Is Premium Economy for you?

I can't afford to pay cash for business class but have flown other than economy when I get a deal.  Like these:

-  Premium economy offered at the time of booking an economy seat, as an upgrade for significantly less than retail (+$400 RT, West Coast to UK).

- Using miles for business class on long hauls like trans-Pacific.

- Business class bought from a consolidator, significant upgrade at bargain prices, but likely older configurations without lie-flat beds.

As with shopping for anything else, one need not pay retail for a little comfort.

All excellent points, PM, especially for folks with flexible travel plans.

I like to travel in clothes that would get me an upgrade.

Sometimes it works. Had a few business and first class.

Always pays to keep cool if the flights fully booked.

They'll bump you up if you're "acceptable" as one lady called me on the phone to her supervisor.

I like to travel looking "acceptable" also (but I've given up the tie I usually wear with the good shirt and slacks; it's my work gear, but these days at the airport it seems to mark me as "stiff")

I do envy the people in the "good seats," and enjoyed them the one time we had them. On the other hand, we shorter folks have, I think, less need for upgraded seating except where regular is really chinchy. I've flown trans-Atlantic often in 31-33" pitch and 18" width, and usually been able to sleep. My wife does less well at that, but also does less well at it with more space. I think for us, nothing  short of lie-flat would make a real difference...and the prices! Ooh-la-la!

One note: When booking with frequent-flyer miles on all three U.S. majors, I've never seen an offer of a premium economy seat for more-miles-but-less-than-business. I think they'd rather have the cash, either at booking time, or when the check-in terminal asks if you'd like to pay a little more...