Best airline for premium economy
If you want a better flight without having to spend an arm and a leg, premium economy tickets are often the best option. It’s more comfortable than regular economy seats. Whether you pay with cash or travel rewards earned on your credit card, it costs significantly less than business class and first class.
It’s wise to check if your airline has a good premium economy product before booking. According to the J.D. Power 2024 North American Airline Satisfaction StudySM, there are three airlines that are even better.
1. Delta Air Lines
J.D. Power found that Delta Air Lines was the best airline for premium economy, and it wasn’t a close race. Delta Air Lines received a score of 716, nearly 30 points higher than second-place Alaska Airlines.
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Delta’s premium economy is called Delta Premium Select and is located in a separate cabin from economy. Although it doesn’t have the largest premium economy seats, the seats score highly for comfort. There are two armrests that provide ample space for both passengers, and the seats have adjustable leg rests and foot rests.
Services have also improved greatly. You’ll start your flight with hotel towels, drinks, and light snacks. Delta Premium Select has its own food menu. And the airline also includes some nice extras, like premium amenity kits and memory foam pillows.
2. Alaska Airlines
If you’re flying Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, it may be a good idea to pay for an upgrade. Alaska received a score of 687 from J.D. Power for the premium class.
To be exact, there’s 4 inches more legroom than the main cabin seats. Even if you’re tall or just want more room to stretch your legs, the premium class will be much more comfortable.
The food and beverage offerings are another highlight. Alaska offers beverage service on most flights over 350 miles, and premium class passengers receive a selection of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can relax with one of our rotating selections of West Coast beers, wines or cocktails. Freshly prepared meals are also available, but you have to pay for them.
3. American Airlines
American Airlines is the final airline to receive an above-average rating. JD Power received a score of 684 in the premium economy category.
The amenities offered are similar to premium economy on Delta and Alaska. You’ll get wider seats with more legroom, free drinks, and better dining options than economy seats. American Airlines has partnered with the James Beard Foundation and offers cuisine designed by elite chefs.
Like Delta, American Airlines includes sleep sets to help you sleep comfortably. We provide pillows and blankets made in collaboration with sleep technology company Casper. And on international flights, premium economy passengers are provided with an amenity kit.
Rankings of other airlines
Delta, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines were the only airlines to receive above-average scores for their premium economy products. The overall average score was 675 points. Here’s the rest of the list:
- JetBlue Airlines: 667
- WestJet: 664
- United Airlines: 641
- Air Canada: 628
Is premium economy worth it?
We’ve already covered some of the premium economy benefits, but not all. This will vary depending on the airline, but premium economy typically offers:
- Wider, more comfortable seats
- Free drinks and free meals available
- Priority check-in and boarding
- A better in-flight experience with more attentive service
Whether it’s worth it to you will depend on the price difference, flight time, and your travel preferences. If you want to be as comfortable as possible, it’s a good idea to choose the best seat you can afford. If you don’t care about regular economy and want to save money for when you’re on the ground, there’s no need to rush out and buy a premium economy ticket.
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