<p class="ingestion featured-caption">The author in economy class, and a British Airways Airbus A380.Pete Syme/Business Insider; Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>I flew with British Airways in both the economy (coach) and premium economy cabins.</li><li>The upper deck of a BA Airbus A380 means plenty of space, even in economy.</li></ul><p><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/success-rise-of-premium-economy-comfort-affordable-luxury-2024-7">Premium economy</a> has been gaining popularity with airlines and customers alike, providing a taste of luxury for those who can't afford business class.</p><p>I recently flew premium economy in a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-airways-club-suite-business-class-london-nyc-review-photos-2024-3">British Airways</a> World Traveller Plus cabin. At the time I booked, it was actually cheaper than economy class on the same flight.</p><p>However, I don't think the benefits are worth much more than flying coach — especially on an <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/every-airline-flies-the-airbus-a380-and-their-destinations-2024-7">Airbus A380</a>.</p><p>Flying economy a week earlier, I found plenty of space and a stowage bin next to the window seat thanks to reserving a seat on the upper deck. By contrast, the popularity of premium economy had me sitting in the middle section.</p><p>So, if you're looking at paying $1,000 more for premium economy, I'd suggest paying the seat reservation fee and sit in economy on the upper deck instead.</p><p>Here's how my two flights compared.</p>