The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that the estimated number of passengers travelling in premium economy -- which straddles the middle ground of business and economy -- is growing. The Globe's Mariya Postelnyak writes that for example, premium travel between London and Toronto rose 7 per cent to 30,919 passengers between January and April compared with the same period last year. Air Canada reported that premium revenue rose 2 per cent in its first quarter, even as overall passenger revenue dipped 3 per cent. Meagan Smith, who recently flew premium economy with her partner from Vancouver to Bangkok, Thailand, said the B.C. couple could splurge more on airfare by choosing "inherently inexpensive" travel across Southeast Asia. A fully reclining chair allowed them to unspool and sleep comfortably. With first-class meals, unlimited drinks, a dedicated flight attendant for their small section of the plane and "significantly more leg room," Ms. Smith said it was well worth the price. She and her partner, who share outdoor and cost-saving travel tips on social media as FuelFor TheSole, each paid $2,500 for premium economy round-trip flights compared with an economy seat ranging from about $800 to $1,500.