Do you get lounge access with premium economy?

No. Only business and first class tickets include lounge access. Some credit cards offer lounge access regardless of cabin class, but the ticket itself doesn't grant it.

Can you use miles to upgrade from economy to premium economy?

Yes, on most airlines. Typically costs 15,000-30,000 miles for the upgrade on long-haul routes. Sometimes a better value than paying cash, especially if you value your miles at 1-1.5 cents each.

Is premium economy the same as economy plus or extra legroom seats?

No. Economy plus or extra legroom seats are still in the main economy cabin — you get 2-4 extra inches and that's it. Premium economy is a separate cabin with 5-8 extra inches, wider seats, better food, and premium boarding. Confusion about this is common.

Do tall people absolutely need premium economy?

If you're over 6'3", premium economy makes long flights bearable instead of painful. If you're 5'10"-6'2", it's a nice-to-have. Under 5'10", you're paying for comfort you might not physically need.

Which airlines have the best premium economy product?

Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Air New Zealand consistently rate highest. Their premium economy feels closer to business class. United and American's versions are fine but unremarkable. Budget carriers like Norwegian's premium is barely better than economy.

Is Premium Economy Worth It? A Value Analysis

Premium economy is worth it on flights over 6 hours if you value legroom and comfort more than saving $200-800. You get 5-7 inches more legroom, better meals, and priority boarding, but not lie-flat seats. Best value: trans-Pacific routes and when upgrading costs less than $400.

Calculate the cost per extra inch of legroom. Economy gives you 30-32 inches of pitch. Premium economy gives you 37-40 inches. If the upgrade costs $300 and you gain 7 inches, that's $43 per inch. On an 8-hour flight, that's $5.40 per inch per hour. This math tells you if the comfort is worth your money.
Check what's actually included. Premium economy varies wildly by airline. Some give you lie-flat seats (rare). Most give you wider seats, more recline, footrests, better food, and priority boarding. A few barely offer more than extra legroom. Look up your specific airline and route before booking.
Compare upgrade cost to base fare. If economy costs $600 and premium economy costs $1,200, you're paying double for incremental improvements. If economy costs $400 and premium costs $550, that 37% premium is easier to justify. The sweet spot is when premium costs 25-50% more than economy.
Consider your flight duration. Under 4 hours: almost never worth it. 4-6 hours: worth it if upgrade is under $200. 6-10 hours: worth it if upgrade is under $400. Over 10 hours: worth it if upgrade is under $600. Your pain threshold may vary.
Book at the right time. Premium economy seats often go on sale 2-3 months before departure when airlines realize they won't sell them at full price. Set a fare alert. Sometimes upgrading at check-in is cheaper than booking premium from the start, but don't count on it.

Do you get lounge access with premium economy?: No. Only business and first class tickets include lounge access. Some credit cards offer lounge access regardless of cabin class, but the ticket itself doesn't grant it.
Can you use miles to upgrade from economy to premium economy?: Yes, on most airlines. Typically costs 15,000-30,000 miles for the upgrade on long-haul routes. Sometimes a better value than paying cash, especially if you value your miles at 1-1.5 cents each.
Is premium economy the same as economy plus or extra legroom seats?: No. Economy plus or extra legroom seats are still in the main economy cabin — you get 2-4 extra inches and that's it. Premium economy is a separate cabin with 5-8 extra inches, wider seats, better food, and premium boarding. Confusion about this is common.
Do tall people absolutely need premium economy?: If you're over 6'3", premium economy makes long flights bearable instead of painful. If you're 5'10"-6'2", it's a nice-to-have. Under 5'10", you're paying for comfort you might not physically need.
Which airlines have the best premium economy product?: Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Air New Zealand consistently rate highest. Their premium economy feels closer to business class. United and American's versions are fine but unremarkable. Budget carriers like Norwegian's premium is barely better than economy.