What are the extras on premium economy?

What do you get if you fly premium economy?

So, premium economy, huh? It's like airlines decided regular economy was too much fun (read: crammed), and business class, well, that's for folks who own the plane.

Think of it as economy with a participation trophy. You're still in coach, but now you get a bigger participation trophy, or seat, I guess.

What exactly do you get? Well, buckle up, buttercup.

• A Seat That Doesn't Feel Like a Torture Device: Okay, it's slightly bigger. Imagine squeezing into a pair of jeans one size too small, then squeezing into one half a size too small. Progress!
• Legroom! (Sort Of): You can maybe stretch your legs without kicking the seat in front of you. Just kidding, you totally will, but now you can blame the extra legroom. My Aunt Mildred has more legroom in her Buick, just saying.
• Food That Isn't Completely Sad: Let's be real, airline food is airline food. But premium economy food? It's like the chef put a tiny bit more effort in, kind of like when I try to bake a cake.
• A TV Screen Big Enough to See Without a Telescope: Hey, no more squinting to watch that rom-com for the tenth time! More screen real estate? Yes, please.
• Extra Baggage: Because who doesn't need more stuff? Finally, room for all my Beanie Babies and travel-sized toiletries from 2023.
• Pillow!: Yep. It is a pillow that is not the size of your hand.

Premium economy is the airline's way of saying, "We see you, slightly-more-than-broke traveler. Here's a middle ground to ease the pain of flying."

It's basically like paying extra for a "slightly better" version of something that was already mediocre. It's like buying the slightly less rotten banana.

Does premium economy give lounge access?

Premium economy. Lounge access? Rarely granted.

Lounge access: Elusive.

Airlines? ANA, JAL, SAS, LATAM.

Exceptions exist.

• Elite status prevails.
• Lounge programs entice.
• Credit cards unlock doors.
• Pay. If desperate.
• Maybe.

My Amex Centurion? Always.

Additional Info:

• ANA/JAL: Known to sometimes include it on specific routes and fares. Check the fine print. Always.
• SAS: Benefit dependent on EuroBonus status, even with a premium ticket.
• LATAM: May require LATAM Pass status. Status matters.
• Priority Pass/Amex Platinum: Often a better bet than hoping for airline generosity. Control.
• Centurion: Unrivaled.
• Wait, was I talking about that?

Do you get free drinks in premium economy?

Premium economy booze? Supposedly free. Two drinks. Maybe. Service dependent. Don't expect a third. Won't happen. Some flights skimp. Check first. United? Inconsistent. Prepare to pay. It's gambling in the sky, really.

• Drink Availability: Varies per airline. Expect limitations.
• Airline Policies: Heavily influence what you get.
• Flight Specifics: Matter. Route, time, crew impact service. Redeyes? Risky.
• Payment: Carry a card. Just in case.
• Reality: Premium doesn't equal guaranteed free-flow.

I flew to SFO last month. Only water. Guess that's premium now.

How many kg of luggage is allowed on Vietnam Airlines?

Ugh, Vietnam Airlines, right? I flew them last July, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. My flight was packed. Seriously packed. Sweat dripping. I was freaking out about my bag.

My backpack, that's my main thing. I'd crammed it with way too many books. Stupid, I know. It weighed a ton. I'd measured it before I left – just over 10 kilos. Perfect. Or so I thought. They almost made me check it. Nearly had a heart attack. They were being super strict, much stricter than I expected. It was a nightmare.

Economy, naturally. Who can afford business class? Not me. So I had to squeeze that extra weight into my tiny carry-on, plus my purse, of course. My purse held my laptop which was also pretty heavy. I was stressed the whole time.

So, yeah. Economy is 12 kilos total, hand baggage and accessories. Premium and Business is way more generous: 18 kilos. Huge difference. It's ridiculous the difference in allowance. Seriously, the line for checked baggage was insane!

• Economy: 12kg max (carry-on + accessories)
• Premium/Business: 18kg max (two carry-ons)
• My experience: Nearly got nailed for exceeding the limit. Stress levels: through the roof.
• Learn from my mistake: Pack light! Seriously.

I swear, I nearly missed my flight worrying about it. And the air conditioning on the plane was broken. The whole trip was stressful. Next time, I'm taking way less stuff. Way, way less.