Who actually pays for Premium Economy on a flight?

[MielMiguel]

I'm a seasoned traveler. Both for leisure (usually Economy) and for work (Business). As lots of people have noticed, flight prices this year are bonkers.

One other thing that has changed, is the price of Premium Economy cabins. Whilst previously they'd be say £150-300 more each way for a long haul flight, now they are easily over double the economy ticket.

Who actually would pay £2-3k in Premium Economy to Singapore or Bangkok, when Economy is £1k.

Before people say "I DO", I don't mean those who pay £150-300 more, or get them on sale, or use points to upgrade... I mean people who seriously think paying twice the price of an Economy ticket.

My DM always travels PE. She's a larger lady (size 22-24), and says it so much more comfortable than the regular seats are.

My husband’s employer is economising and so he now tends to use premium economy instead of business for day flights to NY but still business if night flight so he can sleep. Brings down his travel expenses and he says comfortable enough for day flights of mid haul length.

We just flew premium economy (BA) to the USA for the first time. I was really impressed. It wasn't just leg room, there were fewer seats across as well. And the food was nicer (judging by what the economy food looked like when I walked past). Also got comfier blankets and pillows, which was good for the night flight home. It was only a few hundred pounds more so worth it for me.

Nope, it can be very much as @Honeyroar described. It's so bad on one type I flew on that quite a few cabin crew would equip themselves with hot water bottles for use when taking rest at the doors (ah the glamour....)

Reason for it is there's lot of metal in the door structure and frame that conducts heat out/cold in, whereas the main cabin walls are differently constructed and better insulated.

DH refuses to book business for night flights back from NY. In his opinion it doesn't bring a lot as it still takes time to get "to bed" even when refusing meals.

Saying that, he is just 6ft, so the legroom isn't the issue for him.

When he flies back from west coast or flew with interconnecting flights and is knackered he does upgrade.

I'm not sure which airlines have PE that are like economy but more leg room. Every PE I've been in is like business was 10 years ago. Miles bigger. Completely different seats. Fewer seats per toilet

Depends entirely on the airline but can be extra legroom, more recline, wider seat, priority boarding, separate/faster check in, more baggage allowance including cabin, better and more choices of food/drink which is pre bookable, comfort/amenity kits, better/bigger entertainment screens, USBs/power ports and some airlines will offload your luggage first so you get out of the airport quicker. We used to have to travel to and from Singapore often and always went PE, was like an extension of the holiday.

I’ve actually just paid for premium economy to Singapore. It’s a 14 hour overnight flight and I want to be comfortable. Flew regular economy last time we went to the States because we didn’t book early enough. Horrible!

We usually holiday in the Costa Brava and get the train. In 2021 we flew to an all-inclusive in Kos.

Never again. The minute we walked into the airport we were surrounded by young families in 'sportswear' shouting at each other. On the flight I was seated next to an army-vet who couldn't stop talking about his PTSD.

Just no.

We fly long haul every year and premium economy is way better than economy. No comparison, if you can afford it, do it! Wider seat, more leg room, better foot rest, quieter cabin, bigger luggage allowance. Sometimes business is just a stretch too far if you are paying yourself.

At that kind of price, it’s not worth it. We usually only fly business class long-haul, unless it’s BA where we fly first class as their business class is not up to much and first is not much more in price. Premium economy is not worth 2 grand.

She's not talking about business class.

We are flying PE home from NY later this year - approx £75pp difference for that leg. Going out it's same price as business near enough.

That sounds like a really kind thing to do @endofthelinefinally

Food is better, space is better, seat is better than economy (what a difference a few inches make), better baggage allowance but still compromises the to business: no lounge access, early bag drop, priority bags, priority security etc. Even though the seats aren’t any different on short haul I’d still book business for the airport perks. But yes prices have risen, cost to see my family has gone from $1800 to $4500 per return in business.

@TheWeeDonkeyFella - it was a few years ago. The flight was overbooked so they tried to reshuffle people to fit them on. Reissued the boarding passes with new seats. I just sat in the emergency exit seat and directed the person who got my seat to the economy seat. Not big and not clever but I couldn't have survived the flight in an economy seat.

We do because it's not the extra leg room, which is nice, but the leg rest that makes the real difference. We've just flown back from Vancouver business though and I'm going to struggle to go back now (but I'll have to!)

Buying 4 tickets is a killer.

Thanks @Brainstorm23 that's not on and I'd do the same if I've pre-booked an exit row seat. As well as the peace of mind through planning ahead of where you'll be sitting on a long flight they're not cheap seats and I bet it would be hassle trying to sort out afterwards.

@mybeautifuloak American Airlines PE flight back from LA we did was awful- could see very little difference between PE and economy. We flew out on BA economy but managed to get emergency exit with just 2 seats - I could stretch my legs out fully and we prebooked food- the stewards seat was opposite us so he just kept topping up the champagne to us-Felt like going 1st class!!

Much quieter cabin. Bigger seat. Foot rest. Fewer people sharing a bathroom.

However if I can just say BA often do first upgrades on their short European hops for £60 or so and we do this a lot. It sets you up nicely . For that you get quick check in, fastrack security, use of lounge, larger baggage allowance , better leg room and better food and drinks. Well worth it but obviously it's pricey if it's more than 2 of you- but for 1 or two it's great

This is a little misleading. BA don't have First on European flights. I assume @Crikeyalmighty means upgrades to Club. However, it's worth being aware that the Club seats are identical to the Economy seats so same seat, same legroom etc. The only difference is that the middle seat in the rows of 3 is usually left empty.

@HundredMilesAnHour apologies I phrased it poorly- you are quite correct. I still like doing it though and as we nearly always do lounge access and fastrak and both eat and drink it seems a decent deal- with 2 of us I like the middle seat empty too !! It's worked a treat when there have been delays as well

My 80 year old parents when they come to the UK from Australia. Makes all the difference in the world apparently but they cannot afford Business.

Did you read the OP? Premium Economy is not Business Class.