My wife and I recently flew American Airlines Premium Economy from Raleigh (RDU) to London (LHR) as part of our trip to Jordan. This cabin class, positioned between Business and Economy, offers extra comfort and perks for a moderate price increase. Below is our experience, along with insights into what American Airlines offers in this category.
Premium Economy Seats & Comfort
The Premium Economy seats on our flight were comparable to domestic First Class, providing a significant upgrade over basic Economy. The seats were wider (approximately 18.5 inches in width) and offered 38 inches of pitch—several inches more than standard Economy. Each seat had an adjustable headrest, a footrest, and a recline that made the overnight flight more comfortable than Economy.
Pricing & Value
The round-trip Premium Economy ticket cost approximately $500 more per person compared to basic Economy. For that price, we received:
- Priority check-in, security, and boarding
- Lounge access at American Airlines Admirals Club and British Airways lounges
- More spacious and comfortable seating
Given the overnight nature of the flight, the extra space and comfort were well worth the upgrade, especially compared to Economy, where seats have a pitch of around 31–32 inches and are significantly narrower.
Dining & Service in Premium Economy
American Airlines promotes its Premium Economy dining as “chef-inspired,” but we found the food to be just okay—nothing particularly memorable. While the meal was better than standard Economy fare, it didn’t match Business Class quality. Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits were included, along with upgraded service.
Amenities & Entertainment
Passengers in Premium Economy receive an amenity kit with travel essentials and skincare products. The bedding included a crepe weave blanket and a small lumbar pillow from Ostrichpillow. Each seat had an entertainment screen with access to movies, TV shows, and live TV. Noise-reducing headphones were provided, and Wi-Fi was available for purchase.
Overall Impression
The Premium Economy experience on American Airlines was a worthwhile upgrade from basic Economy, especially for a transatlantic flight. While the food was underwhelming, the extra space, priority boarding, and lounge access made the journey more comfortable. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to Business Class but want to avoid the cramped conditions of Economy, this is a solid option.
Would we book it again? For an overnight flight of this length, absolutely.
