✈ Is Premium Economy Worth It? AA Award Sale Fly from 5K Miles & More News From TPG ✈

March 5, 2024

How premium is it?

by Tanner Saunders, Senior hotels reporter

For long-haul flights, nobody wants to sit in economy, right? But for many of us, business-class seats are just too expensive or finding award availability can be difficult. Enter premium economy, a cabin class that typically offers an elevated economy experience with more spacious or comfortable seats, plus an amenity kit, upgraded meal service and perhaps a set of fancy headphones to use with the onboard entertainment system.

I’ve flown premium economy a few times and enjoyed the experience, most recently on an American Airlines flight between Rome and New York City when I was offered an upgrade at the airport for about $200. My most memorable experience was on a very long EVA Airways flight from Taipei, Taiwan, to New York.

But is premium economy worth it? It depends on who you ask. One of my colleagues says that an American Airlines flight from Paris to Chicago convinced her that the higher price was worth it for the extra perks. Another colleague who has flown in many different premium economy cabins says he just doesn’t think it’s worth the price.

It’s worth noting that more airlines have been adding premium economy products to their lineup (Emirates has only had the class for a few years). Others, like Japan Airlines, have been enhancing the experience; the carrier recently unveiled its new A350-1000 premium economy seats, which our review says feel like “game changers not just for the airline, but for premium economy in general.”

So, is it right for you? Take a look at our handy guide to booking premium economy using points and miles, and check out some recent reviews:

One last note: This week is the last chance for the Delta Air Lines and World of Hyatt card offers, so if you’ve been trying to decide if one is right for you, don’t delay.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on the card in the first six months.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: Earn up to 65,000 bonus points: 35,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening and up to 30,000 more points by earning 2 bonus points total per dollar spent in the first six months on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point (on up to $15,000 spent).

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Photo Credit: CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY.

Today’s top stories

Spring deals: Mexico, Caribbean for 5,000 AAdvantage miles one way

American Airlines is offering flight deals for 5,000 AAdvantage miles one way during spring break.

Delta slashes 4 routes, including LA-London, Westchester experiment

Delta cuts four noteworthy routes, including long-haul service between Los Angeles and London.

Last chance: Best-ever Capital One Venture X Business welcome offer, worth over $5,500

The Capital One Venture X Business card is a great choice for small-business owners wanting to supercharge their travel rewards. Here's why you might (and might not) want to apply.

American Airlines orders 260 new narrow-body jets, including Boeing 737 MAX 10

American Airlines said Monday that it had ordered 260 new narrow-body aircraft from Airbus, Boeing and Embraer. The order includes regional jets, as well as the Boeing 737 MAX 10.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi: An ultramodern hotel in a historic neighborhood

Step inside one of Tokyo's most exclusive luxury hotels, complete with a 39th-floor swimming pool and spa, a creative cocktail bar and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

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