How to Book Premium Economy for Less
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How to Book Premium Economy for Less
Premium economy sits between economy and business in price, but the value gap against a well-equipped economy fare with extras added is sometimes smaller than the price difference suggests — worth checking before assuming it's automatically worth the upgrade.
1. Compare against economy plus paid extras
Add seat selection, extra legroom, and baggage to a standard economy fare and compare the real total to premium economy's price.
2. Check for sales specifically on premium economy
These run separately from standard economy sales and aren't always as widely advertised.
3. Check cash-plus-points options
Some loyalty programmes let you combine cash and points for premium economy, which can lower the out-of-pocket cost.
4. Book earlier for long-haul routes
Premium economy capacity is limited on most aircraft, so availability at a good price can disappear earlier than economy.
Quick tips
- The comfort gap between premium economy and business is large; the gap between premium economy and a well-equipped economy fare is often smaller — compare honestly for your route.
- Check the specific extra legroom and seat width premium economy offers on your exact aircraft, since it varies by airline.
- Loyalty programme upgrades from economy to premium economy are sometimes more attainable than a jump straight to business.
- Check baggage allowance differences between premium economy and standard economy before assuming they're identical.