IS PREMIUM ECONOMY WORTH IT?

My answer is - it depends. A lot of people assume that if Business Class is too expensive, Premium Economy must automatically be the sensible choice. I'm not sure that's always true.

If Premium Economy is only adding a few hundred pounds to the cost of a trip, it's often worth considering. If it's adding £1,000+ per person, I'd want to think very carefully about whether that's the best use of the budget.

On the other hand, if you're flying to Japan, Australia or anywhere else where you're facing 12+ hours in the air, that's a different conversation.

For many of my clients, Premium Economy hits the sweet spot. It's not just about the seat itself; it's about having a bit more room, a smaller cabin and a more relaxed journey overall. On a long overnight flight, that can make a real difference to how you feel when you arrive.

That said, not all Premium Economy cabins are created equal. Some are excellent. Others are little more than Economy with a few extras thrown in. That's why I always look at the airline as well as the price before recommending it.

There are a couple of catches, though.

Firstly, not all airlines offer Premium Economy. Sometimes choosing it effectively dictates which airline you fly with, and that may not always be the routing or airline I'd otherwise recommend.

Secondly, if your main concern is simply legroom, Premium Economy isn't necessarily the answer. On some routes, paying extra for an exit row or other extra-legroom seat can give you most of what you're looking for at a fraction of the cost.

The other thing I often point out is that it's not just about comfort. If you're spending thousands of pounds on a holiday you've been looking forward to for years, the flights are part of the experience too.

My view? On a long-haul flight, Premium Economy can be a very worthwhile upgrade. But before spending the money, I'd always ask three questions:

• How good is the airline's Premium Economy product on the aircraft you'll be flying on?

• How much extra does it cost?

• What else could you do with that money on the holiday itself?

So, as with most things in travel, the answer isn't "always" or "never". It depends on the route, the airline, the price difference and what else could be done with the budget.

If you're hoping for a simple yes or no, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong travel consultant.