That's an issue, true. And it's a frustrating state of affairs. But it's not in keeping with the theme of the article. I think the author is hinting at the idea that "premium" economy is an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp, and that people who pay for it are being suckered into paying for pseudo-prestige because of the "premium" label. But unlike the other examples they cite, premium economy is actually better.