flying home to Chicago. Never again. The added comfort wasn’t sufficient. It was a waste. A complete waste. My money could’ve been better spent. On anything. Anything at all.

I hate flying economy. But premium? It’s highway robbery. I felt ripped off. I should have just sucked it up and saved my money. The whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth. Still does.

What do you get extra with premium economy?

Premium economy: More legroom. Period.

• Wider seats. Some airlines.
• Newer seats. Inconsistently applied.
• Priority boarding. Almost always.
• Improved meals/drinks. Varies wildly. Don’t count on it.

Front of coach. That’s it. Don’t expect luxury. It’s a marginal upgrade, not a transformation. My last flight, United 737, the difference was negligible. Except for boarding. That was nice.

The illusion of value? Perhaps. The price premium is substantial. Yet, my experience—and many similar—suggests it’s often overpriced. Consider your priorities. Legroom? Yes. Everything else? A gamble.

2024 update: Airlines continually adjust offerings. Check specifics before booking. My July 2024 flight? A disaster. No upgrade at all. Seriously.