Take a Better Seat: Flight Upgrade Options

Flying Business and First Class may still be the dream for many travelers, but now there are options for passengers seeking a step up from economy class at a more affordable price point. A number of airlines have created front-of-the-plane seat categories that offer a few premium perks to make your travel more comfortable. Here are a few options available for those who want to enhance their flight experience. 

Condor

Condor’s Premium Economy Class, available on long-haul flights, offers you a seat pitch (the distance between your seat and the seat in front of you) of 35 inches, a seat width of 18 inches and a recline of up to 6 inches. In Economy Class, the seat width is the same, but the seat pitch is only 30 inches and the recline is up to four inches. You also get a multi-adjustable headrest and footrest, a travel kit and headset, a classic premium menu and a large choice of both nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Delta

Delta is refreshing the interiors of all its aircraft over the next couple of years. You’ll see a modern new design, fresh seating materials and enhanced lighting.

Seats in Delta Comfort+ provide extra legroom with an average pitch of 34 inches compared to an average 31 inches in the main cabin, plus earlier boarding and deplaning and dedicated overhead bin space. During domestic flights in Delta Comfort+, you get a choice of premium snacks on many routes over 900 miles when meal service is not available. On long-haul international flights, you receive an amenity kit. Both main and Comfort+ offer a pillow, blanket, as well as complimentary beer, wine and spirits on long-haul flights.

When flying Delta Premium Select, the seat pitch averages about 38 inches with a wider 19-inch seat compared to 17.2 inches in Delta Comfort+ and main. Plus, there is an additional recline at 7 inches and an adjustable footrest and leg rest on most long-haul international flights. In Delta Premium Select, you receive expedited check-in, security and baggage service, and are among the first to board. This dedicated cabin also offers hot towel service and a beverage and a snack before your meal. An exclusively designed menu includes the ability to preorder your meal up to 24 hours before the flight. You also get a premium amenity kit, memory-foam pillow, a plush blanket, a larger entertainment screen and noise-canceling headphones. 

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Lufthansa

The new Lufthansa Allegris travel experience on long-haul flights launched in May 2024 with a large part of the fleet expected to be outfitted with Allegris by the end of 2025.

Depending on the aircraft, the new Allegris Premium Economy seats have a pitch of 39 inches, width of 19 to 19.5 inches and 7-inch recline compared to Economy Class, which has 31-inch pitch, 17- to 18-inch width and 5-inch recline. Its hard-shell design features adjustable headrest, armrest and footrests.

These newly designed aircraft feature larger entertainment monitors for the upgraded cabin. Higher-quality noise-canceling headphones are provided for better audio. The dining experience is also an upgrade with a higher-quality meal typically served on fine China tableware and with a choice of two hot main courses, plus a welcome drink upon boarding and a bottle of water at your seat. A travel kit and cocktail table at the armrest add to the in-flight experience.

You’ll also be able to bring more with you with double the allowance than standard Economy with two checked bags, each up to 50 pounds. Select airports may also have a dedicated Premium Economy desk for faster check-in times.

Singapore Airlines

Wider seats and more legroom are among the pluses of Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy cabin. The seat pitch is 38 inches, the width is 19.5 inches and the recline is 8 inches with a calf rest and footrest. (Economy class offers a seat pitch of 32 inches, a seat width of 18.5 inches and a recline of 6 inches.)

You’ll get priority check-in, priority boarding and priority luggage handling. You can preorder gourmet meals through the Book the Cook service, which allows you to select from a variety of premium meal options before your flight. Complimentary beverages include alcoholic beverages, Champagne and wines. 

In-flight entertainment screens are typically larger, and you’ll get high-quality noise-canceling headphones. The amenity kit for Premium Economy features an eye mask, slippers and lip balm (available upon request). You’ll even get larger, more comfortable pillows and blankets than in standard Economy and a dedicated storage space for personal items.

United Airlines

Select long-haul international flights and some premium transcontinental routes feature United Premium Plus seats. These larger seats offer a 38-inch seat pitch, a width ranging from 18.5 to 19 inches, 6-inch seat recline and a leg rest. You get an enhanced meal service, including upgraded dinnerware with complimentary wine, beer and spirits. Noise-reducing headphones and an amenity kit, blanket and pillow, and larger in-flight entertainment screens are also part of the in-flight extras. At the airport, you’ll benefit from priority check-in, exclusive security lanes, priority boarding and two free checked bags with priority bag handling.

United also offers United Economy Plus on all United flights and most United Express flights. It is located near the front of the Economy cabin and features extra legroom compared to Economy. It has a seat pitch that ranges from 33 to 37 inches, seat width that ranges from 16.3 to 18.5 inches and 3-to-4-inch recline. Economy has a seat pitch that ranges 30 to 32 inches, seat width from 16.3 to 18.5 inches, and 2-to-3-inch recline. Meals and in-flight service are the same as Economy.

You don’t have to fly first class to elevate your flying experience. Get more for your money with one of these more attainable upgrade options.

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Have you flown premium economy lately? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Featured image: United Airlines Economy Plus. Photo courtesy of United Airlines.