United Airlines was the first US carrier to introduce a premium economy class with Economy Plus; American Airlines soon followed with Main Cabin Extra. Delta was the last of the three major US carriers to adopt a premium economy class with its Comfort+. While the major difference between the two economy classes is the extra legroom, the airlines are working hard to differentiate their products in the market place.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

This year, American will add an entirely new class of service, entirely separate from the Main Cabin, simply named Premium Economy. Like other global airlines, this will be a true class of service between Business Class and Main Cabin. Currently, American offers Main Cabin Extra seats, which offer passengers more legroom and free alcoholic beverages. The new Premium Economy class will be added to most of American’s long-haul, wide-body aircraft on its overseas routes. The first aircraft to receive the new class will be its new Boeing 787-9, which will enter service in late 2016.

DELTA AIR LINES

Currently, Delta offers an upgrade to its economy class, Comfort+, which includes access to Sky Priority boarding, dedicated overhead bins, extra legroom, snacks on longer flights, free drinks, and premium entertainment. In May, Delta will introduce Comfort+ as a completely separate fare class. Diamond and Platinum Medallion members will receive complimentary access to Comfort+ by selecting a Main Cabin ticket and then checking off the Request Upgrade box.

UNITED AIRLINES

In January, United debuted two new bundle options to Economy Plus: Economy Plus Essentials and Economy Plus Enhanced. The Essentials package includes an extra checked bag with an Economy Plus seat, a 20% savings. The Enhanced bundle includes Economy Plus seating, an extra checked bag, Premier Access, United Club lounge access, and up to 1,000 bonus award miles depending on the route; passengers can save up to 25% by bundling rather than buying these features separately.

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