Premium economy class

Premium economy class, also known by brand names which vary by company, is a travel class offered on many airlines. It is usually positioned between standard economy class and business class in terms of price, comfort, and available amenities. On December 12, 1992, EVA Air introduced the Economy Deluxe Class (later renamed Evergreen Deluxe, then Elite Class, and finally Premium Economy Class) on the inaugural flight of its first trans-Pacific route (TPE-LAX), becoming the first airline to offer this class of service. In some countries, this class has emerged as a response from governments and companies requiring economy class for travel done by staff, while still getting some benefits like airport priority. Premium Economy generally offers a level of comfort similar to the standard Economy Class of several decades ago. In the 1970s, for example, many airlines offered Economy Class seat pitches of approximately 34–36 inches—United Airlines reportedly provided around 36 inches—comparable to the seat pitch offered by many carriers’ Premium Economy cabins today.