Airlines Expand Premium Seats to Chase Growth

Carriers are upgrading cabins, menus and lounges as premium travel becomes a larger share of their revenue.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Business Travel

Airlines Expand Premium Seats to Chase Growth

Live Poll

Would you pay extra for more legroom or a premium seat on your next flight?

American Airlines reported premium revenue up 18.5 percent year-over-year in its most recent quarter, and airlines are installing deluxe seats, enlisting Michelin-star chefs and designing elite lounges to grow the segment. Airlines also plan to accelerate the shrinking share of coach seats on many flights.

Why it matters

Premium products generate roughly half of American's ticket revenue on about 30 percent of seats, and airlines have long favored premium offerings because profit margins are significantly higher. For U.S. travelers, that shift means more paid upgrade options at the same time that standard seating is being reduced.

American reported premium revenue up 18.5 percent year-over-year, and US premium seats have risen 33 percent since 2020. Projections of premium-seat shares reaching 70 percent on some Delta flights have not been confirmed by a timeline.

The players

American Airlines

A major U.S. carrier whose premium revenue growth is cited as a leading indicator of the trend.

United Airlines

A U.S. carrier that more than doubled premium-seat capacity and introduced the Economy Plus option.

Delta Air Lines

A U.S. carrier that developed its DeltaOne menu with Michelin-star chef Simon Hulstone and sommelier Andrea Robinson.

JetBlue Airways

A U.S. low-cost carrier that launched its BlueFirst domestic first-class service in September.

The details

United Airlines more than doubled its premium-seat capacity between 2015 and 2026, and JetBlue launched BlueFirst domestic first-class service in September. Customers may now pay as much as $200 for extra legroom or the ability to sit at the front of the plane, while United announced an Economy Plus option in July that lets passengers avoid a middle seat.

• 2015 to 2026: United Airlines more than doubled its premium-seat capacity.
• 2020: The US premium-seat count began a 33 percent rise.
• July 2026: United announced its Economy Plus option.
• September 2026: JetBlue launched BlueFirst domestic first-class service.

Seasonal Patterns

Since 2020, US premium seat counts have risen 33 percent, and premium share of alliance seat volume climbed from 17.1 percent in 2019 to 19 percent. This extends a post-pandemic capacity shift toward higher-fare cabins rather than a seasonal pattern.

Travelers seeking more legroom may face paid add-on fees of up to $200 on some flights. Booking early and comparing Economy Plus-style options can help protect your budget as standard seating shrinks.

The takeaway

Premium cabins are becoming a larger part of airline business models, so compare seat fees and upgrade costs before you book. Flexible fare planning can help you avoid paying more than necessary for extra space.