Economy vs. Premium Economy: Which Is Better?

Krizia Mojado
Krizia Mojado
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Businesses often allocate a substantial portion of their annual revenue, nearly 10%, to cover expenditures related to corporate travel. In the United States, companies annually invest an impressive amount that surpasses $111.7 billion

With such massive amounts invested in corporate travel, it’s only wise to opt for travel facilities that ensure maximum comfort. For this reason, business travellers often find themselves grappling with the choice between economy and premium economy options for their flights. 

If you’re in a similar situation, our guide below will put an end to the economy vs. premium economy debate once and for all, providing you with all the information you need to make a choice you’ll be satisfied with. 

Here’s to making a choice you won’t regret!

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What Is Economy?

Economy flights provide an affordable option for both domestic and international travel, making them a cost-effective choice for business leaders seeking budget-friendly travel solutions. This option allows them to balance efficiency and comfort while managing travel expenditures effectively.

With the exception of a few select airlines, nearly all carriers feature an economy class that caters to budget-conscious travellers. 

It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance to secure the best corporate travel deals. Given the high demand for these seats, early booking can help secure favourable rates, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Furthermore, for an even more pleasant economy flight experience, consider reserving bulkhead or emergency row seats, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Best Time to Use Economy

The ideal time to use economy-class flights primarily depends on your business’s financial priorities. It can be a logical choice when your company is cost-conscious and for business travellers with flexible schedules.

To maximize your budget, consider booking well in advance or during off-peak seasons, which can lead to substantial savings.

Choosing flights during less busy periods not only leads to a smoother travel experience but also means airports are less crowded, security lines move faster, and the chance of finding affordable fares significantly improves.

It is pertinent to note that opting for economy flights doesn’t necessarily imply compromising comfort; rather, it underscores the strategic allocation of resources. 

While business class offers luxury, economy class can provide value for money. Picking the right time to fly economy can make all the difference.

What Is Premium Economy?

When it comes to business travel, premium economy strikes the right balance between smart spending and providing an excellent experience for your employees.

This isn’t just another ticket option; it’s a practical way to make sure your team travels more comfortably and efficiently. With features like more legroom, wider seats, and better food options, it’s a win-win for keeping your employees content without breaking the bank.

While premium economy tickets might cost a bit more than regular economy ones, they are a budget-friendly alternative compared to the steep prices of business class. 

This balance of value and comfort is especially beneficial during long-haul flights, where the additional space and amenities can significantly enhance the travel experience for your team.

Best Time to Use Premium

The timing of choosing premium economy can greatly impact both the comfort and cost-effectiveness of your business trip. When your business demands the utmost cost savings, opting for premium economy during off-peak travel seasons can be a prudent choice. 

Airlines often offer more affordable premium economy rates during periods of lower demand, which allows you to maximize savings without sacrificing comfort.

On the other hand, when your team’s productivity is paramount, picking a premium economy proves its worth. It makes sure that your team arrives at their destination feeling fresh and all set to meet the business goals without causing a significant dent in your company’s budget.

The additional legroom, wider seats, and improved services enhance employee well-being, ultimately translating into more focused and productive business trips. 

Additionally, since more than 40% of corporate outings are extended for leisure travel, premium economy flights are an excellent option, allowing employees to pack as much as they want in their carry-on suitcases. With economy flights, this is not an option. 

What do our experts recommend, Economy vs. Premium Economy?

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🌟 Liezl:

“When deciding between Premium and Standard Economy, it’s all about your travel specifics,” Liezl points out. “For a fixed in-country trip with minimal baggage, Standard Economy is often enough. But if you’re looking for more comfort or flexibility, Premium Economy stands out.” She adds, “Most of the Premium Economy options provided are available as add-ons to a Standard Economy fare so your requirements can always be met if you would prefer to keep your initial fare costs lower.”

🌟 Gina:

Gina highlights a crucial aspect: “Some flights don’t even have premium economy class.” She explains that travellers might have to choose between Economy and Business Class. “Even within Economy, there are variations like ‘Economy Flex’ and ‘Economy Flex Plus’. These offer more flexibility such as more baggage allowance, free change, and refundable options.” Gina emphasizes, “Seats would still be on Economy class though, while Premium is another section in the Economy cabin with wider seats and more legroom.”

Let TruTrip Handle Your Corporate Travel Management

The choice between economy and premium economy class ultimately hinges on your company’s budget and the comfort of your employees. At TruTrip, we aim to simplify this decision-making process for you. We ensure that your travel arrangements align perfectly with your specific needs. No more second-guessing or puzzling over which class to choose.

Let TruTrip take the stress out of corporate travel planning so you can focus on what truly matters – your business. Jadwalkan demo atau mendaftar untuk uji coba gratis of our corporate travel management services for an elevated travel experience today!

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