Premium economy class, also known by brand names which vary by company, is a travel class offered on many airlines. It is usually positioned between standard economy class and business class in terms of price, comfort, and available amenities. On 12 December 1992, EVA Air introduced the Economy Deluxe Class (later renamed Evergreen Deluxe, then Elite Class, and finally Premium Economy Class) on the inaugural flight of its first trans-Pacific route (Taipei-Los Angeles), becoming the first airline to offer this class of service. In some countries, this class has emerged as a response from governments and companies requiring economy class for travel done by staff, while still getting some benefits like airport priority. Premium economy generally offers a level of comfort similar to the standard Economy Class of several decades ago. In the 1970s, for example, many airlines offered economy class seat pitches of approximately 34–36 inches; United Airlines reportedly provided around 36 inches, comparable to the seat pitch offered by many carriers’ premium economy cabins today.
Characteristics The term "premium economy class" has not been standardised among airlines, and varies significantly depending on the carrier. Premium economy is sometimes limited to expanded leg room, but its most comprehensive versions can feature services associated with business class travel.
Air New Zealand's and Qantas's premium economy classes include amenities such as prioritised check-in, large customised seats (some for couples, others targeting solo travellers), seat pitch up to 41 in (100 cm) with 50% more recline, premium meals, a self-service bar for drinks and snacks, a personal in-flight entertainment (IFE) centre with remote control, noise-cancelling headphones, choices in games and movies for children and adults, skin care products in the lavatory, and an amenities pouch containing items such as socks, sleep masks, earplugs, and toothbrushes. Service codes used by airlines vary, but W is the most common code.
Examples of differences
Differences between premium economy class and standard economy class may include (varies by airline and country):
Some airlines may designate an entire economy class as premium, such as United Airlines on its transcontinental Boeing 757-200 premium service aircraft, or Singapore Airlines' Airbus A350-900 Ultra Long Range (ULR) aircraft. Among other airlines, premium economy may be what used to be regular economy before more seats were added, or just the most attractive rows in the economy section. Premium economy tickets also normally earn more mileage in an airline's frequent flyer program, attracting a bonus between economy and business. These upgrades tend to be more common on wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 and Boeing 777, and less common on narrow-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 737.
Configuration
Six-abreast configuration (2–2–2 configuration) Boeing 767 Seven-abreast configuration (2–3–2 configuration) Airbus A330 Airbus A330neo Airbus A340 Airbus A350 XWB (applicable for China Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines use only, also on selected aircraft of Air Caraïbes and French Bee) Airbus A380 (upper deck) Boeing 787 Dreamliner Eight-abreast configuration (2–4–2 configuration) Airbus A350 XWB (applicable for most of the other aviation in the world) Airbus A380 (main deck) Boeing 747 Boeing 777
Airlines
Airlines offering this service include:
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