Premium economy tips

India is experiencing a significant surge in travel activity, driven by a burgeoning middle class, increased travel expenditure, and more accessible visa policies, according to Hugh Aitken, Skyscanner’s vice president of strategic relations and development.

When Cathay Pacific revealed plans for its new suite-style "Aria" business class back in March, the aviation world was aflutter. But what might have gotten lost in the news was the fact that the airline will also be introducing a refreshed, third-generation premium economy product.

The premium economy product on Singapore Airlines is already an elevated experience compared to what you might find on American carriers.

As anyone who has flown in a regular economy seat can attest, space on board planes is precious. Even just a few more inches of legroom or a slightly deeper seat recline can be the difference between comfortably falling asleep on a long flight and arriving at your destination as a zombie version of yourself.

Hilton on Monday had a ribbon-cutting and grand opening for the first property in its Spark by Hilton brand, which it announced in January. The property is in Mystic, Connecticut.

Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

For those who prioritize luxury and convenience, business class fares have surged by 22%. And for the most discerning travelers, first-class tickets have experienced an impressive 30% or more price hike, promising an opulent and exclusive flying experience.

Not long ago, it looked like the reign of the Airbus A380 as Queen of the Skies was ending. But one airline, Emirates, is not only bringing back its A380s with a vengeance but investing up to $2 billion dollars in refreshing its planes and instituting a whole new class of Premium Economy service.

Emirates may be best known for its lavish first- and business-class cabins, but the Dubai-based carrier is now turning its focus onto an increasingly popular class of seats—premium economy. The cabin, slotted between economy and business class, fills a niche for passengers who don’t want to pay too much of a premium but still desire something that is a step above the no-frills economy experience. In August 2022, Emirates debuted premium economy onboard its double-decker Airbus A380, becoming the first of the major Middle Eastern carriers to offer this class of service.

For most of us, premium economy is just the scenery we walk past on the way to our coach seat. But of all the upper class seating options, premium economy is the most accessible and perhaps the easiest to justify purchasing, especially on long-haul transoceanic flights.

On the heels of news that it will debut “bare fares” in early 2017, USA Today reports American will also add a seating class at the other end of the spectrum.

There’s an ongoing debate among travel junkies concerning what’s commonly referred to as premium economy. Specifically: When does an airline’s coach product legitimately deserve to be called premium economy? Is a couple of extra inches of legroom enough to qualify for the “premium” designation? An upgraded inflight entertainment system? Better meals? Priority boarding? More frequent-flyer miles?

Iberia is adding premium economy cabins to the planes it uses for service to the U.S. The first converted plane, a 340, will start flying between Madrid and Chicago. Iberia will convert its other 340s and its 330s over the next year or so, and its new 350s will come with premium economy factory-installed.