In the beginning, air travel was egalitarian, classless — and, well, classy. Everyone sat in identical seats. In the 1950s, they resembled your dad’s La-Z-Boy: luxuriously padded, with footrests.
In the 60s those seats morphed into “first class” and, to make travel affordable for all, economy class seats were introduced, configured six across in each row. There was still plenty of legroom in coach, and you got a hot meal, playing cards, and plastic wings for the kiddies.
But as economy class became more cramped, airlines began offering premium economy. On domestic flights, it’s not much of a thing — just some extra legroom and priority boarding, maybe a drink and snacks. On international flights, there can be perks galore: better meals, fewer seats per row, priority check-in, dedicated lavatories and cabins, and little niceties such as a welcome drink on boarding.
Still, it’s premium econ’s wider seats, extra leg and knee room (“seat pitch” in airline parlance) and greater seat recline — all making sleep easier on long haul flights — that attracts fliers. Here’s what to expect on a variety of international airlines if you’re willing to pay a premium.
Air New Zealand
When launched: 2011
Seat pitch: 40-42 in.
Seat width: 20 in.
Seat configuration: 2 by 2 by 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: 75-85 percent more
Other perks: Noise-cancelling headphones, more menu choices, amenity kits; airline is unique in that all premium econ seats have aisle access.
British Airways
When launched: 2000
Seat pitch: 38 in.
Sea width: 18.5 in.
Seat configuration: 2 by 4 by 2; 2 by 3 by 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: 30-50 percent
Other perks: Amenity kits, larger video screens, premium meals, bigger pillows and blankets
El Al
When launched: 2012
Seat pitch: 36 in.
Seat width: 18 in.
Configuration: 2 by 3 by 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-flyer members
Lufthansa
When launched: 2014
Seat pitch: 38 in.
Seat width: 18-20 in.
Configuration: 2 by 4 by 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
Qantas
When launched: 2008
Seat pitch: 38 in.
Seat width: 19.5 in.
Seat configuration: 2 by 4 by 2 on 747; 2 by 3 by 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 one-third 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
Singapore Airlines
When launched: 2015 on a few routes, more in 2016
Seat pitch: 38 in.
Seat width: 18.5 to 19.5 in.
Configuration: 2 by 4 by 2
On what aircraft: 777-300ER, A380, A350
Separate cabin: Yes
Priority check in: Yes
Extra baggage allowance: Yes
Fee for reserving specific seats in advance: To be determined
Power ports: One for every two seats, USB for every seat
Average price over economy: About 40-50 percent more
Other perks: Noise-cancelling headphones, wide selection of pre-ordered meals, more menu choices, amenity kits, in-seat reading light
George Hobica is the founder of Airfarewatchdog. For more tips and low fares, follow him on Twitter @airfarewatchdog.