When Extra-Legroom Seats Beat Premium Economy

Premium economy can offer a much better seat, but the price gap with regular coach has widened. Depending on the airline, travelers may also receive checked baggage, earlier boarding, amenity kits, improved meals and upgraded entertainment. Those additions can push the fare to between one-and-a-half and three times the usual economy price.

An extra-legroom economy seat may be the simpler bargain for travelers who mainly want more space. These seats can appear in exit rows or in specially arranged economy sections, while the rest of the experience remains closer to standard coach. That makes them useful for passengers who value stretching out but do not need the broader package sold with premium economy.

The choice reflects how air travel has changed. Premium economy began as a middle option between coach and business class, with EVA Air helping establish the modern version in 1992. By 2017, 42 airlines offered it, and that figure reached 63 within five years. Lufthansa has said the cabin generates more revenue per square foot than either business or standard economy, helping explain why airlines keep expanding it. At the same time, forecasts cited in the article show premium fares rising faster than economy fares, making the basic extra-space option increasingly relevant.