Think business class is the only way to fly comfortably? You might not be considering premium economy.
Flying business class is often a bucket list experience for travellers. From access to the lounge to an increased baggage allowance and private pods on the aircraft, business class feels like something we might one day, at some point, be able to experience.
However, it’s often incredibly cost-prohibitive for many people and when you factor in other trip-related expenses, the business class dream typically starts to vanish. But, you still might be able to travel in (comfortable) style, without the business class price tag. Enter: premium economy.
A step up from economy, premium economy offers you increased comfort and service at a cost that can feel more manageable. We’re going to dive into the difference between premium economy and business class — from the seats to the food, here’s what you need to know.
Premium economy is the seating class up from economy. It gives you access to more elevated perks and amenities than regular economy, but without the significant cost of business or first class.
This seating class is typically only offered for long haul international flights, which means you won’t usually find it as an option for domestic travel. For a bit more money, it can make a real difference to those travelling far flung distances.
One major distinction between economy and premium economy is space; premium economy affords you more leg room and generally a wider seat, so you can fly a little more comfortably.
Business class is the next tier up from premium economy, but one down from first class.
As the name suggests, this experience was first designed with those travelling for business in mind, as this class provided more spacious and elevated amenities for a more restful flight compared to economy, but was more affordable than first class.
The idea was to provide those travelling for business time with an environment to rest and ensure they were ready to dive into their work trip on the other side of the flight.
Although, business class isn’t what we would call ‘affordable’ these days, and does cost quite a bit more than premium economy. However, the business experience is luxurious, with extra room, more personalised service and increased privacy.
Now, let’s look at the specific differences between these travel classes.
Premium economy
The boarding experience in premium economy is a definite step up from economy, with most airlines offering priority boarding and some having dedicated check-in counters.
Business class
Flying business class means automatic access to the business lounge at the airport, giving you a far more relaxed airport experience. Business class travellers are also often fast-tracked through security and check-in and are granted priority boarding after first class.
Premium economy
Premium economy typically offers an increased baggage allowance compared to economy, and some airlines allow up to 2 checked bags.
Business class
Baggage guidelines in business class are usually quite generous, allowing passengers to check multiple bags with a higher weight allowance.
Australian airline Qantas, for example, allows business class passengers to check 88 lb of luggage and there is no restriction on the number of pieces within the weight limit.
The weight limit also increases for those who are members of the airline’s Frequent Flyers program, with Platinum and Platinum One Qantas Frequent Flyers allowed up to 132 lb of checked luggage.
Premium economy
The seating in premium economy is wider than economy and you can generally recline a bit further back, making it a more comfortable experience.
Additionally, there are fewer seats in the cabin, however, only certain airlines have premium economy-only cabins — something to investigate before buying your ticket.
Travellers also get more legroom in premium economy and the seat pitch is usually ~38 inches versus ~30 inches in economy. That is a generous amount of extra room to stretch out while you watch a film or get some sleep.
Business class
The seating experience in business class is a complete step up, though, with seats that lie mostly flat, with some turning into beds. Business travellers also have much more room around their seat, with most business class cabins including separate pods for each person, complete with a privacy screen.
This class of travel offers more space, privacy and an enhanced resting and sleeping environment, so you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Premium economy
The food and drink options in premium economy are elevated from economy, with guests often experiencing a multi-course experience. Plus, some airlines even offer upgraded crockery and cutlery for their premium economy travellers, instead of serving meals in disposable containers.
Business class
Business meals, on the other hand, are served on china with proper metal cutlery, with numerous à la carte food options to choose from. Travellers are given a menu with several entrees, mains and desserts, as well as snack options.
The service business class guests receive during the flight, and especially meal service, is not dissimilar to what you’d receive in an upscale restaurant.
Premium economy
Premium economy is a significant step up from economy with perks that enhance the journey.
Travellers are given amenity kits (including goodies like an eye mask, a toothbrush and toothpaste) and the facilities are bigger and more spacious; for example, a larger entertainment screen, a wider seat and more legroom.
Business class
Business class is, understandably, a completely different experience to premium economy. The service and amenities are, on the whole, luxurious.
The seats are bigger, travellers have increased privacy, there are less seats/pods per cabin and the service is largely personalised to each guest, with flight attendants servicing less people overall.
Premium economy
The experiences between business class and premium economy are different and this is reflected in the cost.
Depending on the time of year, the airline and when you book your ticket, a premium economy ticket can be 30% to 100% more than an economy fare. While this might seem like a lot extra, there is something to be said for the extra comfort you can experience in premium economy.
This is where PayLater Travel can come in handy. The beauty of PayLater means you can book your upgraded seat today and pay it off over time — with no stress and no interest. Plus, the earlier you book, the smaller your repayments.
By locking in your fare now, you spread the cost of upgraded seats over more weeks or fortnights, making each payment lighter on your wallet. Book Now, Pay Later allows you to hack how you travel — fly comfortably, without the upfront payment.
Business class
As expected, business class is lavishly priced, with a ticket costing 3 to 5 times more than economy class.
To compare the classes, let’s look at a flight from New York to London. An economy seat might cost approximately US$600-800 for an economy seat, while a premium economy fare for the same flight is around US$1,200-1,600. A business class seat would be closer to US$5,000 for the same flight.
While lounge access at the airport is standard for first class and business class travellers, it’s not automatically available to those travelling premium economy, unfortunately.
However, a handful of airlines include lounge access in premium economy tickets. These include:
All premium economy guests of All Nippon Airlines (ANA) travelling internationally are given access to the lounge at airport locations like Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita and Honolulu.
Travellers can also gain access to partner lounges at other international airports — for example, ANA guests travelling through Sydney airport can use the Air New Zealand lounge there.
Japan Airlines (JAL) offers similar lounge access for its international travellers, in JAL-operated lounges in Japan and partner lounges internationally. Although, it’s important to flag that JAL doesn’t offer lounge access to premium economy guests who obtained their seat through an upgrade from economy.
Other airlines that offer premium economy access also include Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and LATAM Airlines.
If you’d like to experience the lounge but you don’t have access with your premium economy ticket, some airlines do offer paid access. Emirates, for example, allow those on an economy or premium economy ticket to pay for their access to the lounge. Something to consider for your next trip!
