These days, multiple airlines offer over five different travel cabins including first-class, business-class, premium economy class, and economy class. Each of the classes has its own perks and amenities starting with pampering passengers to pick-up and drop service to hassle-free check-in and lounge facilities.
Premium economy is just an advanced version of the standard economy where the passengers are charged extra and are provided with a few extra perks and goodies. The perks include wider seats, extra legroom, priority boarding and more, depending on the airline you are traveling with. To get a better understanding, we’ll look into the difference between premium economy and standard economy along with the perks and amenities passengers are offered.
Air China: Premium Economy vs Economy
Air China’s premium economy seats have a pitch of 39” (legroom) and do not recline. The seats have a multi-function meal table attached to them, along with a 12” HD screen, a personal storage space, a dedicated reading light, a personal USB port, and a power outlet. The airline only provides amenity kits for passengers on long haul flights. Passengers on Air China’s Premium Economy flights are allowed two pieces of check-in luggage, each weighing no more than 23 kg (50 lbs) and one cabin baggage of up to 5 kg.
Air China’s economy seats have an average pitch of 30-31” and the seat reclines an inch or two. Moreover, the in-flight entertainment depends on the type of aircraft you are traveling on; meal options include Western and Chinese. Check-in baggage allowance on Air China economy flights is the same as that Premium Economy of Air China permits.
China Southern Airlines: Premium Economy vs Economy
China Southern Airlines’ premium economy seats have a pitch of 35-38” depending on the aircraft; the seat is fixed at 123 degrees and does not recline. The seats have an adjustable headrest, a 10.8” screen, a dedicated reading light, a personal USB port, and a power outlet. China Southern Airlines’ premium economy passengers are allowed two pieces of check-in luggage, each weighing no more than 23 kg (50 lbs) and one cabin baggage of up to 5 kg.
China Southern Airlines’ economy seats have a pitch of 32” with a fixed seat that does not recline. The seats have a personal 9” flat screen LCD TV, an adjustable headrest; meal options including Chinese and Western. Check-in baggage allowance on China Southern Airlines’ economy flights is the same as that of its premium economy.
American Airlines: Premium Economy vs Economy
American Airlines’ premium economy passengers are eligible for speedy check-in, fast security check, and priority boarding. The seats are 17.7” wide and have up to 37” legroom, with an adjustable headrest and footrest, along with a personal power outlet, a USB port, and free Wi-Fi. Also, passengers get the perks of having chef-inspired meals, complimentary beer, wine or spirit, a pair of noise-canceling headphones and an amenity kit. The baggage allowance for American Airlines’ premium economy flights comprises two pieces of check-in luggage, each weighing no more than 23 kg (50 lbs); one personal item, and one cabin bag that fits under your seat.
American Airlines’ economy aka the main cabin seats have 31” of legroom and are 17.2” wide. The seat just reclines an inch or two. On economy flights with American Airlines, passengers get perks such as complimentary snacks and drinks, along with a personal flat screen that has a wide variety of shows. American Airlines’ economy check-in baggage allowance is the same as that of the premium economy.
Delta Airlines: Premium Economy vs Economy
The perks of booking Delta Airlines’ Premium Economy or Delta Comfort Plus flights include priority boarding and seats with 34-inches of legroom. The features of Delta Comfort Plus include a dedicated overhead bin, a 9” screen, an amenity kit, a personal USB port and a pair of headsets. Moreover, Delta Comfort Plus flights also include Starbucks, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Delta Airlines’ Premium economy passengers can check-in two pieces of baggage for free; each weighing not more than 23 kg (50 lbs).
Passengers of economy aka the main cabin in Delta Airlines are allotted with 32” of legroom. The seats are 17.2” wide and recline up to 4”. The amenities for main cabin passengers in Delta Airlines include complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, in-flight entertainment with a personal 9” screen and a pair of headsets. Check-in baggage allowance on Delta Airlines’ economy flights is the same as that of its premium economy.
Cathay Pacific: Premium Economy vs Economy
Priority boarding is among the perks for Cathay Pacific’s premium economy passengers. They have access to a dedicated check-in counter at designated airports for speedy screening. The seats have a pitch of up to 39” and recline up to 8.5”, apart from having an adjustable footrest and leg rest. The features of Cathay Pacific’s premium economy flights include a 12” screen, an amenity kit, a dedicated personal USB port, a power outlet and a pair of headphones. Passengers are also provided with complimentary snacks, drinks, and upgraded meals. Cathay Pacific’s premium economy flight tickets come with two pieces of check-in luggage up to 25 kg (55 lbs) each; two pieces of check-in luggage with a total of 35 kg (77 lbs) – in most flights, along with one cabin baggage of up to 7 kg (15 lbs).
Cathay Pacific’s economy seats have 32” of legroom and are 18.5” wide. The features for Cathay Pacific’s economy flights include a personal screen, a dedicated universal power plug under each seat, a pillow, a blanket, a pair of headphones, apart from the complimentary snacks and drinks. The baggage allowance for Cathay Pacific’s economy tickets are two pieces of check-in luggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each; two pieces of check-in luggage with a total of 30 kg (66 lbs) – in most flights, along with one cabin baggage of up to 7 kg (15 lbs).
United Airlines: Premium Economy vs Economy
There is not much difference between United Airlines’ Premium Economy aka Economy Plus and Economy Cabin. However, the United Economy Plus seats with 37” of legroom are more comfortable than the economy seats. The width of seats in both the travel classes – 17.3” – is the same though.
Passengers of United Airlines’ economy class flights are allotted seats with 31” of legroom. The amenities include a 10” fully touch-controlled in-flight screen with limited content, shared USB ports, and universal power outlets, apart from complimentary beer and wine. United Airlines’s economy baggage allowance is one check-in bag of up to 23 kg (50 lbs), one personal item and one cabin bag that fits under your seat.
Air Canada: Premium Economy vs Economy
As an additional benefit, Air Canada allows it’s premium economy passengers to access the airport lounge for free. The passengers are also eligible for priority boarding. The seats have around 38” of legroom and are 20” wide. The features for Air Canada’s premium economy tickets include an 11” personal screen, a dedicated USB port, a power outlet, an amenity kit, complimentary gourmet meals, drinks, and alcohol. The baggage allowance for Air Canada’s premium economy flights is two pieces of check-in luggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each and one cabin bag that fits inside the overhead bin.
The economy seats in Air Canada are 17.3” wide and have at least 31” of legroom, along with an adjustable footrest. Air Canada’s economy class flights come with a 9” touchscreen TV, a pair of headsets, a dedicated reading light, a USB port, a power outlet, and complimentary meals and beverages. Baggage allowance for the economy tickets in Air Canada includes two pieces of check-in luggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each and one cabin bag that fits inside the overhead bin.
