Flight Tip Friday
Tips for Airline Tickets
#3: Economy and Premium Economy
So you’re looking at booking an airline ticket and there’s a little pop up next to that regular fare you selected that says “Upgrade to Premium for $??. You scratch your head and think, well what’s the difference? Is it worth it? Today’s Flight Tip Friday will explore the difference between economy and premium economy airline seats.
Economy Tickets
These are what I like to refer to as the sardine can seats. Usually, they’re so close together you can feel the sweat off the person next to you. Sometimes the tray table will be in your lap, and sometimes you’ll get lucky on a newer plane with in flight screens. That’s all airline dependent.
Everything about economy is ordinary. On domestic flights you’ll get a soda and some peanuts and the option to buy cold finger food. On international routes, you’ll get food that may or may not be edible. Again, airline specific. Either way it’s nothing to write home about.
Most domestic flights don’t come with baggage allowances in economy. That’s also true of some budget airline carriers on international routes. If you’re flying economy, the goal is to to fly light, or accounting for extra baggage fees.
Forget about extras. Unless you’re a frequent flier with enough status for lounge access, baggage allowances, or expedited security/boarding, an economy ticket means you’re just a regular Joe Schmo in the eyes of the airline.
Premium Economy Tickets
Premium economy is the class of service that airlines created between economy and business class. The reality is, 9 times out of 10, the seats are the same as economy seats only with extra leg room. However, on some routes, premium classes are equipped with added recline and/or wider seats.
In many cases, premium economy seats come with added perks. It is the airline’s way of offering something besides just 8 inches of leg room. Those perks can range from meal inclusion (or better meal if already served), expedited boarding, baggage allowances, or even lounge access in some cases.
This class was created for people to can’t quite afford a business or first class fare, but want and are willing to pay for some added bonuses. The more you fly the more you realize that flying takes a toll on the body. Sometimes, a little extra makes all the difference.
How to Chose Between Economy and Premium economy Tickets
Now you’re looking at booking an airline ticket and you get the option to choose between economy and premium economy. Here’s how to decide:
1) How Long Is the Flight?
My rule of thumb is, unless you’re over 6′ tall or you absolutely must check in a bag, there’s no reason to pay for premium economy if the flight is under 3 hours long. You don’t have time to get unbearably uncomfortable in under 3 hours, and you can bring your own snacks so food is irrelevant.
2) What are they offering?
Before you chose between economy and premium economy, make sure you know what you’re getting. Every ticket will be different. Every plane will be different. Every airline will have it’s own version of perks. Everything from the type of seat to amenities will vary.
For example: $60 upgrade to Delta Comfort is worth the added legroom and expedited boarding, plus better snacks. On the flip side, same flight but the upgrade costs $250, I’d think twice about it. It’s all about the cost to value ratio, and the game is to get the best value for amount spent.
3) Understand the Product
To know if you’re getting a good deal, do your homework. Get to know the product and features you’re getting. Is the TV screen bigger? Is the seat wider? Is there a division between cabins? Dedicated flight attendants? Better quality meals? Expedited security or boarding? Baggage allowances? The more you get, the more it will be worth to pay for the upgrade between economy and premium economy.
I’ve been on some flights where premium economy was like flying in the old version of business class. Then I’ve been on some flights where you can barely tell the difference between economy and premium economy at all. Make sure you know what you’re getting before you spend the exta cash.
4) Know When You're Getting A Deal
After you’ve done your homework on the product, check the cost of the same premium economy ticket for different dates. Doing this will tell you if you’re getting a good deal.
For example: Premium economy on Aeroflot is $350 more than economy for your flights. If you fly two weeks later, the same seats cost $695 more than economy. It’s obvious that you’re getting a good deal.
Extra Features Between Economy and Premium Economy:
- Extra Leg Room
- Extra Recline
- Special In-Flight Entertainment
- Early Boarding
- Expedited Security
- Better Meal
- Smaller/Quieter Cabin
- Dedicated Flight Crew
- Lounge Access
- Extra Miles for Frequent Fliers
- Eligible for Discounted Business Class
Next Post: Shopping for Airfare
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