Premium economy vs business class: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

June 20, 2025

Let’s be honest: flying isn’t glamorous for most of us. You’re tired, your neck hurts, and the baby in 23B has been screaming since takeoff. So when that little “Upgrade Now” button pops up on your airline app, it’s tempting — Premium Economy? Business Class? Suddenly, you’re wondering if it’s time to treat yourself. Talking about premium economy vs business class, is it actually worth booking business class flight tickets? Or is it just an overpriced seat with a slightly fluffier pillow and a glass of sparkling water that still tastes like disappointment? Where to find the best deals? Let’s break it down — Premium Economy vs Business Class, what you actually get, what’s totally overhyped, and when it’s worth the splurge.

1. The Seat: Let’s Talk Butt Space

Talking about premium economy vs business class, the seat is where the difference hits first. If you’ve ever tried to sleep sitting upright in Economy with your knees jammed against a stranger’s tray table, you know why this matters. Premium Economy is like Economy’s older sibling who just graduated and has a bit more money. You’ll get more legroom (usually 5–7 extra inches), a wider seat, more recline, and sometimes a footrest. It’s nice — especially for long-haul — but you’re still sitting near the crying babies, just not with them. Business Class is a whole other world. We’re talking lie-flat beds on most long-haul flights, fully private pods on the good airlines, and enough space to sleep like a human being. It’s less “upgraded seat” and more “flying hotel room.” Candid Verdict: When you talk about premium economy vs business class, if you want to actually sleep on a flight over 6 hours, Business wins by a mile. Premium is fine for staying upright in mild discomfort with slightly less resentment.

2. The Food & Drink: Is It Really That Much Better?

In Premium Economy, you usually get upgraded versions of the same meals from Economy — sometimes served on real plates with metal cutlery, and often with free booze. You’ll feel a bit fancy. Kind of like dining at a restaurant that tries hard but still gives you a paper napkin. Business Class, though? It’s like someone tried to convince you you’re in a fine dining restaurant at 35,000 feet. Multi-course meals. Real glasses. Wine list. Hot towels. Actual menus. Some airlines even let you pre-order your meal like you’re Beyoncé. Candid Verdict: Talking about premium economy vs business class, the food in Business Class feels like it’s trying to impress you. Premium Economy’s food just feels grateful you showed up.

3. Lounge Access, Priority Perks & Boarding First (Because You’re Important Now)

Talking about premium economy vs business class, this one matters more than people think. With Business Class, you almost always get access to the airline’s lounge — a magical land of snacks, showers, Wi-Fi, and people quietly pretending they’re too important for gate announcements. You also board first, your bags come off first, and the airline generally treats you like royalty (or at least like someone who flies more than once a year). Premium Economy? Hit or miss. Some airlines give you priority check-in and boarding, but lounge access? Unlikely unless you have elite status or buy it separately. Candid Verdict: If you hate airport chaos and want to feel like a functioning adult before boarding, Business wins. Premium is better than Economy, but not much more than that.

4. Price: The Reality Check

Talking about premium economy vs business class, here’s where things get real. Premium Economy usually costs 2x the price of regular Economy. Business Class? 4x to 10x more, depending on the airline and route. So yeah, this isn’t pocket change. You could probably pay your rent or buy half a couch for the price difference between the two. Candid Verdict: Premium Economy is often a justifiable splurge. Business Class is a luxury — amazing when it’s free, discounted, or on points, but hard to justify out of pocket unless you really value comfort or it’s a special trip.

Who Should Choose What? Let’s Be Real

Choose Premium Economy if:

• You want more comfort but can’t justify going full baller.
• You’re flying long-haul but still need to adult when you land.
• You care more about legroom and not getting squished than lie-flat sleep.

Choose Business Class if:

• You need sleep (or sanity) on ultra-long flights.
• You have the points, your company is paying, or it’s a special occasion.
• Airport lounges and actual beds in the sky matter to you.

So… Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Talking about premium economy vs business class, Premium Economy is often worth it — especially on long flights where legroom and seat comfort make a huge difference in how human you feel when you land. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a solid middle ground. Business Class, on the other hand? Worth it — if you can afford it, or you snag a good deal. The comfort, service, space, and sheer “wow” factor? Unmatched. But it’s also 100% a luxury, not a need. Bottom line? Fly what fits your budget, but if you ever get the chance, book business class flight tickets, do it once. At least for the Instagram pic in that lie-flat seat. Check out our website for more details.