Is premium economy worth the upgrade?
December 14, 2025
Premium economy is a happy middle cabin – more space than economy but far less expensive than business class.
Over the years, it has shifted from a niche option to a standard offering on long-haul routes, prompting many travellers to ask whether the upgrade is genuinely worthwhile.
At its best, premium economy delivers what people want most: comfort without the sky-high price tag. Seats are typically wider with deeper recline, while legroom often increases from about 31 inches in economy to 37-40 inches in premium. For flights of 10 hours plus, those extra inches matter for reducing stiffness and fatigue.
Even modest enhancements – footrests, adjustable headrests or better cushioning – can significantly improve passenger experience. This is particularly the case for taller people, as well as elderly travellers or those with disabilities.
Extra perks beyond the seat
Physical comfort isn’t the only appeal. Many airlines add soft-product upgrades that perk up the journey: earlier boarding, priority check-in, dedicated cabin service, amenity kits, upgraded catering, larger entertainment screens and more generous baggage allowances.
The atmosphere is also usually quieter and a tad more refined than economy, though not nearly as exclusive as business class. For travellers looking for a step up without fully splurging, this balanced upgrade can feel just right.
When pricing makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
Cost is where the decision becomes less clear. Depending on the airline and route, premium economy can be around 20%-30% above economy – or nearly double the price.
When fares climb too high, the value diminishes, especially for routes on the shorter end of long-haul. After all, economy may be just about manageable for an 8 or 9-hour flight, but not so much once you get to 13 or 14 hours.
Yet there are situations where the upgrade delivers excellent return on investment. Long-haul business travellers without corporate budgets for business class appreciate the improved rest and productivity. Leisure travellers marking a special occasion find the extra comfort worth splashing out on.
Evolving the cabins are shaping the value
Modern aircraft like the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-900 have pushed premium economy forward. New seats include better lumbar support, enhanced privacy and smoother recline mechanisms.
Indeed, just this summer Korean Air launched its premium class cabin on its retrofitted 777-300ERs, with upgraded seats, service and attractive pricing.
Airlines are increasingly treating premium economy as a distinct, luxury product rather than a slightly enhanced economy row. This widening quality gap between cabins makes the upgrade more attractive than it was even a few years ago.
So is premium economy always best?
Ultimately, it depends on your budget, the length of the flight and the price you put on personal space.
On long-haul routes where the cost difference is relatively modest, premium economy offers good value for the comfort (and potentially less tiredness at the other end). When fares begin edging toward business-class pricing, the justification soon weakens.
For many passengers, premium economy hits the ideal balance: a noticeable boost in comfort and service without the steep premium of a luxury cabin.
As airlines refine the product, the upgrade is becoming not just a nice extra, but – for certain journeys at least – a worthwhile investment.
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Featured image: Alaska Airlines
