TUI Premium Economy – Is It Worth the Upgrade on the Dreamliner?
If you’re flying long haul with TUI, you’ve probably asked the question:
Is TUI Premium Economy actually worth the upgrade? On routes to Orlando and other long-haul destinations, TUI Premium on the Dreamliner offers more space, upgraded service and additional luggage.
But how much better is it than standard economy — and does it justify the extra cost?
Here’s the honest review.
TUI Dreamline - Mrs Patmore - our ride to Florida.
What Is TUI Premium Economy on the Dreamliner?
TUI Airways Premium is the upgraded cabin available on selected Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
It typically includes:
Wider seats
Increased legroom
Greater recline
Smaller, quieter cabin
Upgraded meals and drinks
Priority check-in
Additional luggage allowance
It sits clearly above standard economy — but below business class.
The key difference is space.
TUI Premium Dreamliner Seats – How Much Better Are They?
The Premium seats are:
Noticeably wider than standard economy
More generous in legroom
Set within a smaller cabin
On a 9–10 hour flight, width makes more difference than people expect.
You don’t just gain legroom — you gain shoulder space.
And that becomes more valuable on the overnight return.
Standard Economy Comparison – BA 777 (10 Abreast)
For comparison, we’ve flown long haul in economy on a Gatwick-based
British Airways 777. Those aircraft operate in a 3-4-3 configuration — meaning 10 seats across.
That results in:
Slightly narrower seats
Less personal shoulder space
A busier cabin environment
The seat itself was perfectly manageable. Service was calm and professional. But on a long-haul sector, width and cabin density are noticeable.
You can see our full travel day here:
For many families, the realistic decision isn’t Premium vs Premium.
It’s:
Standard long-haul economy… versus upgrading to TUI Premium.
Where TUI Premium Feels Different
Compared directly with a 10-abreast economy cabin:
The extra seat width is noticeable
The smaller cabin feels calmer
Boarding feels easier
The overnight return is significantly more comfortable
It’s not luxury — but it’s a clear comfort step up.
TUI Dreamliner - Mrs Patmore.
FOOD & DRINKS
Once onboard we were offered a welcome drink, Prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative.
The meals were served promptly and we selected from the available menu on board.
Throughout the flight we were offered snacks, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), some people chose to ask for more drinks throughout the flight by asking the staff or popping into the staff area and requesting them - the staff always gave out additional drinks. We must say, the drinks were premium brands too which was a nice touch. This is not the case on all long haul flights - Aer Lingus for example charge for all drinks.
Johnnie Walker Black Label served as part of the Premium Economy drinks options. Correct at time of writing.
The food options - we had a full meal onboard and tried the pasta dish, beef dish and the kids had kids meals. To be honest the adults food was really nice and it was all piping hot but the kids meal was very bland and didn’t taste great. We asked for adults meals for our kids but they didn’t have enough left which is fair enough for both but our eldest enjoyed her adults meal. Towards the end of the flight we were served afternoon tea of sandwiches and scones these were also nice and tasty.
Afternoon tea in TUI Premium Economy cabin - Flight to Florida.
The food and service were good overall on board the plane and we certainly had no complaints. One of our TVs didn’t work on the return flight however that can happen on any airline. Is the product a true top end premium quality cabin - overall it’s not going to stand up to the higher end products but it was by no means shabby and the experience coupled with the price of the flights is well worth it in our opinion.
Luggage & Airport Experience – An Underrated Advantage
For long-haul leisure routes, luggage is often where Premium starts to make practical sense.
TUI Premium typically includes:
Increased checked baggage allowance
Larger cabin allowance
Priority check-in
For Florida families in particular, that extra luggage flexibility matters more than people expect.
Longer trips mean:
More clothing
Park-specific outfits
Trainers and evening shoes
Theme park essentials
And, inevitably, space for souvenirs on the return
If you’re travelling for 10–14 nights, avoiding mid-trip washing or overpacking stress can be worth real money.
The separate Premium check-in can also make departure feel smoother — especially during peak summer periods when Orlando flights are full.
It’s not glamorous. But it is practical. And for many families, practicality is what makes the upgrade feel worthwhile.
So… Is It Worth the Upgrade?
It depends on four things:
Is this a once-in-a-while Disney trip?
Are you travelling peak season?
Is overnight return sleep important?
Does the upgrade comfortably fit your budget?
If yes to most of those, Premium is often a comfort upgrade families don’t regret.
If it stretches the trip financially, standard economy is absolutely manageable — and your time in Florida will matter far more than the flight.
Booking Flights Only vs Booking as a Package
One final thing worth considering is how you’re booking.
If you’re comparing the cost of upgrading to TUI Premium, it’s important to check whether you’re looking at:
Flight-only pricing
Or a full holiday package
Sometimes the difference between economy and Premium looks significant when pricing flights alone — but when bundled as part of a Florida holiday, the numbers can shift.
Package pricing can also include:
Baggage
Transfers
ATOL protection
Deposit options
Hotel flexibility
It’s not always cheaper — but it’s always worth comparing before committing.
If you’d prefer someone to look at the whole trip rather than just the seat, we can plan and book TUI Florida holidays as part of our wider Florida service.
You can find more about that here.- Team Five Holidays
Final Verdict
TUI Premium to Orlando isn’t essential.
But compared with 10-abreast long-haul economy cabins, the comfort difference is real — particularly on the overnight return.
If budget allows, it’s a solid upgrade.
If not, economy will still get you there comfortably — and once you’re walking down Main Street USA, the flight will quickly fade into the background.