If you want to have a better flight without spending an arm and a leg, a premium economy ticket is often the sweet spot. It's more comfortable than a standard economy seat. And whether you're paying with cash or travel rewards earned on your credit cards, it costs much less than business class and first class.
Before you book, it's smart to check that the airline has a good premium economy product. Based on the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction StudySM, there are three airlines that go above and beyond.
1. Delta Air Lines
J.D. Power found that Delta Air Lines is the best airline for premium economy, and it wasn't a close race. Delta received a score of 716, nearly 30 points higher than second-place Alaska Airlines.
Delta's premium economy is called Delta Premium Select, and it's in a separate cabin from economy. While it doesn't have the biggest premium economy seats, the seats do get high marks in terms of comfort. There are twin armrests that give both passengers plenty of room, and seats have an adjustable leg rest and footrest.
The service is also a big step up. You'll start your flight with a hotel towel, a beverage, and a bite to eat. There's a food menu exclusively for Delta Premium Select. And the airline even includes some nice extras, such as premium amenity kits and memory foam pillows.
2. Alaska Airlines
If you're flying with Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, it could be worth paying for an upgrade. Alaska received a score of 687 from J.D. Power for its Premium Class.
You'll have quite a bit more legroom -- four inches more than in a Main Cabin seat, to be exact. If you're tall, or even if you just want more space to stretch your legs, you'll be much more comfortable in Premium Class.
The food and drink offerings are another highlight. Alaska offers a beverage service on most flights over 350 miles, and it has a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available free of charge for Premium Class passengers. You could relax with one of a rotating selection of West Coast beers, a wine, or a co*cktail. Freshly prepared meals are also available, although you do need to pay for those.
3. American Airlines
American Airlines is the final airline to get an above-average rating. J.D. Power gave it a score of 684 for its Premium Economy.
Amenities offered are similar to those of Delta and Alaska's premium economy. You'll have a wider seat with more legroom, complimentary beverages, and better meal options than you'd have with an economy seat. American Airlines is partnered with the James Beard Foundation and has dishes designed by elite chefs.
Like Delta, American Airlines also includes a sleep set to help you get comfortable. It provides a pillow and blanket created with sleep technology company Casper. And on international flights, Premium Economy passengers get an amenity kit.
How other airlines ranked
Delta, Alaska, and American Airlines were the only carriers to receive above-average scores for their premium economy products. The average score overall was 675. Here's what the rest of the list looked like:
- JetBlue Airways: 667
- WestJet: 664
- United Airlines: 641
- Air Canada: 628
Is premium economy worth it?
We touched on several premium economy perks already, but not all of them. While this depends on the airline, premium economy generally gets you:
- A larger, more comfortable seat
- Free beverages and possibly a free meal
- Priority check-in and boarding
- A better on-board experience with more attentive service
Whether that's worth it for you will depend on the price difference, the length of the flight, and your own travel preferences. If you want to be as comfortable as possible, then I'd highly recommend getting the best seat you can afford. If you don't mind regular economy and want to save your money for when you're on the ground, then there's no need to spring for a premium economy ticket.
No matter how you like to fly, you can spend less on airfare with travel rewards. If you're a frequent flyer, check out The Ascent's list of the best travel credit cards to find one that can help you save money.
