Unlike pleasure trips, business travel is demanding as the employee has to deliver results after a grueling journey. Travel managers strive to ensure maximum comfort during business travel for greater productivity through a better travel experience. They have to optimize the travel experience of employees without impacting travel costs. Business class travel is pricey, as most business travelers may not afford it. Premium economy class is the airlines’ response to the long-standing demand of business travelers for service upgrades, better meals, and lounge access without the costly price tag. Premium economy ensures maximum value for money with access to several facilities for a superior travel experience at an affordable cost.
EVA Air introduced the premium economy class in 1990. The success of the new concept prompted other airlines to follow suit by launching the facility on international and long-haul routes. The alternative terms for the premium economy are economy plus and elite economy. The rise in business travelers who deserve comfortable and less stressful travel made a premium economy class a popular choice. Because of increased competition, business travelers benefit from more amenities of a premium economy, like superior bedding and headphones.
What benefits do you get in the premium economy?
Besides better legroom, preferred boarding, and lounge access, premium economy aims to be a more affordable choice as travel policies of most organizations prohibit first-class travel because of costs. The following benefits of a premium economy class are noteworthy:
1. Comfort
Business travelers must arrive fresh to stay energetic and productive for their assignments. Many airlines provide better legroom to help business executives travel comfortably. The average extra legroom is five to seven inches more than in economy class seats. Besides more legroom, premium economy allows better width and a few inches of recline to prevent cramps.
2. Entertainment
In-flight entertainment is another benefit of the premium economy. It is a standard feature in most airlines that comprise Wi-Fi, a power outlet for your devices, and a personal TV with a bigger screen.
3. Dedicated flight attendants
Economy class flight attendants are perpetually busy catering to the needs of several passengers. However, premium economy passengers get personal service from dedicated flight attendants.
4. Extra amenities
Airlines provide several amenities in a premium economy to attract business travelers. These may include quality bedding, noise-canceling headphones, and travel essentials like an eye mask, toothbrush, and toothpaste. These are helpful amenities during long-haul and international flights.
5. Better food choices
Many airlines provide better food choices to their premium economy class passengers. These include seasonal meals, celebrity chefs, and complimentary drinks.
Difference between economy and premium economy
A better travel experience at costs far lesser than business class is a clear difference between premium economy and economy. The features depend upon the type of aircraft and airline. Larger TV screens, more legroom, better food choice, and privacy are key differentiators. Premium economy travel costs over fifty percent less than business class airfare. It guarantees a far better travel experience than economy class. You will have more privacy in a premium economy with individual cabins for personal space. Privacy takes a back seat in economy class. Premium economy matches corporate travel policy objectives of a superior travel experience at affordable costs.
Airlines with the best international premium economy
Airlines consider offering more amenities for premium economy class travel because of competition to attract business travelers. A long-haul premium economy is comparable with a short-haul business class that provides amenities to relax and work. Below is a short review of airlines with the best premium economy.
1. Singapore Airlines
Premium economy class in Singapore Airlines, is a benchmark for the airline industry, with unique features like the book-your-cook-to-order food by celebrity chefs. You get extendable footrests, comfortable legroom, and a deeper recline. The encouraging response to their premium economy made them scrap the economy class altogether on several international routes.
2. Qantas
Launched in 2018, the premium economy class facility is available on B787 Dreamliner. Ergonomically superior seating arrangement, in-flight upgrades, mid-flight snacks, and self-serve bars are a few attractive amenities of premium economy on Qantas flights.
3. Virgin Atlantic
Branded initially as Mid Class, the premium economy class seats of Virgin Atlantic are much broader than other airlines’ seats. The diverse food choices and a self-serve snack bar are other attractions.
4. Delta Airlines
International travelers, get several benefits of Delta Airlines’ premium economy class, including wider screens, amenity kits, spacious leg room, comfortable recline, and adjustable footrests.
Cost to upgrade to premium economy on an international flight
Airlines will strive to charge for an upgrade from economy to premium before offering seats for free. The cost to upgrade varies with airlines. Having a loyalty status with the airline qualifies you for an upgrade on priority. A kid with a single parent is likely to get a free upgrade if two seats in a premium economy remain vacant.
Some seasoned travelers know how to negotiate with airline staff for a free upgrade by narrating a bad experience with the airline. Arriving early and traveling during the off-peak period improves the probability of a free upgrade. Dressing in business casuals is another way of getting a priority upgrade to a premium economy.
Paxes provide the perfect solution to all the corporate flight booking problems. The platform helps you compare the best prices from different airliners. Further, the platform is a self-booking platform; hence, make the booking process all the more easy for an employee.
Suggested Read: 8 Tips To Get Best Deals On Corporate Flight Bookings
Premium Economy FAQs
What are the drawbacks of a premium economy?
Premium economy varies widely with airlines. The concept is in its infancy, and one may experience economy-class features by paying twice the amount.
Does one earn more miles by traveling in a premium economy?
Passengers traveling in premium economy class earn more miles than economy class besides bonus miles.
What is the difference between premium economy and economy fares?
The price difference can range between 30% to 100% as per the route and airline company. There is no standard formula as the demand-supply gap governs the prices of air tickets.
What factors influence the decision to travel in a premium economy?
Business travelers need to comply with travel policies. They do not have the option to travel in business class because of exorbitant fares. Premium economy is a better option to travel comfortably.
What is the standard difference in legroom between economy and premium economy seats?
The premium economy seat may offer an average increase of five to seven inches of legroom compared with the economy class seat.
