A seat in premium economy — directly between the main and business class cabins — is measurably more expensive than an economy ticket — often double the price.

In 2026, "Premium Economy" is designed to be the "middle ground" between the budget-friendly Economy and the luxury of Business Class. Typically, a Premium Economy ticket costs 30% to 70% more than a standard Economy fare, but it is often 50% to 60% cheaper than a Business Class seat. For example, if an economy flight to Europe is $900, Premium Economy might be $1,500, while Business Class could be $4,000+. For this extra cost, you receive significantly more than just a better seat; in 2026, standard premium benefits include 5–7 inches of extra legroom, wider seats with deeper recline, priority boarding, and an elevated meal service served on real china. Many airlines also include two checked bags in the price, which can partially offset the cost if you were planning to pay for luggage anyway. Whether it is "expensive" depends on the flight duration; for a 3-hour hop, the cost is rarely worth it, but for a 12-hour transpacific flight, many 2026 travelers consider the $500–$800 upgrade a necessary investment for physical comfort and sleep.