TRAVEL

A guide to premium economy seats

AMERICAN AIRLINES MAIN CABIN EXTRA When launched: 2012. Seat pitch: 34-37 in. (up to six inches over economy). Seat width: 17 to 18.5 in. (same as regular economy). Seat configuration: varies by aircraft type (same as economy). Aircraft: Most, except regional jets and planes merged from US Airways fleet. Separate cabin: No. Extra baggage allowance: No. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Most planes. Average price over economy: Free for some frequent fliers; varies by route, as little as $20 each way domestic and $150 each way international. Sample fares, Dallas-Paris, November: Economy, $1,129; Main Cabin Extra, $1,401; Business, $5,556.
AMERICAN AIRLINES MAIN CABIN EXTRA When launched: 2012. Seat pitch: 34-37 in. (up to six inches over economy). Seat width: 17 to 18.5 in. (same as regular economy). Seat configuration: varies by aircraft type (same as economy). Aircraft: Most, except regional jets and planes merged from US Airways fleet. Separate cabin: No. Extra baggage allowance: No. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Most planes. Average price over economy: Free for some frequent fliers; varies by route, as little as $20 each way domestic and $150 each way international. Sample fares, Dallas-Paris, November: Economy, $1,129; Main Cabin Extra, $1,401; Business, $5,556.
American Airlines
DELTA AIR LINES COMFORT+ When launched: 2014. Seat pitch: 34-35 in. (up to 4 inches more than regular economy). Seat width: 17-18 in. (same as regular economy). Seat configuration: varies by aircraft type (same as regular economy). Aircraft: All. Separate cabin: No. Extra baggage allowance: No. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. ?Power ports: Some planes. Average price over economy: Free for some frequent fliers; varies by route, as little as $20 each way domestic and $150 each way international. Other perks: Priority boarding, free alcoholic beverages, free in-flight entertainment on most planes. Sample fares, Atlanta-Madrid, November: Economy, $1,145; Comfort+, $1,637; Business, $6,074.
DELTA AIR LINES COMFORT+ When launched: 2014. Seat pitch: 34-35 in. (up to 4 inches more than regular economy). Seat width: 17-18 in. (same as regular economy). Seat configuration: varies by aircraft type (same as regular economy). Aircraft: All. Separate cabin: No. Extra baggage allowance: No. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. ?Power ports: Some planes. Average price over economy: Free for some frequent fliers; varies by route, as little as $20 each way domestic and $150 each way international. Other perks: Priority boarding, free alcoholic beverages, free in-flight entertainment on most planes. Sample fares, Atlanta-Madrid, November: Economy, $1,145; Comfort+, $1,637; Business, $6,074.
Delta Air Lines
UNITED AIRLINES ECONOMY PLUS When launched: 1999. Seat pitch: 34-36 in. (3-4 inches more than regular economy). Seat width: 17-18 in. (same as regular economy). Seat configuration: Varies by aircraft type (same as regular economy). Separate cabin: No. Aircraft: All. Extra baggage allowance: No. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: Some seats, unless you have frequent-flier status. Power ports: Some newer planes. Average price over economy: Free for some frequent fliers; varies by route, as little as $20 each way domestic and $150 each way international. Other perks: Priority boarding. Sample fares, Boston-San Francisco, November: Economy, $337; Economy Plus, $567; Business/First, $1,245.
UNITED AIRLINES ECONOMY PLUS When launched: 1999. Seat pitch: 34-36 in. (3-4 inches more than regular economy). Seat width: 17-18 in. (same as regular economy). Seat configuration: Varies by aircraft type (same as regular economy). Separate cabin: No. Aircraft: All. Extra baggage allowance: No. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: Some seats, unless you have frequent-flier status. Power ports: Some newer planes. Average price over economy: Free for some frequent fliers; varies by route, as little as $20 each way domestic and $150 each way international. Other perks: Priority boarding. Sample fares, Boston-San Francisco, November: Economy, $337; Economy Plus, $567; Business/First, $1,245.
United Airlines
BRITISH AIRWAYS WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS When launched: 2000. Seat pitch: 38 in. Sea width: 18.5 in. Seat configuration: 2-4-2; 2-3-2 on A380 aircraft. Aircraft: All long-haul aircraft. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: On most routes. Charge for reserving specific seats in advance: Varies depending on seat. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: 50% to 100% (on some flights, ironically, WTP is less or the same as regular economy). Other perks: Amenity kits, larger video screens, premium meals, bigger pillows and blankets. Sample fares, New York-London, November: Economy, $799; World Traveller Plus, $1,582; Business, $4,500.
BRITISH AIRWAYS WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS When launched: 2000. Seat pitch: 38 in. Sea width: 18.5 in. Seat configuration: 2-4-2; 2-3-2 on A380 aircraft. Aircraft: All long-haul aircraft. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: On most routes. Charge for reserving specific seats in advance: Varies depending on seat. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: 50% to 100% (on some flights, ironically, WTP is less or the same as regular economy). Other perks: Amenity kits, larger video screens, premium meals, bigger pillows and blankets. Sample fares, New York-London, November: Economy, $799; World Traveller Plus, $1,582; Business, $4,500.
British Airways
AIR NEW ZEALAND PREMIUM ECONOMY SPACESEAT When launched: 2011. Seat pitch: 40-42 in. Seat width: 20 in. Seat configuration: 2-2-2 (every seat has aisle access). Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: $10-$75. Power ports: In-seat power, USB and iPod connections. Average price over economy: 75% to 85% more. Other perks: Noise-cancelling headphones, more menu choices, amenity kits; airline is unique in that all premium econonmy seats have aisle access.
AIR NEW ZEALAND PREMIUM ECONOMY SPACESEAT When launched: 2011. Seat pitch: 40-42 in. Seat width: 20 in. Seat configuration: 2-2-2 (every seat has aisle access). Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: $10-$75. Power ports: In-seat power, USB and iPod connections. Average price over economy: 75% to 85% more. Other perks: Noise-cancelling headphones, more menu choices, amenity kits; airline is unique in that all premium econonmy seats have aisle access.
Air New Zealand
VIRGIN ATLANTIC PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 1992. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 21 in. Seat configuration: 2-3-2 on A330, A340 and B787 aircraft; 2-4-2 on B747 aircraft. Aircraft: All aircraft. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes: two bags free of charge, up to 50 lbs. per bag. Charge for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: Varies. Other perks: Welcome glass of champagne and pre-flight choice of newspaper; complimentary three-course meal served on china, linens and stainless steel cutlery; hot breakfast or afternoon tea service depending on time of travel; wine service with dinner and after-dinner liqueur; dedicated amenity kit; personal seatback TVs with over 300 hours of on-demand entertainment; Wander Wall self-service snack and beverage area on 787 Dreamliner aircraft only.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 1992. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 21 in. Seat configuration: 2-3-2 on A330, A340 and B787 aircraft; 2-4-2 on B747 aircraft. Aircraft: All aircraft. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes: two bags free of charge, up to 50 lbs. per bag. Charge for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: Varies. Other perks: Welcome glass of champagne and pre-flight choice of newspaper; complimentary three-course meal served on china, linens and stainless steel cutlery; hot breakfast or afternoon tea service depending on time of travel; wine service with dinner and after-dinner liqueur; dedicated amenity kit; personal seatback TVs with over 300 hours of on-demand entertainment; Wander Wall self-service snack and beverage area on 787 Dreamliner aircraft only.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
LUFTHANSA PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 2014. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 18-20 in. Configuration: 2-4-2. On what aircraft: All long-haul aircraft by summer 2015. Priority check in: No. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: About $700 more per round-trip long-haul flight. Other perks: Option to pay (about $28.50) to access business-class lounges. Sample fares, Tampa-Frankfurt, November: Economy, $1,281; Premium Economy, $1,561; Business, $6,045.
LUFTHANSA PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 2014. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 18-20 in. Configuration: 2-4-2. On what aircraft: All long-haul aircraft by summer 2015. Priority check in: No. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: About $700 more per round-trip long-haul flight. Other perks: Option to pay (about $28.50) to access business-class lounges. Sample fares, Tampa-Frankfurt, November: Economy, $1,281; Premium Economy, $1,561; Business, $6,045.
Lufthansa
SAS PLUS When launched: 2013. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 18 in. Seat configuration: 2-3-2. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: Varies; "Fully Flexible" fares are higher than "Fixed," which have more restrictions. Other perks: Premium meals and wines, USB ports, lounge access, fast-track security, extra EuroBonus points.
SAS PLUS When launched: 2013. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 18 in. Seat configuration: 2-3-2. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: Varies; "Fully Flexible" fares are higher than "Fixed," which have more restrictions. Other perks: Premium meals and wines, USB ports, lounge access, fast-track security, extra EuroBonus points.
SAS
QANTAS PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 2008. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 19.5 in. Seat configuration: 2-4-2 on 747, 2-3-2 on A380. Aircraft: 747 and A380. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: Varies, but premium economy is 1/3 of the cost of a business-class seat. Other perks: Amenity kits, noise-cancelling headphones, premium meals and wines, ability to pre-select meal choice, USB ports on A380 aircraft. Sample fares, Dallas-Sydney, November: Economy, $1,764; Premium Economy, $4,042, Business, $10,802.
QANTAS PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 2008. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 19.5 in. Seat configuration: 2-4-2 on 747, 2-3-2 on A380. Aircraft: 747 and A380. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes. Average price over regular economy: Varies, but premium economy is 1/3 of the cost of a business-class seat. Other perks: Amenity kits, noise-cancelling headphones, premium meals and wines, ability to pre-select meal choice, USB ports on A380 aircraft. Sample fares, Dallas-Sydney, November: Economy, $1,764; Premium Economy, $4,042, Business, $10,802.
Qantas
EVA ELITE CLASS When launched: 1992. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 18.5 in. Configuration: 2-4-2. On what aircraft: All long-haul. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: AC power. Average price over economy: Varies depending on route and dates, but about 30% more. Other perks: As one of the first premium economy products, this got a refresh in 2005 with an upgraded entertainment system and other perks.
EVA ELITE CLASS When launched: 1992. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 18.5 in. Configuration: 2-4-2. On what aircraft: All long-haul. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: AC power. Average price over economy: Varies depending on route and dates, but about 30% more. Other perks: As one of the first premium economy products, this got a refresh in 2005 with an upgraded entertainment system and other perks.
EVA
EL AL ECONOMY CLASS PLUS When launched: 2012. Seat pitch: 36 in. Seat width: 18 in. Configuration: 2-3-2. On what aircraft: 747, 767, 777. Separate cabin: No. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: No. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: AC power on most aircraft. Average price over economy: $150 one-way for long-haul flights. Other perks: Personal iPad with extra entertainment options, business-class blanket and pillow; free upgrades to upper-tier frequent-flier members.
EL AL ECONOMY CLASS PLUS When launched: 2012. Seat pitch: 36 in. Seat width: 18 in. Configuration: 2-3-2. On what aircraft: 747, 767, 777. Separate cabin: No. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: No. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: AC power on most aircraft. Average price over economy: $150 one-way for long-haul flights. Other perks: Personal iPad with extra entertainment options, business-class blanket and pillow; free upgrades to upper-tier frequent-flier members.
El Al
CATHAY PACIFIC PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 2012. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 19.3 in. Seat configuration: 2-3-2 or 2-4-2. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes, and USB ports. Average price over economy: Varies. Other perks: Enhanced meal selections, champagne, larger personal TV with noise-cancelling headphones.
CATHAY PACIFIC PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 2012. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 19.3 in. Seat configuration: 2-3-2 or 2-4-2. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Yes, and USB ports. Average price over economy: Varies. Other perks: Enhanced meal selections, champagne, larger personal TV with noise-cancelling headphones.
Cathay Pacific
SINGAPORE AIRLINES PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 2015 on a few routes, more in 2016. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 18.5 to 19.5 in. Configuration: 2-4-2. On what aircraft: 777-300ER, A380, A350. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Power ports: One for every two seats, USB for every seat. Average price over economy: About 40% to 50% more. Other perks: Noise-cancelling headphones, wide selection of pre-ordered meals, more menu choices, amenity kits, in-seat reading light. Sample fares, San Francsico-Singapore, November: Economy, $1,091; Premium Economy, $2,159; Business, $4,697.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: 2015 on a few routes, more in 2016. Seat pitch: 38 in. Seat width: 18.5 to 19.5 in. Configuration: 2-4-2. On what aircraft: 777-300ER, A380, A350. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Power ports: One for every two seats, USB for every seat. Average price over economy: About 40% to 50% more. Other perks: Noise-cancelling headphones, wide selection of pre-ordered meals, more menu choices, amenity kits, in-seat reading light. Sample fares, San Francsico-Singapore, November: Economy, $1,091; Premium Economy, $2,159; Business, $4,697.
Singapore Airlines
AIR FRANCE PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: Launched in 2009. More than 1,100 Premium Economy seats are being modified and installed on 44 long-haul aircraft between June 2014 and July 2016 as part of Air France-KLM’s investment in new products and services. Seat pitch: 20% more compared to an Economy seat. Seat width: 19 in. Configuration: 2-3-2 or 2-4-2. On what aircraft: All long-haul flights except on B747 aircraft, which will be removed from Air France long-haul fleet by the end of 2015. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Electronic PC outlet to charge your laptop computer and personal USB port. Average price over economy: About 50% more. Other perks: Noise-reduction headphones, travel amenity kit with personal care items, Gourmet Air France Gift Cone, larger latest-generation 12-inch HD touch-screen, ability to purchase access to airport lounges, meal starter and dessert inspired by the Business Class, more elegant and refined table service, feather pillow, personal adjustable reading lamp. Sample fares, Washington-Paris, November: Economy, $1,031; Premium Economy, $1,738; Business, $4,521.
AIR FRANCE PREMIUM ECONOMY When launched: Launched in 2009. More than 1,100 Premium Economy seats are being modified and installed on 44 long-haul aircraft between June 2014 and July 2016 as part of Air France-KLM’s investment in new products and services. Seat pitch: 20% more compared to an Economy seat. Seat width: 19 in. Configuration: 2-3-2 or 2-4-2. On what aircraft: All long-haul flights except on B747 aircraft, which will be removed from Air France long-haul fleet by the end of 2015. Separate cabin: Yes. Priority check in: Yes. Extra baggage allowance: Yes. Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: No. Power ports: Electronic PC outlet to charge your laptop computer and personal USB port. Average price over economy: About 50% more. Other perks: Noise-reduction headphones, travel amenity kit with personal care items, Gourmet Air France Gift Cone, larger latest-generation 12-inch HD touch-screen, ability to purchase access to airport lounges, meal starter and dessert inspired by the Business Class, more elegant and refined table service, feather pillow, personal adjustable reading lamp. Sample fares, Washington-Paris, November: Economy, $1,031; Premium Economy, $1,738; Business, $4,521.
Air France