What is premium economy?

A cabin between economy and business class: a wider seat with more legroom and recline, but no bed.

Premium economy, explained

Premium economy gives a bigger seat than economy, more recline, a footrest on many airlines and better meals, at a price between economy and business class.

It does not turn into a bed. On a day flight it can be enough; on a long night flight, business class is the cabin with a flat bed.

Airlines name it differently, and what it includes varies more between airlines than business class does.

On some airlines premium economy is a separate cabin with its own check-in and boarding; on others it is a few rows behind business class with economy service on the ground. Lounge access is usually not included.

On a business class trip

A daytime flight home from Europe is often comfortable in premium economy; the overnight flight out is where a business class bed counts.

Related terms

Lie-flat seat
A business class seat that turns into a fully flat bed, 180 degrees, so you can sleep lying down on a night flight.
First class
The cabin above business class on some long-haul flights: fewer seats, more space and more service. Many airlines no longer offer it.
Upgrade
Moving from a lower cabin to a higher one, paid for or given by the airline to frequent flyers when the cabin has room.

Further reading: Premium economy vs business class. Every term in the glossary.