There was a time when flying on a U.S. airline meant choosing between just two classes: First Class and Coach.
In those early decades, First Class meant space, comfort, and attentive service, while Coach offered no-frills service that was still serviceable. But starting in the 1970s, airlines began experimenting with a new concept—Business Class—a product designed to appeal to corporate travelers who didn’t want to splurge on First Class but needed more than Coach. International airlines, such as BOAC and Qantas, were among the first to introduce Business Class, and U.S. carriers weren’t far behind. Pan Am was one of the earliest American airlines to offer a distinct Business Class section on long-haul flights.
Why First Class Disappeared From International Routes
As Business Class evolved—with lie-flat seats, premium meals, and lounge access—it began to cannibalize the First Class market. The seat was now just as good, and for U.S. airlines, where the “soft product” (service, dining, and amenities) often lagged behind their international peers, there wasn’t much left to justify keeping First Class around.
Each of the Big Three carriers handled the transition a little differently:
- Delta Air Lines was the first to merge its international First and Business Class into a single product, launching Delta One, which became its top-tier cabin on long-haul routes.
- United Airlines followed with the rollout of Polaris, retiring its older Global First product in favor of a more competitive Business Class offering.
- American Airlines held on the longest, keeping Flagship First on a handful of international routes until it was finally discontinued in 2022.
Today, none of the U.S. legacy carriers offer international First Class. But with the divide between Economy and Business growing ever wider, airlines introduced a new middle ground: Premium Economy.
Business and Economy Left a Gap—Premium Economy Filled It
This shift to a two-cabin system—Business at the front, Economy at the back—left a huge gap in the middle. U.S. carriers attempted to fill it by offering extra-legroom seats, such as Economy Plus or Main Cabin Extra, sometimes accompanied by a complimentary drink or snack. But at the end of the day, you were still crammed into a regular economy seat, just with a few more inches of space.
For transcontinental or international flights, that small upgrade wasn’t cutting it. Passengers wanted something more comfortable, but without having to shell out thousands for Business Class.
Airlines elsewhere in the world, particularly those with a strong focus on long-haul travel, figured this out earlier. Carriers like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Qantas introduced a new product: Premium Economy (often just called Premium). These cabins were more than just extra legroom—they offered a true middle ground.
Premium Economy came with both a better hard product (wider seats with more recline, legrests or footrests, and extra pitch) and upgraded soft product (enhanced meals and beverages, amenity kits, noise-reducing headphones, and sometimes priority check-in or boarding).
As Business Class became the new standard for the “best” cabin on most international flights, Premium Economy quietly emerged as the sweet spot for travelers seeking more comfort without the Business Class price tag.
U.S. airlines eventually took notice. They realized that passengers—especially post-pandemic—were increasingly willing to pay for a better experience. Comfort mattered more, and so did space, privacy, and service. That led to the rollout of Premium Economy cabins across American, Delta, and United’s long-haul fleets.
Which U.S. Airlines Offer True Premium Economy?
All three major U.S. airlines—American, Delta, and United—now offer a true Premium Economy product on select long-haul international and premium transcontinental routes. Here’s a closer look at what each one includes:
American Airlines – Premium Economy
Available On:
- Boeing 777-200, 777-300ER
- Boeing 787-8, 787-9
Seat Features:
- 2–3–2 or 2–4–2 layout, depending on aircraft
- Wider seat (around 18.5–19″) with more recline
- 38” pitch and adjustable leg rest and footrest
- Larger personal entertainment screen and noise-reducing headphones
Included With Ticket:
- 2 free checked bags
- Priority check-in, security (where available), and boarding
- Premium meal and beverage service
- Amenity kit
Delta Air Lines – Premium Select
Available On:
- Airbus A350-900
- Airbus A330-900neo
- Boeing 767-400ER (limited routes)
Seat Features:
- 2–3–2 or 2–4–2 layout
- Wider seat (18.5–19″) with more recline and extra cushioning
- 38” pitch with legrest and footrest (on newer aircraft)
- 13.3” entertainment screen with noise-canceling headphones
Included With Ticket:
- 2 free checked bags
- Sky Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling
- Enhanced meal service, including welcome drink
- Amenity kit by Someone Somewhere
United Airlines – Premium Plus
Available On:
- Boeing 777-200, 777-300ER
- Boeing 787-8, 787-9, 787-10
Seat Features:
- 2–3–2 or 2–4–2 layout
- Wider seat (19″) with deeper recline
- 38” pitch and footrest
- Larger IFE screen, Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow
Included With Ticket:
- 2 free checked bags
- Priority check-in, security (at select airports), and boarding
- Upgraded meal service, with wine and beer
- Amenity kit and noise-reducing headphones
In all three cases, Premium Economy is not just Economy with more legroom—it’s a separate cabin with an upgraded experience. You’ll notice the difference not just in your seat, but in the entire journey, from check-in to landing.
Final Thought: Is Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?
While U.S. carriers were slower than their international counterparts to embrace Premium Economy, they’ve finally caught up—and now all three major airlines offer a true middle-ground experience. It’s not quite the luxury of lie-flat Business Class, but it’s miles ahead of squeezing into a standard economy seat.
With the cost of First and Business Class—whether paid in cash or miles—continuing to climb, Premium Economy has become an appealing alternative. For many travelers, it strikes the right balance between comfort and cost, especially on long-haul or transcontinental flights. If you’re looking for a better experience without blowing your budget, it’s definitely worth considering.
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