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Air travel

Premium economy: Is it worth the upgrade?

George Hobica
Special for USA TODAY
BRITISH AIRWAYS WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS When launched: 2000. Seat pitch: 38 in. Sea width: 18.5 in. Seat configuration: 2-4-2; 2-3-2 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: 50% to 100% (on some flights, ironically, WTP is less or the same as regular economy). Other perks: Amenity kits, larger video screens, premium meals, bigger pillows and blankets. Sample fares, New York-London, November: Economy, $799; World Traveller Plus, $1,582; Business, $4,500.

In the beginning, air travel was egalitarian, classless — and, well, classy. Everyone sat in identical seats. In the 1950s, they resembled your father’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 still was plenty of legroom in coach, and you got a hot meal, playing cards and plastic wings for the kiddies.

But as economy class became ever more cramped, airlines began offering premium economy. On U.S.-based airlines, it generally offers extra legroom and priority boarding, plus some bonus drinks and food. But on international carriers, there can be additional perks: fewer seats per row, better meals, discounted access to lounges and little niceties such as amenity kits.

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Still, it’s premium economy’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 many fliers find are worth the extra cost.

And before you dismiss the option as beyond your budget, we found a few flights where premium economy costs the same or only a bit more than regular economy. We even found a case where seats in premium economy were less for certain flights, so always look at both options.

In general, fliers should expect to pay about 50% more than regular economy, but premium economy usually is 75% to 80% less than business class, providing a bridge to fliers seeking more comfort. Here’s what to expect on a variety of airlines if you’re willing to pay a premium.

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