What class is Economy Plus?

Decoding Economy Plus: More Legroom, Not a Separate Class

The airline industry is rife with confusing terminology. One frequent source of passenger perplexity is “Economy Plus.” What exactly is it? Is it a separate class of service? The short answer is no, but the nuances are important to understand before booking your next flight.

Economy Plus, at least on airlines like United (where it’s most commonly offered), refers to enhanced economy seating. It doesn’t represent a jump to a higher cabin class like Premium Economy or Business Class. Instead, it offers a key improvement within the standard economy cabin: extra legroom. Think of it as a premium within a premium.

The key difference lies in the seat itself. Unlike Premium Economy, which usually boasts wider seats, a different seat design, and often enhanced amenities like better in-flight entertainment and meal service, Economy Plus typically uses the same seat design as standard economy. The sole, but significant, advantage is the added space for your legs. This extra legroom can make a considerable difference on long flights, improving comfort and potentially preventing cramped leg syndrome.

However, this added comfort comes at a cost, both literally and figuratively. Upgrading to Economy Plus frequently involves paying an extra fee, either at the time of booking or later. Furthermore, the availability of Economy Plus seats is often limited, making securing an upgrade challenging, especially during peak travel times. Relying solely on frequent flyer points to snag an Economy Plus seat can be unreliable; the points required often outweigh the perceived value for many travelers.

Therefore, before you get your hopes up about a luxurious upgrade, remember: Economy Plus is a step up from regular economy, but not a leap into a different class entirely. It’s a targeted enhancement focusing on legroom within the confines of the standard economy cabin. Weighing the cost and the likelihood of securing an upgrade against the value of the extra legroom is crucial for making an informed booking decision. Consider your flight length and personal preferences to determine if the investment is worthwhile for your individual travel needs.