Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not claiming Premium Economy is glamorous. You won’t find Dom Pérignon, lie-flat seats, or pyjamas. But you will find something increasingly rare in air travel value. And when you’re flying during the day and don’t plan to sleep, that’s precisely what you want.
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Why Pay for a Bed You Won’t Use?
Over the last few years, I’ve gravitated towards Premium Economy for daytime long-haul flights. Why? Because I don’t want to pay thousands for a bed, I won’t use. I like comfort, a bit of space, and, ideally, to keep my knees intact. Premium Economy delivers just that without the financial guilt of booking Business or the existential dread of Economy.
Airlines Are Catching On
This isn’t just a personal quirk, either. Airlines have caught on. Some are throwing serious money at this ‘in-between’ cabin. British Airways revamped theirs with plush seats, upgraded meals, and noise-cancelling headphones. Emirates launched its Premium Economy cabin with fanfare, and rightly so. That cream leather seat with a proper legrest and a glass of fizz? It feels premium. Virgin Atlantic offers bubbly on-boarding and amenity kits, turning the whole experience into something that feels closer to Upper Class-lite than Economy-plus.
The Middle Cabin Arms Race
Even airlines that used to dismiss the idea are now on board. Lufthansa redesigned its Premium Economy seats to appeal to long-haul leisure travellers. Air France has leaned into French flair with genuinely chic cabins. And on Japan Airlines or ANA? Their Premium Economy is almost better than some carriers’ Business Class.
Why the investment? Because passengers are catching on. Premium Economy has become the go-to for savvy travellers who want comfort without splurging. It’s not just frequent flyers, either. Families, solo travellers, honeymooners, and they all realise that for an extra few hundred pounds (sometimes less), you can actually enjoy the journey.
Day Flights Are Where It Shines
And it just makes sense, especially for daytime flights. You’re not lying down. You want a good screen, solid legroom, a decent meal, and enough space to avoid accidentally elbowing your neighbour every five minutes. With Premium Economy, you get that and often a bit more.
A Smart Travel Compromise
Yes, it’s a compromise. But it’s the rare kind that works for everyone: the airline makes money, the passenger gets comfort, and your travel budget doesn’t implode.
So, no, it’s not glamorous. But it might just be the smartest seat on the plane.
2 comments
I’d say it’s more glamorous than regular economy. Been looking at it as well as the flight timing back from Japan I’d rather try and stay awake than last flat and go to bed..
My wife and I fly to europe 4-5 times a year from lax. we fly premium economy NOT BECAUSE ITS GLAMOUROUS [WHICH IT IS NOT] BUT because we can sit together instead of having an unknown or one of us in a middle seat. its comfortable [delta is an exception] and reasonable. however that is changing as the airlines are expanding the number of PE seats, REDUCING THE SEAT PITCH and increasing the pricing. CURRENTLY, THE STEP UP TO BUSINESS IS TOO STIFF AND TO FIRST IS RIDICULOUS.