Premium Economy vs. Economy and Economy Plus: How to Pick the Perfect Seat (2024)

The decisions that come with flying can be fairly overwhelming: Do you want to book an economy ticket and bank on an upgrade, thanks to your frequent-flyer status? Would you prefer to cut costs and opt for basic economy, even if that means stuffing everything you want to bring into a carry-on suitcase?

Understanding the terminology around different seating levels can help you decide which ticket to book. Seating classifications that come before first and business class run the gamut, from basic economy up to premium economy. And two of those — premium economy and economy plus — are often the hardest for travelers to distinguish between.

Below, we'll hone in on the differences between premium economy vs. economy plus, as well as (main cabin or standard) economy and basic economy. We're also including the price differentials, which airlines offer these seating classifications, and when it could be worth the splurge.

What is premium economy?

Let's start from the top, shall we? 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. According to SeatGuru, these types of tickets are still less expensive than what you'll pay for business class, and offer, on average, five to seven more inches of legroom than an economy seat. They're also an inch or two wider and provide an extra two to three inches of space to recline.

In the battle between premium economy vs. economy, it isn't just the seats and overall space that's more, well, premium. It's the amenities, too — you'll have different meal options than you would in the main class cabin, as well as other perks like amenity kits and priority boarding. Those flying in this fare class often won't have to pay checked luggage fees and accrue airline miles at a higher rate than you normally would with a coach ticket.

Many carriers —such as American Airlines, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines — provide premium economy products. Other airlines also have one, offering similar levels of amenities under a different title. Delta Air Lines, for instance, calls it Delta Premium Select, and United Airlines' product is named United Premium Plus. Virgin Atlantic's version is known as Premium, while British Airways' goes by World Traveller Plus.

What is economy plus?

So, if premium economy is the love child of business class and economy, where does that put economy plus? For starters, it's not as luxurious as premium economy, though it is more affordable. It's also part of the main class cabin, whereas premium economy gets its own section. You do have a better seat — there's more legroom, and on some airlines, they're more plush, wider, or newer than the other seats in coach. Beyond that, you'll be at the front of the main cabin and typically benefit from priority boarding or, sometimes, a better beverage or meal service, depending on the airline.

Much like the world of premium economy, many airlines offer an economy plus type of ticket, but name it something else. On Delta Air Lines, it's called Delta Comfort+ and you'll get an amenity kit — just like in first class — on long-haul international flights. JetBlue has Even More Space, guaranteeing up to seven additional inches of legroom, while American Airlines offers Main Cabin Extra, with upgrades starting at $20. On United Airlines, it's simply called Economy Plus, and you can purchase a subscription.

What is the cost and upgrade potential for premium economy vs. economy plus?

So, is splashing out for premium economy or economy plus ever worth the price bump? It really depends on the length of the flight and your personal preference. A JetBlue Even More Space ticket will run you $10 or more one-way. Or, for a cross-country flight from New York City (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX), you're looking at adding at least $300 more to the cost of a regular economy ticket for a Delta Premium Select ticket. Paying double the price of an economy fare for a premium economy seat, especially when flying abroad, is fairly standard.

That said, if you have acquired airline status — for instance, you manage to earn the lowest status tier on Delta Air Lines, Silver Medallion, by spending $5,000 worth of qualified flight dollars — you could potentially score a free upgrade to an economy plus or premium economy seat at no charge. You could even up to Comfort+ or first class on international flights, based on availability. Another example: With American Airlines' lowest status tier, AAdvantage Gold, you could qualify for a complimentary upgrade from the main cabin to the next class of service automatically (space permitting).

Where do economy and basic economy fit into all this?

While an economy ticket means you'll be seated in the main cabin, understanding what coach class offers should still factor into your seating decision. Economy is the standard-level fare, and whether or not you get a meal service depends entirely on the airline and your exact flight. You are generally permitted one carry-on and a personal item, but unless you have a co-branded credit card or status with your carrier of choice, you'll have to pay for any checked bags. You also get standard seating with about 30 to 32 inches of legroom, though those measurements vary by airline and aircraft.

The most affordable seats on the plane fall into the basic economy category. While these seats are the same size as in economy and include similar in-flight services (free onboard entertainment, snacks, and drinks), you'll have more restrictions and fees for choosing seat your seats and changing or canceling your ticket —refunds aren't typically provided beyond 24 hours of booking, and you'll only receive a partial travel credit if you need to cancel.

Basic economy passengers board the plane last, so don't be surprised if you're asked to gate-check your carry-on once the overhead bin space is full (you can still bring your personal item). Note that United Airlines makes basic economy passengers pay for a carry-on on all flights except international flights to Canada, South America, or across the Atlantic or Pacific (and if you don't pre-pay, it'll cost you an extra $25 on top of the standard fee).

As with everything else, the rules vary by carrier. American Airlines, for example, lets you earn miles on basic economy tickets, while Delta Air Lines and United Airlines do not (unless, on United, you purchase a preferred seat or an economy plus ticket after paying for a basic economy ticket). But for budget-conscious travelers who are flexible about their seats and don't mind packing light, flying in basic economy can help you save a ton of money.