Will Premium Economy Become the Goldilocks of Air Travel?

Air travel has always divided the haves and the have-nots. For those who can afford it, Business Class, First Class, Premium Business Class, or whatever you want to call it, is an exercise in comfort, luxury and tranquility. And for those stuck in Economy – well, it's not. A recent report by CNN implies that Premium Economy – that happy middle ground in the friendly skies – will appeal to more consumers once we all start flying again.

The article suggests two significant factors contributing to the potential uptick in Premium Economy sales. The economic downturn may drive companies to tighten the purse strings on employee travel, while leisure travelers may be enticed to use those accumulated frequent flyer miles.

"The most important part of what a premium economy seat offers the passenger is a significant upgrade in terms of comfort when compared to economy," says Ben Orson, a designer with a long history of working on aircraft seating. "Premium economy seating typically provides around 5 to 10 inches of additional legroom, a more generous recline with a leg rest and an enhanced entertainment experience with a much larger screen."

After a dismal year, airlines are doing everything they can to entice and retain customers. Premium Economy may be the way to overcome 2020's crushing deficits, which cumulatively totaled $34 billion among the U.S.'s six biggest airlines. From travelers' perspectives, crowd anxiety and that dreaded middle seat may drive consumers to spend a bit more to fly in a smaller cabin or put a few more inches between themselves and other passengers. And with the latest CDC ruling requiring face masks, will elevated beverage and meal service even be a consideration in the months ahead?

Travel influencer James Asquith isn't impressed and considers Premium Economy a rip-off. Here's what he has to say about it: