When it comes to long-haul travel, the gap between economy and business class can seem vast, both in terms of comfort and cost. That’s where premium economy comes in, as a “middle ground” cabin that promises more space, better recline, upgraded amenities, and enhanced service without the steep price of business class. In the US, all three major legacy carriers, Delta, United, and American, offer their own versions of premium economy, each with slightly different features and passenger experiences. For travelers seeking comfort, it’s not just the seat pitch or recline that matters, but the combination of ergonomics, service, and cabin ambiance.
Exploring the most comfortable premium economy options available today, drawing from passenger reviews, expert assessments, and firsthand reports. From Delta’s Premium Select to United’s Premium Plus and American’s Premium Economy, we’ll break down what sets each product apart, highlight the perks and potential drawbacks, and provide insights into what travelers can realistically expect when booking these seats. Whether you’re planning a transcontinental flight or a long-haul international journey, this guide will help you make a more informed choice about where to invest in comfort.
What Defines “Comfortable” Premium Economy Through The Eyes of Reviewers?
When aviation reviewers and frequent flyers talk about “comfortable” premium economy, they most often reference recline depth, leg/foot support, seat ergonomics, and how well the soft goods and service back up the hardware. For example, in a 2024 review of 
Delta Air Lines Premium Select, Eye of the Flyer notes a design weakness:
“With the foot rest flipped up the rest retracts up a bit and you get less leg support. This really is a failed design … I would never again book it for a night flight when sleep matters.” Eye of the Flyer
That kind of user critique underscores that extra inches of pitch don’t always translate to actual comfort if the mechanical support is lacking. Meanwhile, many reviewers emphasize that the soft product (blankets, amenity kits, attentive service, cabin isolation) helps create the psychological sense of “premium,” something frequently cited on fan forums. On Reddit, one traveler compared Delta Premium Select to domestic first class, saying:
“The seats basically feel like domestic first class — bigger entertainment screen, amenity kit, pillow, blanket … real glassware for cocktails.” Reddit
Another dimension reviewers highlight is variability by aircraft. Many US carriers retrofit older planes or scatter different configurations across their fleet, meaning that a “premium economy” seat on one aircraft may perform vastly differently from another on the same route. To mitigate surprises, reviewers consistently urge readers to check the specific aircraft, seat map, recline specs, and user reviews before booking.
Delta Premium Select: A Step Above, But Not Without Flaws
Delta’s Premium Select cabin offers a noticeable upgrade from standard economy, featuring wider seats, increased legroom, and enhanced recline. Travelers often appreciate the additional space, with some noting that the seats feel akin to domestic first class, especially on long-haul flights. For instance, one reviewer mentioned, “The seats basically feel like domestic first class — bigger entertainment screen, amenity kit, pillow, blanket, water bottles, headphones and real glassware.”
However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some passengers have pointed out that while the cabin offers more comfort than economy, it doesn’t always meet the expectations set by its “premium” label. For example, a reviewer stated, “The food and in-flight service, however, still have a ways to go before you could call them ‘premium’.”
Despite inevitable critiques, many travelers find value in the Premium Select experience, especially when considering the added benefits such as priority boarding and dedicated overhead bin space. As one passenger noted, “If you want to splurge, just go all in for the Delta One Suites. Getting Premium Select through an upgrade is much more worth it for what you get”.
United Premium Plus: Comfort Through Stability
United Airlines Premium Plus earns steady praise from reviewers who value consistent comfort and a calm cabin. It’s typically found on widebody aircraft, configured in a modest 2-4-2 layout that keeps the atmosphere quieter than standard economy. Have Wheelchair Will Travel described it as “a more intimate space” and appreciated the additional legroom that allowed them to “just touch the bulkhead pocket” from their seat.
Many reviews highlight that United’s hard product is reliable: with about 38 inches of pitch, a deeper recline than economy, and functional leg/footrests, it offers a practical balance for travelers who don’t need luxury but still want meaningful space. Going.com summarized it as “more comfortable than economy but not a lie-flat seat,” which captures how it bridges comfort and affordability. Passengers also appreciate the Saks Fifth Avenue blankets, noise-reducing headsets, and upgraded dining service, which feel premium without being ostentatious.
Still, the experience can vary slightly depending on the aircraft. ASanspotterreview of the 777-300ER noted that while the cabin was stylish, passengers in middle seats might struggle for easy aisle access.Some flyers have also reported minor seat malfunctions, like a broken footrest, but these appear to be exceptions. In general, United’s Premium Plus delivers a predictable experience with good ergonomics, solid sleep potential, and small but meaningful comfort perks.
American Airlines Premium Economy: Comfort At The Right Price
American Airlines Premium Economy often attracts mixed reviews, solid on paper but situational in practice. The airline advertises its seats as “wider, with more legroom and adjustable leather recliners featuring extendable foot and head rests.” With about 38 inches of pitch and 18.5 inches of width, the product hits the industry average for hard specs. Many travelers describe the upgrade as noticeably more spacious than economy, though not transformative.
Reviewers generally appreciate the added perks: priority boarding, chef-inspired dining, and complimentary beer, wine, and spirits on long-haul routes. Still, some report inconsistencies in meal quality and service delivery. In one passenger review of an international flight, the footrest was deemed “fairly useless,” and the service “no better than economy,” particularly on overnight legs.
The consensus among travelers is that American’s Premium Economy is worthwhile when the price gap from Main Cabin isn’t steep. When fares climb too high, the value proposition weakens, as the overall comfort uplift, while real, doesn’t rival Delta’s refinement or United’s stronger ergonomics. For those seeking extra space without paying business class rates, however, it remains a respectable middle option.
Soft Touches That Make A Difference
Across all three airlines, reviewers consistently point to the “soft product” as what distinguishes a great premium economy experience from a merely bigger seat. Delta’s attentiveness and upgraded service presentation often win praise for feeling elevated, while United’s consistent amenities, particularly its Saks-branded bedding, lend a subtle luxury that resonates with frequent flyers. Americans’ hospitality is less uniform, but when delivered well, it provides a professional, polished experience.
Amenity kits, upgraded cutlery, and improved entertainment screens all help reinforce the premium perception. Passengers particularly like Delta’s noise-canceling headsets and the use of actual glassware for drinks, small touches that make the experience feel closer to business class. United’s pillow-and-blanket combo earns comfort points on red-eyes, while American’s upgraded meals are best on its newest aircraft and long-haul international services.
Perhaps the most consistent finding in user reviews is that crew engagement shapes how premium the experience feels. A proactive, visible attendant can transform an average product into something memorable — a sentiment echoed across dozens of online reviews and forums. The seat matters, but the service defines whether travelers leave feeling that the upgrade was worth the cost.
Comfort Depends On What You Value Most
While each airline’s premium economy product brings its own flavor of comfort, they share a clear trend; travelers are looking for predictability, peace, and real rest. Delta Premium Select earns praise for its stylish design and excellent crew service, though some question the seat’s mechanical comfort overnight. United Premium Plus offers a strong, consistent hard product that emphasizes real physical comfort, with soft perks that round out the experience. American Premium Economy performs well when priced right, giving passengers more room and professional service, although it rarely exceeds expectations.
Ultimately, the “most comfortable” seat depends less on brand loyalty and more on flight duration, aircraft type, and your personal priorities. For daytime transcontinental routes, Delta’s presentation and polish can make the extra cost feel justified. For long-haul overnight flights, United’s sturdier recline and bedding often win out. And when the upgrade cost is modest, American’s Premium Economy remains a practical, comfortable middle ground.
Across all three carriers, comfort in premium economy is increasingly tied not just to seat design, but to the consistency of the experience. Passengers are paying for more than a few extra inches; they value reliable leg and footrests, available amenities, and attentive service. In many cases, these dependable elements have a greater impact on overall comfort than the seat measurements themselves.
