Source: Frequent Flyer Gazette

Premium Economy seems to be a safe middle-ground.  It is not the extravagance of J-class nor is it the frugality of economy.  But, it can cost some serious cash to put the premium in premium economy.

One member discovered a whooping $624 difference between economy class and premium economy on the same Virgin Blue flight.  This prompted our members to ponder the question is premium economy worth it?

There are a number of benefits in upgrading to Premium.  The full list of benefits include complimentary food and beverages, live to air in-flight entertainment, priority check-in, complimentary access to the lounge, complimentary checked-baggage allowance up to 32kg and a fully-flexible and fully-refundable fare.

However, our members are divided on the true “value” of premium economy.  One member notes that the “value” of a fully-flexible ticket is over-rated.  For example if one was to forfeit a $235 fare because you couldn’t give twenty four hours notice to change, it is arguably cheaper to buy another fare at $235 rather than pay the $859 in premium economy for the luxury of swapping flight times at the last minute.  Likewise, economy class provides pay per view in-flight entertainment and an on-board menu.  Furthermore, many members may not require the additional baggage allowance when doing relatively short domestic flights.

So is premium economy a bit of extra leg room and priority boarding… or is it a travel essential?  Tell us what you think HERE.

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