Know the Difference Between Premium Economy and Economy Plus
If you don’t fly often, the many seat options can be confusing.
For example, on a recent flight to Scotland, I watched a woman burn out in front of a flight attendant due to not being given a luxurious blanket, pillow, or a set of accessories that were given to premium economy customers on her economy seat + total a few rows back. She thought they were the same thing and that she was being unfairly punished for booking a seat a few rows further on the plane. The phrase “I paid the same amount for my ticket as they did?” shouted aggressively more than once. She was wrong.
In fact, people sitting in premium economy class paid more on plane tickets for these small luxuries. Much more.
Although, of course, not as often as “Why am I in the middle?” According to the argument from the basic economy flyers, the angry passenger on my flight is not alone. This week, Conde Nast Traveler figured out the difference between the two fares.
Economy Plus
Economy Plus seats are offered by almost all major airlines and give you several inches of extra legroom. The seats are closer to the front of the plane, and passengers in the section can often board the plane in an earlier group, get slightly better snacks (think nicer muesli and banana bars), and can drink for free, even on domestic flights. flying.
The price difference between economy class tickets and traditional economy class tickets varies depending on your flight, but can range from $ 20-30 to several hundred dollars on international flights.
If you’re not sure if you want to upgrade, you can often upgrade to Economy + at the gate, sometimes for less money than if you originally booked your seat at check-in, provided there are still seats available.
Premium Economy
The Premium Economy is a completely different animal. I personally think the best way to describe this type of chair is “business”, but this is technically incorrect. Premium Economy seats are not as good as First or Business Class seats, but they are a step higher than what you find in Economy. United calls the section “Premium Economy” and Delta “Premium Select”.
The seats are separate from each other in the private aircraft cabin and offer extra legroom and seating, a bit more reclining room (although you won’t be able to lie down), and often things like food plates and kits on longer flights.
Seats in this zone are often twice as expensive as in Economy, so you will have to pay for comfort. Many airlines have also set up a 2-4-2 section, which means you have a good chance of finishing in the middle seat. Personally, I would take an aisle seat in Economy + rather than an average seat in Premium Economy, but if you’re traveling with someone who has an aisle this might be a good deal.
However, pay attention to what you are booking and make sure you buy your ticket where you think you are.