Airlines are seeing more and more demand for premium seats as air travel comes back from pandemic lows, even with business travel lagging way behind, down 60% from 2019 levels.
The difference is that more leisure travelers than ever appear ready to spend on upgraded travel, to pay for premium economy, business or first-class to gain additional space, recline or just additional amenities. After more than a year of pandemic-induced revenue losses, and an end to lucrative change fees, the airlines are taking that as good news.
And, they are doing more than cheering. Delta and Emirates among others are reconfiguring cabins to add more premium economy seats. Since non-business demand for even ritzier seats is remaining strong, too, the additional seats are being largely carved from the main cabin seats.
