Yes, premium economy is worth it for flights over 10 hours. You get 30-40% more legroom, wider seats, enhanced meals, and priority boarding for 50-60% less than business class. For 14-16 hour India flights, the extra $700-$1,200 significantly improves comfort.
Yes, premium economy is worth it for flights over 10 hours. You get 30-40% more legroom, wider seats, enhanced meals, and priority boarding for 50-60% less than business class. For 14-16 hour India flights, the extra $700-$1,200 significantly improves comfort.
| Feature | Economy | Premium Economy | Business Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Width | 17-18 inches | 18-19.5 inches | 20-23 inches |
| Seat Pitch | 31-32 inches | 36-38 inches | 60-78 inches |
| Recline | 3-4 inches | 6-8 inches | Lie-flat |
| Meal Service | Standard | Enhanced | Restaurant-style |
| Luggage | 1-2 bags | 2 bags (extra weight) | 3+ bags |
| Lounge Access | No | Varies by airline | Yes |
| Priority Boarding | No | Yes | Yes |
| Route | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | PE Savings vs Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YVR → DEL | $1,400 | $2,200 | $3,200 | $1,000 |
| YYZ → BOM | $1,500 | $2,400 | $3,600 | $1,200 |
| JFK → DEL | $1,200 | $1,900 | $2,600 | $700 |
| SFO → BLR | $1,350 | $2,100 | $2,900 | $800 |
Prices shown are approximate round-trip fares. Verified pricing available through AIFareFinder.
36-38 inch pitch (vs 31-32 economy), 18-19.5 inch width, and 6-8 inch recline. Enough room to use your laptop comfortably.
Enhanced meal service with better quality ingredients. Real cutlery on most airlines. More drink options including premium wines.
2 checked bags with higher weight limits (typically 23-32kg each). Priority baggage delivery at destination.
Priority check-in, boarding, and often security. Some airlines include lounge access or discounted lounge passes.
Yes, premium economy is generally worth it for flights over 10 hours to India. The extra 6 inches of legroom, wider seats, and better recline make a significant difference on 14-16 hour flights. At 50-60% less than business class, it offers the best value for travelers who prioritize comfort but not lie-flat seats.
Premium economy typically costs $700-$1,200 more than economy for Canada-India routes. For example, YVR-DEL is around $1,400 in economy vs $2,200 in premium economy. The price difference represents 50-85% more than economy, but you get significantly improved comfort.
Air Canada's Premium Economy on the 787 Dreamliner is consistently rated among the best for India routes, with 37-inch pitch and enhanced dining. Lufthansa and Emirates also offer excellent premium economy products. Air India's premium economy is more basic but typically cheaper.
Sleeping in premium economy is possible but challenging on 14+ hour flights. The 6-8 inch recline is better than economy's 3-4 inches, but it's not lie-flat like business class. Bring a neck pillow and consider an aisle seat for easier movement.
Premium economy is excellent for families with children. The extra space makes the flight more manageable, and kids can stretch out better. The enhanced meal service often includes better kids' meal options. For families who can't afford 4 business class seats, premium economy is the ideal middle ground.