US: Premium economy arrives on US airlines. Will coach suffer?

As space in economy class becomes ever more constrained, airlines have devised a more spacious cabin product for passengers priced out of business class but determined to escape the indignities of steerage. Called “premium economy,” this section of added frills between coach and business aims to address a widening gap that has emerged between those cabins—and to extract more money from passengers. The premium economy cabin has been a staple of large international airlines for several years but is just now beginning to appear on American carriers. Airlines across the globe have rushed to add premium economy cabins in recent years, as customers show a willingness to pay for extra space and amenities. “There’s a demand for something in between economy and business,” American Airlines spokesman Joshua Freed said on Thursday. The plane is a larger, 285-seat version of the 787-8 American first received early last year. On almost every airline with premium economy, the biggest lure is increased seat pitch and width, typically along with nicer food and tableware, a larger entertainment screen, noise-canceling or reducing headphones, a fancier amenities kit, and occasionally, a more generous baggage allowance. A pre-flight beverage is usually included. Some airlines also let premium economy passengers use their airport lounges for an additional fee. American is the first US airline to introduce the new cabin, on its Boeing 787-9, with 21 seats in a 2-3-2 across layout, far roomier than the 3-3-3 arrangement in the back of the plane. <br/>