Sleeping In Premium Economy: Can It Be Done? (2024)

The quest for in-flight comfort

Flying in standard economy can sometimes feel like cramming into a sardine can, especially on long-haul flights. If you are lucky, you might nod off for a few minutes before your neighbor's elbow nudges you awake. Enter premium economy, the supposed happy middle ground between the economy class squeeze and the wallet-busting luxury of business class. However, the big question remains: Can you sleep in premium economy? We're taking a look at all the details of flying the semi-luxury skies to find out.

Enhanced comfort in premium economy

Seat specifications and comfort

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Let's start with the basics: the seats. In premium economy, you're promised more personal space and comfort. It's like getting an incremental upgrade from economy without the heftier price tag of business or first class.

• Seat Pitch: Premium economy seats usually offer a pitch of 38 to 40 inches, depending on the aircraft. More simply, that means more legroom, which is one key indicator of how comfortable passengers are in their seats.
• Seat Width: At 18.5 to 19.5 inches wide, these seats offer enough room to prevent elbow battles with your neighbor(s).
• Seat Recline: A 7- to 8-inch recline is a noticeable improvement over the standard 3 to 5 inches. It's still not a lie-flat bed, but it's closer to a comfortable chair nap than an economy-class head bob.
• Adjustable Footrests and Headrests: These features let you customize your sleeping position even more, ideally ensuring that you don't wake up feeling like you've been folded into a suitcase along with your belongings.

Bedding and amenities

Flying isn't just about the seat; it's about the whole experience, including those little extras that can make or break your in-flight slumber.​​​​​​

• Upgraded Bedding: Premium economy passengers often receive higher quality blankets and pillows than what's typically available in economy (if anything is provided at all).
• Amenity Kits: Think of these as your in-flight survival kit. They usually include eye masks, earplugs, and sometimes even mini toothbrushes and skincare products.
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Some airlines provide these in premium economy to help drown out the constant hum of the engines and the cabin noise of the other passengers, giving you a fighting chance at some real sleep onboard.

Real-world experiences

Feedback from passengers who have flown premium economy can offer valuable insights into the sleeping experience. According to Freedom Destinations, the extra legroom and wider seats in premium economy make a noticeable difference in their ability to sleep during flights. The improved recline angles and footrests are often highlighted as particularly beneficial compared to flying in economy class on the different airlines included in their reviews.

Discussions on forums like Mumsnet indicate a more mixed response. While some passengers find premium economy significantly more comfortable and worth the extra cost for overnight flights, others feel that the absence of a lie-flat seat limits their ability to get a restful night's sleep.

Travel blog Walk My World suggests that while premium economy offers a better sleep environment than standard economy, they raise an excellent point that the overall experience can vary significantly between airlines. Factors such as cabin noise, light, and especially turbulence can also impact your individual experience.

Comparing premium economy to other classes

Economy vs. Premium Economy

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• Space and Recline: Premium Economy is the winner here, often offering passengers a significant upgrade in space and recline ability compared to standard economy, which can directly impact their ability to sleep. However, it lacks the lie-flat options found in business and first-class accommodations, which are truly the gold standard for in-flight sleep.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: For many travelers, the incremental cost of premium economy is justified by the increased comfort, especially on long-haul overnight flights. It offers an essential middle-ground option that doesn't have to break the bank.

Premium Economy vs. Business Class

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• Lie-Flat Seats: The main advantage of business class over premium economy is the availability of lie-flat bed-like seats, which provide the best opportunity for passengers to sleep. Notably, the cost difference is substantial, and for some travelers, premium economy offers sufficient additional comfort without the high price tag.
• Additional Amenities: Business class typically includes more extensive amenities and services, such as higher-quality meal options, better bedding, and more personalized service in a dedicated (and often separate) cabin space. These might contribute indirectly to your in-flight experience and make it easier to get some shut-eye.

Tips for sleeping in premium economy

Maximizing comfort

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If you've booked premium economy, here are some tips to maximize your in-flight nap potential:

• Choose the right seat: Window seats are your best bet for leaning against something, and bulkhead seats often offer more legroom.
• Don't rely on provided amenities: Bring your own personal comfort items, including a travel pillow or blanket, as they can make a big difference to your sleeping experience.
• Stay hydrated: Drink water, but avoid caffeine and alcohol. These can interfere with your sleep cycle, leaving you groggy upon arrival.
• Dress comfortably: Wear loose, breathable clothing to help regulate your temperature and hopefully relax and sleep during the flight.
• Shut out the noise: Consider noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, and eye masks to help you drift off (and stay asleep).

Can you actually sleep in premium economy?

The short answer is yes, you can sleep in premium economy. While it's not a lie-flat bed, the upgraded seating, extra legroom, and additional amenities provide a more comfortable environment than standard economy. For many travelers, especially on overnight long-haul flights, the extra cost is justified by the increased likelihood of getting some rest.

However, suppose you need total darkness, a precise temperature range, and a white-noise machine to fall asleep in your own bed. In that case, you might be better off saving your money, taking a daytime flight, and sleeping when you reach your final destination.

Do you have any tips for sleeping in premium economy, or do you think it's simply impossible? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to follow along for more in-depth reviews and insights into airline travel options.