Best airlines with premium economy class

Embarking on a long-haul journey often presents a dilemma: endure the tight confines of economy class or splurge on the luxurious expense of business or first class? For many travelers, the perfect middle ground exists, offering enhanced comfort and valuable perks without the exorbitant price tag. This sweet spot is Premium Economy class, a cabin that has rapidly grown in popularity for good reason.

If you're tired of cramped legroom and basic service but aren't quite ready to break the bank for a lie-flat bed, then exploring the best airlines with premium economy class is your next smart move. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what makes Premium Economy a worthwhile upgrade and highlight the top airlines that truly excel in this increasingly competitive space, ensuring your next flight is more relaxed and enjoyable.

What Exactly is Premium Economy Class?

Premium Economy is precisely what it sounds like: a significant upgrade from standard economy, positioned just below business class in terms of price, comfort, and amenities. It's typically found in its own dedicated cabin, offering a more intimate and quieter environment than the main economy cabin.

So, what can you expect when you step into a Premium Economy cabin?

• More Space: The most immediate and appreciated benefit is the increased personal space. You'll find wider seats, often 18-20 inches, with a greater seat pitch (the distance between rows) of typically 35-40 inches, providing 5-7 more inches of legroom than standard economy. Seats also recline further, usually by 2-3 inches, and often come with features like adjustable leg rests and footrests.
• Enhanced Dining: While not business class gourmet, Premium Economy often provides upgraded meal options, sometimes served on china with metal cutlery, and may include complimentary alcoholic beverages.
• Priority Services: Many airlines offer priority check-in, security, and boarding, helping you bypass long queues and settle into your seat more quickly. You might also benefit from increased baggage allowance and priority baggage handling upon arrival.
• Improved Amenities: Expect larger personal entertainment screens, noise-canceling headphones, and an amenity kit with essentials like eye masks, socks, and dental kits. In-seat power outlets and USB ports are also common.

Is Premium Economy worth the extra cost? For long-haul and international flights, where comfort becomes paramount, many travelers find the investment well worth it. While prices can be 50-100% more than standard economy, it's still significantly more affordable than business class.

The Best Airlines with Premium Economy Class

The quality of Premium Economy can vary significantly between airlines. Here are some of the top carriers renowned for their exceptional Premium Economy offerings:

Virgin Atlantic Premium

Virgin Atlantic is consistently lauded for its Premium Economy product, even winning Skytrax's "World's Best Premium Economy Class Airline in 2025" and "World's Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering" awards.

• Generous Seating: Virgin Atlantic's Premium Economy seats boast up to 38 inches of pitch and are notably wide, with some aircraft offering up to 21 inches of width in luxurious leather. They also provide a deeper recline than economy seats, allowing for true relaxation.
• Premium Perks: Passengers are treated to a complimentary glass of bubbly upon boarding, setting a celebratory tone. You also get two complimentary checked bags, priority check-in, and priority boarding.
• Elevated Dining: Meals are enhanced, focusing on quality ingredients and served on proper plates with metal cutlery. There's often a self-service "Wander Wall" for snacks throughout the flight.
• Entertainment: Expect larger in-flight entertainment screens (often 13.3 inches) and power sockets/USB ports at every seat.

British Airways World Traveller Plus

British Airways' Premium Economy, known as World Traveller Plus, offers a distinguished experience in a dedicated, smaller cabin, usually located closer to the front of the plane.

• Comfortable Seating: Seats are wider with a 38-inch pitch, providing 7 inches more legroom than standard economy. They also feature greater recline, lumbar support, and adjustable head and footrests.
• Enhanced Service: Passengers receive two delicious meals, complimentary bar service including signature cocktails, and a pre-departure beverage.
• Thoughtful Amenities: You'll get a stylish amenity kit, often made from recycled plastic bottles, containing essentials like an eye mask, socks, and dental kit. Noise-canceling headphones are also provided for the personal entertainment system.
• Airport Benefits: Enjoy priority boarding and a generous baggage allowance of two checked bags.

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy

Singapore Airlines is renowned for its exceptional service, and its Premium Economy class lives up to this reputation, offering a compelling balance of comfort and value.

• Spacious Seating: Seats are wider (18.5-19.5 inches) with a comfortable 38-inch pitch, complete with calf and footrests for added comfort.
• "Book the Cook" Dining: A standout feature is the "Book the Cook" service, allowing Premium Economy passengers to pre-order their main course from an extensive menu up to 24 hours before departure. Champagne is also complimentary throughout the flight.
• Superior Entertainment: Enjoy a large 13.3-inch Full HD monitor and active noise-canceling headsets for an immersive entertainment experience.
• Priority Treatment: Benefit from priority check-in, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling, along with a generous 35kg baggage allowance. You also earn KrisFlyer miles at a higher rate.

Delta Air Lines Premium Select

Delta's Premium Select cabin provides a significant upgrade on select international and long-haul routes, bridging the gap between main cabin and Delta One (business class).

• Enhanced Comfort: Seats offer up to 38 inches of pitch, up to 19 inches of width, and up to 7 inches of recline, along with adjustable leg rests and footrests.
• Premium Amenities: Passengers receive an upgraded amenity kit, often from TUMI and featuring LE LABO facial mist and lip balm, along with a plush blanket, memory-foam pillow, and noise-canceling headphones.
• Elevated Dining: Enjoy an elevated meal service with complimentary wine, beer, and spirits, served on real plates. Hot towel service is also provided before meals.
• Sky Priority Services: Benefit from Sky Priority service, which includes accelerated check-in, security, and expedited baggage service.

Japan Airlines (JAL) Premium Economy

Japan Airlines is recognized for its spacious Premium Economy, having received Skytrax's "Best Premium Economy Class award in 2024".

• Industry-Leading Legroom: JAL offers an impressive 42 inches of seat pitch on most of its wide-body aircraft, making it one of the most spacious options available. Seats are also ample, ranging from 18.9 to 19.5 inches wide.
• Unique Seat Design: Note that JAL's Premium Economy seats are often "hard shell" designs, meaning they don't recline into the space of the passenger behind. Instead, the seat slides forward to provide recline. Newer cabins on their Airbus A350 aircraft feature privacy dividers and motorized leg rests.
• Amenities & Entertainment: Passengers receive slippers, noise-canceling headphones, and large 16-inch entertainment screens.
• Dining & Snacks: While main meals are similar to economy (which are generally high quality on JAL), Premium Economy passengers get access to exclusive snacks like cup noodles and ice cream, and complimentary sparkling wine.
• Airport Perks: Enjoy dedicated check-in lines and priority checked baggage.

Making Your Choice: What to Consider

When selecting the best airlines with premium economy class for your next trip, consider these factors:

• Route and Aircraft Type: Premium Economy offerings can vary even within the same airline, depending on the specific aircraft used for your route. Always check the seat map and details for your flight.
• Price Difference: Is the extra cost justified for the benefits offered on your specific flight? For shorter flights, the value might be less apparent than for long-haul journeys.
• Specific Perks: Prioritize what matters most to you. Is it legroom, better food, priority services, or a superior entertainment system?
• Reviews and Experiences: Look for recent reviews and experiences from other travelers on your chosen airline and route.

Conclusion

Premium Economy class has truly revolutionized air travel for those seeking a comfortable upgrade without the hefty price tag of business or first class. The best airlines with premium economy class go above and beyond, offering spacious seating, enhanced dining, valuable priority services, and improved amenities that can transform a long flight into a genuinely enjoyable experience.

Whether you prioritize sprawling legroom, gourmet meals at 35,000 feet, or simply a more serene cabin environment, there's a Premium Economy product out there designed to meet your needs. Research your options, compare the perks, and get ready to elevate your next journey!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Premium Economy worth the extra cost?

Generally, yes, especially for long-haul international flights. Premium Economy offers significantly more legroom, wider seats, deeper recline, and often upgraded meals and priority services compared to standard economy. This added comfort can make a substantial difference in your travel experience, helping you arrive feeling more refreshed. The price is usually 50-100% more than economy, but considerably less than business class.

What is the main difference between Premium Economy and Economy Plus (or Economy with extra legroom)?

Premium Economy is a distinct cabin class, offering not just more legroom but also wider seats, significantly more recline, upgraded dining, improved amenities (like amenity kits and better headphones), and priority airport services (check-in, boarding, baggage). Economy Plus (or similar names like Delta Comfort+) typically offers only a few extra inches of legroom and sometimes priority boarding or basic refreshments within the main economy cabin, without the wider seats or enhanced service of true Premium Economy.

Do all airlines offer Premium Economy class?

No, not all airlines offer a dedicated Premium Economy class. It is most commonly found on larger aircraft used for long-haul and international routes. Many airlines that do offer it may brand it under different names (e.g., British Airways' World Traveller Plus, Delta's Premium Select).

How much more expensive is Premium Economy compared to standard Economy?

The price difference varies significantly depending on the airline, route, time of booking, and demand. On average, Premium Economy tickets can cost anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times more than a standard economy ticket. For example, an economy ticket costing $500 might see a Premium Economy counterpart priced between $750 and $1000. However, this is still considerably less expensive than business class.