Part of my job as a travel writer is hopping on airplanes on a regular basis.
I always try to fly on United Airlines because there are many direct flights from my home airport in Florida, and it's fairly easy to move up in the airline's loyalty program, MilagePlus. Basic memberships earn 5 miles per $1, and premier members earn 7 to 11 miles based on their status.
On a recent trip to Japan, I upgraded my flight home from Tokyo to Washington, DC, from economy to premium economy, which the airline calls Premium Plus.
I selected window seat 21A in the second row of Premium Plus. Once we landed in DC, I was off the plane and going through customs in less than 10 minutes.
I didn't have that much time to make my connecting flight, so being able to get off the plane quickly was worth the upgrade.
On my seat, there were a handful of amenities I could use during my flight, including a decent set of over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones, a Saks Fifth Avenue pillow, and a cozy blanket.
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The flight attendants told us we were allowed to take these things with us at the end of the flight, but I decided to leave mine behind.
I also got a complimentary felt pouch filled with hand cream, a facial wipe, lip balm, and basic essentials like earplugs, an eye mask, socks, tissues, a pen, and a toothbrush.
None of these amenities were available to passengers in economy, so it was a nice treat.
The extra legroom was helpful when I needed to stretch out
Megan duBois
The premium-economy seats had plenty of legroom — 38 inches compared to 31 to 34 inches in economy.
The extra room allowed me to stretch my legs when needed without getting up and walking around the plane every hour or so.
I also loved the footrest that was attached to the back of the chair in front of me. This allowed me to rest my feet in a slightly elevated position, which I found comfortable for sleeping.
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Unfortunately, the footrest blocked any underseat storage for my personal item. But I ended up placing my small bag against the wall of the plane without any issues.
Larger entertainment systems made watching movies and TV easy
Each premium-economy seat had a 13-inch seat-back entertainment system. Economy seats only have 9-inch screens.
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The bigger TVs were easier to watch, and I didn't find myself squinting to read subtitles.
The premium seats also had a small remote control on the side panel of the seats, so I didn't have to reach up and touch the screen.
The food service was slightly elevated
I really hate airplane food, but in Premium Plus, the meals were a little better.
I skipped dinner to take a six-hour nap, but I woke up in time to get some waffles and fruit for breakfast.
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The meals were served on real plates with cloth napkins and real silverware. Drinks were also served in actual glasses versus the flimsy plastic cups I'm used to in economy.
I'd pay to upgrade my flight again, especially for long-haul trips
The $300 upgrade was worth it for my long-haul flight from Tokyo to Washington, DC.
The extra room allowed me to get some much-needed sleep — which rarely happens for me in economy — and I loved the elevated food service and amenities.
I probably won't upgrade every time I travel, but it's a worthwhile splurge for flights over 10 hours.
As I walked up the aisle of the plane for a bit of exercise and checked out regular economy class seating I was grateful for the additional leg room afforded to me in Premium Plus seating. I'd give the United Airlines Premium Plus seat a 10/10 for comfort.
Well, it all depends on the airline and the route, but on average, you can expect to pay around 1.5-3 times more for premium economy. For example, if an economy class ticket costs $500, a premium economy ticket for the same flight could cost anywhere from $750 to $1000.
It depends on your priorities; many people value the extra room, especially on transatlantic or long-haul flights. Premium class seats will typically have 5-7 extra inches of legroom and width. If the difference is just 15-20%, it might be worth upgrading.
Realistically, it's a gamble and getting upgraded to business class at the airport is pretty rare. If luxury and extra legroom is really important to you, book it in advance. However, if you're perfectly willing to fly economy class, and willing to roll the dice, a last-minute upgrade can be the cheapest option.
Does United Premium Plus get lounge access? Yes, those flying in Premium Plus receive discounted access to United Club lounges. United doesn't disclose the cost of lounge access for Premium Plus passengers, but the price of entry should be lower than the $59 United Club day pass.
Don't rely on provided amenities: Bring your own personal comfort items, including a travel pillow or blanket, as they can make a big difference to your sleeping experience. Stay hydrated: Drink water, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Japan Airlines wins the top award as the World's Best Premium Economy Class Airline in 2024, with Emirates in second place and EVA Air in third position. Scroll down to see the premium economy class airline category ratings.
Depending upon the location, you can get your upgrade at the ticket counter, at the check-in or bag drop-off counter or at the gate – and pay a fixed price that is dependent on your route.
Those booked in premium can expect extra benefits once onboard, including a wider seat with an extended recline, more legroom , an improved menu, and a larger entertainment screen. Just to name a few! Have you heard the Simple Flying podcast recently?
How much more expensive is Premium Economy vs Economy? Naturally, the price difference depends on which route and airline you're flying with, but typically you'd expect to pay around 30% more than for a Premium Economy ticket.
When airlines release their upgrade inventory closer to the departure date, they are often more willing to sell those seats at a discount in order to fill them. So, if you're flexible with your travel plans and willing to take a chance, upgrading to business class at the airport could save you some serious money.
Complimentary Premier Upgrades are free, space-available upgrades for Premier members on select United and United Express flights. Premier members who are cardholders may be able to use this type of upgrade on award flights*. On some flights, you can get a Complimentary Premier Upgrade for one travel companion.
Subtract what you paid for the economy fare, and aim for around 20% to 40% of the remaining price. Bid slightly above the minimum to beat the crowd, since most people will choose the minimum.
United Economy Plus is a more spacious option in the economy cabin of United and United Express flights. For most travelers, the primary value-add is extra legroom, though Economy Plus also features seats near the front of the aircraft.The extra legroom is substantial.
Meals, snacks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, and freshly brewed illy® coffee are free for customers flying United Premium Plus. Free bread, salad, a main entree and dessert. Free house beer and wines, soft drinks, juices tea, freshly brewed illy Dark Roast coffee and illy Cold Brew Classico.
Premium economy fits somewhere between standard coach and business class, both in terms of prices and placement on the aircraft. A seat in premium economy — directly between the main and business class cabins — is measurably more expensive than a standard economy seat, and can often cost as much as double the price.
United's Premium Plus seat is very similar to a domestic first class seat, with more room, but no flat-bed option. There are also upgraded meals over the economy class cabin. United's Polaris seat is a fully-flat seat with direct aisle access, complete with lounge access and a top-level meal service.
Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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