Premium aisle seating refers to seats on an airplane that are located in the aisles near the front of the economy cabin. These seats are considered more desirable than regular economy seats for a few key reasons.
Location
Premium aisle seats are located near the front of the economy cabin, closer to first class and business class. This means faster access to the lavatories and galley area. It also means you will be among the first economy passengers to deplane upon arrival.
Quick airplane boarding and deplaning
Being seated nearer the front of the plane means you can board the plane sooner and settle in with less waiting in the aisle for other passengers ahead of you. This allows you to stow your carry-on baggage and get situated more quickly.
You’ll also be among the first group of economy passengers to deplane upon arrival at your destination. This allows you to get off the plane faster and head to baggage claim or your next flight connection sooner.
Closer proximity to first class and business class
While you won’t get all the luxuries of first class or business class, premium economy aisle seats put you closer to the partition separating economy from the premium cabins. This can mean:
- Being able to use the lavatories reserved for business or first class passengers
- Potentially getting some extra attention from flight attendants serving the premium cabins
- Less noise and commotion from the rest of the economy cabin
Extra Legroom
Premium economy aisle seats typically have more legroom than standard economy aisle seats. This is because they are often located at emergency exit rows or near bulkheads which have more open space.
Emergency exit rows
Emergency exit aisle seats have several inches of extra legroom space due to the location of the exits. This allows taller passengers to stretch out more and avoid cramped quarters.
Bulkhead seating
Bulkhead seats, located in front of a physical bulkhead or wall inside the cabin, also offer extra legroom as there is no seat directly in front limiting space.
The precise amount of extra legroom varies by airline and aircraft, but it’s usually between 3-6 additional inches compared to standard economy seats.
Other Perks
Premium economy aisle seats sometimes come with other advantages over standard economy aisles seats:
Priority boarding
Some airlines allow premium economy ticket holders to board in an earlier group, after first/business class passengers but before general economy boarding.
Free seat selection
Choosing your exact seat assignment in advance carries a fee for standard economy tickets on many airlines. Premium economy tickets sometimes include free advanced seat selection.
Upgraded meal service
You may get upgraded meal options not offered in regular economy, like fresher entrees or complimentary beer/wine service with your food.
Extra amenities
Premium economy aisles may feature additional amenities like better quality pillows and blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or a larger personal video screen.
Why Pay for Premium Aisle Seats?
Why do some travelers choose to purchase premium economy aisle seats rather than standard economy aisle seats? There are a few key reasons:
Physical comfort
The extra legroom and amenities make premium seats more comfortable for taller travelers or long flights.
Convenience
Being closer to the front of the plane and boarding early is more convenient.
Status
Some premium economy perks like priority boarding give you a sense of elevated status as a passenger.
Work needs
For business travelers, premium seats provide more productivity with amenities like ample legroom, outlets for electronics, and noise-canceling headphones.
How Much More Do Premium Aisle Seats Cost?
Premium economy aisle seats come at a higher price than standard economy aisle seats. How much more depends on the airline, route, and demand:
Airline | Premium Economy Price Difference |
---|---|
Delta | $80-$500+ over base economy fare |
American | $60-$200 over base economy fare |
United | $100-$300 over base economy fare |
On international flights longer than 6 hours, the premium economy fare difference can be even higher, sometimes up to $1,000 or more compared to basic economy.
What About Window vs. Aisle in Premium Economy?
When selecting premium economy seats, travelers often debate choosing an aisle seat vs. a window seat. Here are some things to consider:
Aisle seat pros:
- Easier accessibility to get in and out of the seat
- Don’t need to bother neighboring passengers as often when standing up
- More space to stretch your legs into the aisle
- Easier access to lavatories
Window seat pros:
- Leaning access against the wall or window to sleep
- View of the window to see outside
- Wall provides back support
- More privacy
Middle seats:
Most travelers try to avoid middle seats if possible. However, in premium economy, the middle seat is not as cramped as in standard economy since there is extra legroom and width. If the flight is not full, you may have the middle section free next to you anyway.
Airline Comparison of Premium Economy Products
Not all premium economy products are equal. Here is how the offerings from major U.S. airlines stack up:
Airline | Seat Size | Seat Pitch | Amenities |
---|---|---|---|
Delta | 18.5 inches wide | Up to 38 inches | Priority boarding, upgraded meals, noise-canceling headphones, Tumi amenity kits, premium blankets and pillows |
American | 19 inches wide | Up to 38 inches | Priority boarding, free alcoholic drinks, premium meals, amenity kits, extra legroom, access to preferred seats |
United | 17-18 inches wide depending on aircraft | Up to 36 inches | Priority boarding, upgraded dining, complimentary alcohol, premium cabin seating |
Key Differences:
- Delta offers the widest premium economy seats
- American provides the most seat pitch/legroom
- United’s premium economy product lags Delta and American slightly
Tips for Booking Premium Economy Aisle Seats
Here are some tips for getting the best premium economy aisle seats for your next flight:
- Book early – These seats are limited and sell out quickly.
- Compare pricing across airlines – Premium economy fares vary.
- Read seat reviews – Consult sites like SeatGuru to choose the best premium seats on your aircraft type.
- Use airline sites vs. third parties – Airline sites often have more premium seat availability.
- Ask about upgrades – You may be able to upgrade from economy to premium economy at check-in if seats are available.
- Use miles – Redeem frequent flyer miles for premium aisle seats when cash fares are expensive.
- Consider exit rows – Exit row economy may offer extra legroom at a lower cost than true premium economy.
The Bottom Line
Premium economy aisle seats offer extra space, comfort, and convenience over standard economy seats. The upgrade is often worth it for frequent travelers, those who are tall, and anyone wanting a better overall flight experience without the high cost of business class. Focus on picking premium seats on long-haul international flights to get the most value from paying a premium.