Is American Airlines Premium Economy Worth The Upgrade?

More and more airlines have added a premium economy cabin in recent years. Sitting between economy and business class, it is a popular option for more affordable extra comfort. American Airlines was the first major US airline to introduce the cabin, offering many benefits.

American Airlines Premium Economy

American Airlines offers premium economy on many of its long haul routes. The airline was the first of the main legacy US airlines to bring in the new cabin. Still, this wasn’t until 2017, long after many European Airlines (British Airways, for example, introduced the cabin in 2000 and now offers it on all of its widebody fleet).

It is especially relevant going forward, as American Airlines has confirmed the withdrawal of international first class, taking the airline back to a three-cabin offering.

Premium Economy is a separate cabin, with improved seating over economy or main cabin. This is different from the airline’s ‘Main Cabin Extra’ product. This has been on offer longer and involves better, more spacious, seating with the main economy cabin for an extra charge, or as a benefit for frequent travelers and elite status holders.

Read more about what Main Cabin Extra offers in our guide.

Premium Economy is available with American Airlines on all of its Boeing widebody aircraft, such as the 777-200, 777-300, 787-8, and 787-9. It was previously offered on the Airbus A330 as well, but the fleet was retired during the pandemic.

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Premium Economy’s main benefit is more spacious seating

The main benefit in any premium economy cabin is a better seat and more space. This makes a big difference to comfort and rest – in particular, on a long overnight flight. It is nowhere near the flatbeds and privacy offers in business class, but it is a big step up from increasingly cramped economy cabins.

American Airlines Premium Economy offers a seat pitch of 38 inches across all aircraft. The premium economy seat’s width is either 18.5 inches (Boeing 777-300ER, and 787-8) or 19 inches (777-200 and 787-9). Seating information here is based on data made available by SeatGuru.

Photo: American Airlines

The cabin is also smaller, leading to a (hopefully) more relaxing experience and better service. On the Boeing 787-9, for example, there are 21 seats (compared to 234 in the main cabin). On the Boeing 777-300, there are 28 premium economy seats (compared to 216 main cabin seats).

As well as being larger, the seats offer extra features for comfort, including adjustable footrests, and better headrests. The inflight entertainment system is improved, too, with a larger screen and noise-canceling headsets offered.

Photo: American Airlines

Better service for Premium Economy passengers

Much like the seating, the service in premium economy is improved, but it is still a long way behind business class. There is an improved meal service and likely better attention from the crew due to the smaller cabin.

On longer routes, the meal will be multiple courses and served on real crockery, but on shorter Americas routes it may be more like in the main cabin. There is no pre-departure drinks service, or a better bar offering as you would find with business class.

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Passengers on international flights will also receive a ‘Casper sleep set.’ This includes a small pillow and light blanket and an amenity kit with socks, eyemask, earplugs, and body lotions.

But there are also important improvements on the ground. Premium economy passengers are offered faster check-in (along with elite members), fast-track security (at some airports), and priority boarding and baggage handling. However, lounge access is not included. Premium Economy tickets also offer an increased luggage allowance of two checked bags, which is a valuable benefit if needed.

Earning miles and elite status

Booking premium tickets used to be a useful way for frequent flyers to expedite elite status earning. This has changed significantly in recent years with many airlines (including American Airlines and other US airlines) switching more to revenue-based earning systems rather than based on distance flown and cabin booked.

Read more about American Airlines AAdvantage miles and loyalty program.

Of course, the additional spending on a premium economy ticket will earn higher miles and elite credit. There are opportunities to earn higher levels by crediting to other oneworld airlines, but this is only an option for those that don’t want or value AAdvantage membership.

Have you flown American Airlines Premium Economy recently? What did you think of the cabin, benefits, and service? Feel free to discuss in the comments section below.