The main differences between Premium Economy vs Economy If you're booking a Premium Economy seat you can expect it to be wider than those in Economy, with more space to recline. There's also around five to seven inches more legroom compared to a standard seat.

Premium economy is significantly more spacious than standard economy, generally offering about 5 to 7 inches of extra legroom (pitch) and an additional 1 to 2 inches of seat width. In a standard long-haul economy seat, the pitch is typically around 31 inches, whereas premium economy usually ranges from 36 to 38 inches. Beyond just the physical dimensions, premium economy seats often feature a deeper recline—sometimes up to 8 inches—and a dedicated leg rest or footrest that is not found in the back of the plane. The cabin configuration is also less dense; for example, on a Boeing 787, economy might be 9 seats across (3-3-3), while premium economy is often 7 seats across (2-3-2), providing much wider armrests and a sense of privacy. In 2026, many airlines have further distinguished the two by providing larger entertainment screens and more substantial tray tables. While it does not offer the lie-flat beds of business class, the physical "real estate" per passenger is approximately 30% to 40% greater than in economy, making a profound difference in comfort on transoceanic flights where personal space is at a premium.