Premium economy class

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Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 Premium economy class seats A350- Interior - Premium Select (37221441742).jpg
Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 Premium economy class seats

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. In 1991, EVA Air was the first to introduce Evergreen Class (later renamed Elite Class, and then to Premium Economy Class), becoming the first airline to offer this class of service. It was widely acknowledged that the premium economy class has become a standard reflection of what the Business Class was like several decades ago. [1] [2] 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.

Contents

Characteristics

As of 2018, the term has not been standardised among airlines, and varies significantly between domestic and international flights, as well as between low-cost or regional airlines and other airlines. [3] Premium economy is sometimes limited to expanded leg room, but its most comprehensive versions can feature services associated with business class travel. [3]

Old premium economy class seats on EVA Air. EVA Air's 777 Elite Class.jpg
Old premium economy class seats on EVA Air.

Air New Zealand's and Qantas' Premium Economy 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. [4]

Service codes used by airlines vary, but W is the most common code.

Examples of differences

An Air New Zealand premium economy class galley bar in 2011 Air New Zealand Premium Economy Galley bar view.jpg
An Air New Zealand premium economy class galley bar in 2011
A Japan Airlines premium economy class cabin in 2012 JAL Premium Economy class SKY SHELL SEAT.JPG
A Japan Airlines premium economy class cabin in 2012
An Austrian Airlines premium economy class in-flight meal in 2023 25-MAY-2023 - OS51 VIE-NRT (B777-200 - OE-LPA) (02).jpg
An Austrian Airlines premium economy class in-flight meal in 2023

Differences between premium economy class and standard economy class may include (varies by airline and country): [5] [6] [7]

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. In 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.[ citation needed ] 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

Airlines

Airlines offering this service include:

Some airlines no longer offer premium economy:

See also

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References

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  2. Vintage Airline Seat Map: United Airlines DC-8-52 Frequently Flying, 15 June 2011
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