New ‘premium’ economy class on American Airlines

American Airlines has introduced a new class for overseas flights – dubbed Premium Economy.

American Airlines Premium Economy seats with bulkhead footrest extended. Image by American Airlines

The new section will be available in late 2016 and will be located right behind business class. It will come with bonuses like wider seats, more legroom, better food, alcohol, checked baggage, priority check-in and more, without the price tag of a business class flight.

Premium economy will bridge the gap between living large in business class and toughing it out economy.

While this has been done on some airlines around the world, it is a first for a US carrier, reports USA Today.

American Airlines has an existing Main Cabin Extra section, which adds a bit of space and complimentary alcohol to the mix. Among its American competitors, United offers an Economy Plus seat, and Delta has Comfort+, which have more amenities than just economy.

The premium economy seats in the first American plane, a Boeing 787-9, will be in a configuration of 2-3-2 seats. People in premium economy will get a leather seat with on-demand entertainment, touchscreen monitors and noise-reducing headphones.