"Premium Economy"

There is still a way to buy some comfort on long international flights even when your company, or your own bank account, won't cover thousands of dollars for business class, according to the Wall Street Journal.

"Premium economy" is seeing a recession resurgence.

A dozen international airlines flying to the United States., including British Airways PLC, Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., All Nippon Airways Co. and Scandinavian Airlines System, now offer extra legroom, wider seats and seats that recline lower in premium economy cabins for a few hundred dollars more than coach tickets.

It's about the same space you get in domestic U.S. first-class cabins. Some carriers even include perks like early boarding, access to faster airport security lines, better meals, amenity kits with tooth brushes and sleep shades, and power outlets at seats. Earlier this year, Qantas Airways Ltd. launched premium economy and Japan Airlines Corp. expanded its premium-economy cabin to New York and San Francisco flights, with Chicago and Los Angeles planned next year. Air France-KLM SA will add it to Air France fleet-wide next year.

The holdout for this feature? U.S. airlines.