Is American Airlines Premium Economy Worth It in 2025?

When planning a long international trip, travelers often face a key decision: should they stick with standard economy, pay extra for Premium Economy, or splurge on business class? American Airlines offers all three options on many of its long-haul flights, including its latest Boeing 787-9P aircraft. Each class comes with its own set of features, costs, and benefits. This comparison will help you decide which option best fits your needs, focusing on Premium Economy and how it stacks up against economy and business class in 2025.

Overview of Options: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class

American Airlines provides three main cabin choices on most international and long-haul routes:

• Main Cabin (Economy): The most affordable option, offering basic seating and limited extras.
• Premium Economy: A step up from economy with more space, better meals, extra baggage, and priority services.
• Business Class: The most luxurious, with lie-flat seats, premium meals, lounge access, and top-tier service.

The newest Premium Economy cabins, especially on the Boeing 787-9P, have seen major upgrades in 2025. These improvements make the decision between classes more important than ever.

Side-by-Side Analysis: Requirements, Timelines, and Costs

To help you compare, here’s a breakdown of the main features and what you can expect from each class:

Requirements and Booking Process

• Economy: No special requirements. Book directly on the American Airlines website or through travel agents.
• Premium Economy: Available on most long-haul international flights and select transcontinental routes. Not all aircraft offer this class, so check availability when booking. The newest Boeing 787-9P and updated 777-200ER/300ER have the latest Premium Economy cabins.
• Business Class: Also available on most long-haul routes, but at a much higher price.

Booking timelines are similar for all classes, but Premium Economy seats can sell out quickly on popular routes, especially during peak travel seasons.

Cost Comparison

• Premium Economy: The price varies by route and timing. Upgrades from economy can cost between $400 and $1,200 each way. For example, a recent transatlantic upgrade was $600 one-way. A round-trip Premium Economy ticket may cost about $680 more than economy. Award tickets for Asia–U.S. routes have been seen at 61,000 miles plus $30.50 in taxes, with some dates as low as 45,000 miles. Mileage upgrades usually require 10,000 more miles than economy, valued at about $140.
• Economy: Base fare is the lowest, but checked bags and seat selection may add extra costs. The first checked bag on basic economy is $75, and the second is $100.
• Business Class: Fares are typically two to four times higher than economy, but include more perks.

Pros and Cons for Different Situations

Premium Economy:

Pros:
– More Comfort: Seats are wider (19 inches), have more legroom (38-inch pitch), and offer both leg and footrests. The deep recline is close to older business class standards.
– Better Sleep: The extra space and recline make it easier to rest, especially on overnight or long-haul flights.
– Extra Baggage: Two free checked bags on most international routes, saving money if you travel with more luggage.
– Priority Services: Faster check-in, security, and earlier boarding (Group 4).
– Amenities: Amenity kit, blanket, pillow, and upgraded meal service with complimentary wine, beer, and spirits.
– Cabin Ambiance: Smaller, quieter cabin (2-3-2 layout with 21–28 seats), offering more privacy than economy.

Cons:
– No Lounge Access: Unlike business class, Premium Economy does not include airport lounge access.
– Not Lie-Flat: Seats recline deeply but do not become beds.
– Price: The extra cost may not be worth it for short flights or budget travelers.
– Meal Quality: Meals are better than economy but not at business class level. On some shorter or overnight flights, only snacks may be offered.
– Storage: Under-seat space can be limited due to footrests, and overhead bins may be tight.

Economy:

Pros:
– Lowest Price: Most affordable way to fly.
– Basic Comfort: Sufficient for short flights or travelers who don’t mind less space.
– Simple Booking: Widely available on all routes.

Cons:
– Less Space: Narrower seats (16.2–17.2 inches) and less legroom (31-inch pitch).
– Limited Extras: Only one free checked bag on international routes, none on basic economy.
– No Priority Services: Standard check-in and boarding.
– Fewer Amenities: No amenity kit, basic meals, and limited alcohol.

Business Class:

Pros:
– Ultimate Comfort: Lie-flat seats, more space, and privacy.
– Premium Service: Multi-course meals, top-tier amenities, and attentive staff.
– Lounge Access: Included at most airports.
– Extra Baggage: At least two free checked bags.

Cons:
– High Cost: Often two to four times the price of economy.
– Availability: Limited seats, especially during busy periods.

Recommendations for Specific Circumstances

• Long-Haul or Overnight Flights: Premium Economy is ideal if you want more comfort but can’t justify business class prices. The extra space, better recline, and amenities make a big difference on flights over six hours.
• Travelers with Extra Luggage: The two free checked bags in Premium Economy can save you money compared to economy, especially if you’re moving or traveling for an extended period.
• Business Travelers on a Budget: If your company won’t pay for business class, Premium Economy offers many of the same priority services and a more comfortable work environment.
• Short Flights or Tight Budgets: Stick with economy if the flight is under six hours or if you don’t value the extra perks.
• Luxury Seekers: Choose business class if you want the best possible experience and are willing to pay for it.

Decision-Making Framework

When deciding between American Airlines Premium Economy, economy, and business class, ask yourself:

1. How long is my flight? For flights over six hours, Premium Economy’s extra comfort is more valuable.
2. How much luggage am I bringing? If you need two checked bags, Premium Economy may be cheaper than paying for bags in economy.
3. Is lounge access important? Only business class includes this perk.
4. What’s my budget? Premium Economy costs more than economy but much less than business class.
5. Do I need to sleep well? Premium Economy’s deep recline helps, but only business class offers lie-flat beds.

Case Example

A family of four flying from the United States 🇺🇸 to Europe on the Boeing 787-9P faces these choices:

• Economy: Cheapest, but only one free checked bag per person. If each person checks two bags, extra fees add up quickly.
• Premium Economy: Costs about $680 more per person round-trip, but includes two free checked bags, more space, and better meals. For a long overnight flight, the extra comfort and baggage allowance may be worth the price.
• Business Class: Offers the most comfort, but at a much higher cost—often double or triple Premium Economy.

Future Outlook

American Airlines continues to improve its Premium Economy product, with more upgrades planned through 2026. The newest Boeing 787-9P aircraft feature the latest seats, storage, and amenities. No major policy changes are expected in late 2025, but small improvements will keep rolling out.

Official Resources

For the most current details, booking, and route availability, visit the official American Airlines Premium Economy page. For questions, contact American Airlines customer service at 1-800-433-7300 or through their Contact Us page.

For travelers interested in U.S. immigration and travel requirements, the U.S. Department of State’s travel page provides up-to-date information on visas and entry rules.

Conclusion

Premium Economy on American Airlines, especially on the Boeing 787-9P, offers a strong middle ground between economy and business class. As reported by VisaVerge.com, it’s a smart choice for those who value comfort, extra baggage, and priority services on long flights, but may not be necessary for short trips or tight budgets. Consider your needs, flight length, and budget to choose the best option for your next journey.