Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are increasing the number of "premium economy" seats, which offer more space and various services compared to standard economy seats. By enhancing services like those of large airlines' business class, they aim to attract middle-tier customers with prices slightly higher than standard economy.
According to the airline industry on the 28th, Air Premia began providing different amenity items for premium economy passengers on its North American routes starting the previous day. For flights departing from South Korea, it offers a set of sunscreen, hand cream, and toothbrushes from the domestic beauty brand Huxley, while for flights departing from the United States, it provides a set of hand cream, hair tonic, lip balm, and toothbrushes from the domestic beauty brand Aromatica. Previously, it provided the same set of cosmetics regardless of the departure point.
In-flight amenities are popular as they can also be used at the travel destination, but most LCCs do not provide amenities in standard economy.
Air Premia's premium economy seats have a distance of 42 inches (106 cm) between them, which is about 1.5 times wider than standard economy seats of major domestic airlines. While in-flight meals are chargeable for the airline's standard economy seats on some routes, premium economy includes complimentary meals, including alcoholic beverages. Premium economy passengers also benefit from dedicated check-in counters and priority baggage claim services. Ticket prices for premium economy are 40 to 50% higher than those for standard economy.
Jeju Air also operates premium economy seats known as "Business Light." Business Light features the addition of two dedicated seats in the area of three existing seats, increasing the space between seats to a maximum of 42 inches. Currently, the airline operates five aircraft equipped with Business Light seats. On medium to long-haul routes that involve flights longer than three hours, Business Light passengers are provided with amenities such as eye masks, slippers, blankets, earplugs, and neck pillows.
According to Jeju Air, the number of premium economy passengers last year reached 44,000, a 19% increase compared to 2023. By age group, most users were in their 30s and 40s.
Korean Air, a major airline, is also set to introduce premium economy seats in the second half of the year. It plans to add premium economy seats to its Boeing B777-300ER by removing first-class seats. First class often operates with empty seats and does not fill all available seats, making it less profitable. Korean Air's plan is to create premium economy seats that are more profitable than standard economy and capture the middle demand between business and economy.