When premium economy is worth the cost compared to economy plus
May 25, 2026
For travellers weighing whether to pay extra for comfort, the biggest mistake is assuming that ‘premium economy’ and ‘economy plus’ are the same. The two cabin products are significantly different and address entirely different passenger pain points.
Economy plus — sometimes branded as Comfort+, Main Cabin Extra, Even More Space or Extra Legroom — is still economy class with a few tweaks. Premium economy is usually a separate cabin altogether, sitting between economy and business class.
The better choice for you will depend on which features of the journey matter most.
Choose economy plus if legroom is your main concern
For many passengers, the biggest issue flying in economy class is a lack of legroom. If that is the only problem you are trying to solve, economy plus is a good choice.
These seats are usually located near the front of the economy cabin and offer a few extra (3-4) inches of seat pitch (separation). Airlines sometimes bundle other perks with these tickets, including earlier boarding, priority access to overhead bins, and even complimentary drinks on longer flights.
This option makes the most sense when:
- Your flight is under six hours
- You sleep well sitting upright
- You travel light
- You care more about getting off the aircraft quickly than about upgraded service
- You are tall and mainly need more room for your knees
On shorter flights, economy plus often offers the best value because the fare differential compared to standard economy class is modest, and you will enjoy a noticeable improvement in comfort.
For frequent flyers with elite status, economy plus is also commonly included as a loyalty perk, making it an easy upgrade without paying for those extra inches of seat pitch.
Choose premium economy when sleep and comfort matter most
Premium economy is priced higher than economy plus but cheaper than business class. It is ideally suited to overnight or ultra-long-haul flights.
Unlike economy plus, premium economy seats are generally a different seat model than standard economy class. They typically include a wider seat base, ensuring greater separation between passengers with more personal space and a middle armrest fit for two to share. Seats also often have leg rests, footrests, winged headrests and/or adjustable headrests, and a deeper recline—all of which make sleeping in your seat far more comfortable.
Other passenger experience upgrades can include special menus and better beverage selection, a larger in-flight entertainment screen, and an amenity kit.
On many airlines, premium economy passengers also get a more generous baggage allowance and priority boarding.
The premium economy cabin is often separate, with fewer seats across the row, giving passengers noticeably more shoulder room. These cabins often hold fewer passengers overall, increasing the likelihood that you’ll enjoy a quiet, more restful flight and more attentive service.
Premium economy is an affordable premium option for:
- Overnight flights and ultra-long-haul flights
- Those who are uncomfortable sitting next to strangers
- Travellers who need to work during the flight and want a tray table with adequate room for a laptop
Think of premium economy as business class light
The seats flying in premium economy today were considered first class seats in the early 90s, before lie-flat seating became norm for airline premium tickets. Today, most airlines offer lie-flat seating as a standard in business class, but premium economy is significantly cheaper.
One reason premium economy has grown rapidly is that it appeals to travellers caught between company travel policies and personal comfort needs. Business class may remain too expensive for self-funded trips, but premium economy can provide better sleep, more workspace, and ensure you feel ready to head directly into meetings after landing.
Premium economy has also proven popular with leisure travellers who want a more premium passenger experience for a special occasion, but don’t want to burn through their travel budget with the price of the flight.
When economy plus is the smarter buy
Economy plus is a perfect choice for shorter flights, daytime flights, or when flying on aircraft that have more generous economy seat layouts. Passengers can benefit from this cabin choice when the fare differential for premium economy is too high, or if they prioritise value over amenities.
In some cases, passengers can save the extra money extra checked baggage, airport transport, or a better hotel room rather than paying to fly on premium economy.
So which economy cabin option should you pick?
The simplest way to think about it is this: economy plus improves legroom, and premium economy improves the journey.
If your biggest concern is the well-being of your knees, economy plus has you covered. But if you want to ensure better sleep and personal space, and arrive less exhausted, premium economy is the better investment on long-haul flights.
Featured Image: Delta Air Lines
