Premium economy – worth it?

[Scrum23]

Anyone flown LHR to Mumbai recently? Is it worth paying extra for premium economy (or as I’ve seen it described ‘economy as it used to be’)? Sadly can’t justify the cost of business class this trip. Thanks

[Joe G]

After getting a bit too used to business class flights I recently travelled long haul in both Economy and Premium Economy with BA and would say that if you value a bit of extra legroom and space (which on a long haul flight shouldn’t be underestimated) PE is good but in terms of the general level of service, food, amenities etc I didn’t notice any difference from Economy.

Personally, for me, I think for the difference in money or avios in future I’d probably either treat myself to Business or slum it in Economy going forward as the price point for PE didn’t quite justify the return.

[Scrum23]

Thanks. Interesting point about food, service etc.

[MrWhite]

It all depends on how much more PE costs and how much you value the extra room. Sometimes PE is a few hundred £s more, others it’s more than double the price of economy. I just did a random day in October, LHR to BOM. Three flights, PE was £200 more, double and quadruple the price of economy across those three flights.

PE is more comfortable given the extra seat width, pitch, recline etc. and paying £200 more, personally I probably would. But at double, quadruple, unlikely.

[executiveclubber]

You could book economy and then ask at the check-in desk for upgrade offers, which are often cheaper than the cash difference, though of course you are risking the possibility of no such seats available. Or what about upgrading an economy ticket to premium economy using Avios. See how to do this here (if you don’t have enough Avios, boosting them or getting an Amex just for the sign up bonus could be an option): https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/02/01/how-many-avios-points-do-i-need-to-upgrade-to-premium-economy/

[TH]

We flew PE to Auckland (BA/ Singapore Airlines) and were VERY glad that we did. It cost about a third extra and the seat and leg room genuinely made a difference.

Not sure we’d have paid quadruple, though!

[cin3]

Spending £16 on a diazepam and bottle of Bombay Sapphire will do more for your comfort on the flight than a PE upgrade.

[TGLoyalty]

@MrWhite is spot on it’s all about the price.

Personally I’d it’s not much more I’ll always fly PE over Eco but it’s never an at all costs type situation.