Premium Economy has become the middle ground for travelers who want more comfort than Economy without paying Business Class prices. Among U.S. carriers, American Airlines was the first to fully roll out Premium Economy cabins across its international wide-body fleet, and I’ve flown it multiple times on routes to Europe, South America, and Asia.
But is it truly worth the price jump? This review answers that directly, drawing from my own experience and cross-comparing it with data from competing carriers.
Where Can You Fly American Airlines Premium Economy?
American’s Premium Economy is available on most of its Boeing 777-200, 777-300ER, 787-8, and 787-9 aircraft. These planes serve the majority of American’s international network, including destinations in Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia.
You won’t find Premium Economy on domestic flights or on narrow-body aircraft like the A321 or 737. However, some transcontinental and Hawaii routes operated by wide-body jets may feature the cabin, though availability is inconsistent.
What Do You Get in American Premium Economy?
Premium Economy on American Airlines is a distinct cabin with its own seats, service, and amenities, not just Main Cabin Extra with more legroom. When you book a Premium Economy fare, you receive:
- A wider seat with extra legroom and footrest
- Enhanced meal service with real silverware and glassware
- Noise-reducing headphones and personal IFE screen
- Two free checked bags
- Priority boarding (Group 4)
- Amenity kit (same as Business Class)
- Dedicated lavatories (depending on aircraft)
The experience sits closer to Business Class in presentation than to Economy, but how it feels in the air is where it earns or loses its value.
Seat Comfort and Layout: Noticeably Better Than Economy
This is where American Airlines’ Premium Economy product holds up well. On the 777 and 787, the cabin is typically laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration, compared to Economy’s 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 layout.
Here’s what the numbers look like:
| Feature | Premium Economy | Main Cabin |
| Seat Pitch | 38 inches | 31 inches |
| Seat Width | 18.5–19 inches | 17–17.2 inches |
| Recline | 6 inches | 3–4 inches |
| Leg & Foot Rests | Yes | No |
| Entertainment Screen | 13.3 inches | 10 inches |
The seat has a deeper recline, a fixed leg rest, and an adjustable foot bar. On an overnight flight, this setup makes a real difference. I’ve found it possible to sleep in Premium Economy without neck strain or cramping, something I rarely achieve in standard Economy.
Meal Service and Amenities: A Step Above, But Not Business Class
Once onboard, Premium Economy passengers are offered a welcome drink, typically juice or water, not alcohol. Meal service includes a main course, salad, bread, and dessert, all served on a linen-lined tray with real flatware and glassware. It’s a noticeable upgrade from Economy, but still mass-produced airline food, don’t expect Business Class cuisine.
Meals are catered from the same kitchens as Business Class but use simplified menus and smaller portions. I’ve had both hits and misses: pasta that was better than expected on a Madrid–Dallas flight, and overcooked chicken on a Tokyo–Los Angeles route.
You’ll also receive an amenity kit with socks, a toothbrush, earplugs, and lip balm, plus a blanket and large pillow that beat what’s offered in Main Cabin.
In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity
The entertainment system in Premium Economy is solid. You get a larger screen (13.3 inches) with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and games. The touchscreen is responsive, and there’s a remote control embedded in the armrest.
American offers Wi-Fi on all wide-body aircraft, charged by duration or flight segment. Speeds are acceptable for browsing and email but not strong enough for video streaming.
Additionally, each seat includes two USB ports and a universal power outlet, so you can stay charged throughout the flight.
Cabin Atmosphere and Crew Attention
The Premium Economy cabin is quieter and more relaxed than Main Cabin, primarily because it carries fewer passengers, usually around 28–30 seats in total.
Crew attention is generally more responsive than in Economy, but not as proactive as in Business. On most of my flights, meal service was efficient, water runs were regular, and requests were handled politely, but you’re not getting pampered. Think of it as elevated Economy service, not downgraded Business.
Baggage and Ground Experience: Practical Perks
Premium Economy tickets include two free checked bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs), a major advantage over Basic Economy or Economy fares, which charge extra for the second bag.
At the airport, you get:
- Priority check-in
- Group 4 boarding
- Access to preferred seats in your cabin
However, you don’t get lounge access, unless you have elite status or buy entry separately.
How Does It Compare to Competitors?
Among U.S. carriers, American’s Premium Economy product is arguably the most consistent. Here’s how it stacks up against the competition:
| Feature | American | Delta | United |
| Seat Pitch | 38″ | 38″ | 38″ |
| Seat Width | 18.5–19″ | 18.5″ | 18–19″ |
| Amenity Kit | Yes | Yes | No (blanket only) |
| Priority Boarding | Group 4 | Sky Priority | Group 2 |
| Alcohol Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lounge Access | No | No | No |
American’s biggest win is in seat comfort and the inclusion of an amenity kit, something United doesn’t offer in its Premium Plus cabin.
Pricing: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
Premium Economy fares on American Airlines typically cost 30%–80% more than standard Economy, depending on the route and how early you book. For example:
- JFK to London Heathrow (roundtrip)
- Economy: $680
- Premium Economy: $1,120
- Business Class: $3,500+
- Dallas to Tokyo Narita (roundtrip)
- Economy: $920
- Premium Economy: $1,480
- Business Class: $4,200+
Whether the upgrade is worth it depends on your personal priorities. For overnight flights, long-haul journeys, or when checked bag fees add up, Premium Economy starts to look like smart value. On short transatlantic hops or daytime flights, it’s more of a comfort splurge.
Is American Airlines Premium Economy a Good Value?
Yes, American’s Premium Economy is worth it, when the price gap to Economy isn’t extreme. The product offers meaningful upgrades: more space, better sleep potential, priority handling, and a quieter cabin. It doesn’t pretend to be luxurious, but it delivers solid comfort, especially for flights over eight hours.
In my experience, Premium Economy has made the difference between arriving well-rested or wiped out. If Business Class isn’t within your budget, but Economy feels too tight for the length of your journey, this is a smart middle ground, especially on American’s newer 777 and 787 aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Premium Economy
Is it the same as Main Cabin Extra?
No. Main Cabin Extra is just extra legroom in Economy. Premium Economy is a separate class with wider seats, better recline, upgraded meals, and priority handling.
Can you upgrade to Business Class from Premium Economy?
Yes. You can use miles, systemwide upgrades (SWUs), or cash offers depending on route and availability.
Do you earn more miles in Premium Economy?
Yes. Premium Economy earns more Loyalty Points and redeemable miles than Economy, especially on long-haul routes.
Does it include lounge access?
No. Lounge access is only included with Business Class, status, or paid entry.