Premium Economy Cabins have exploded in the last few years, as COVID restrictions have been relaxed and interest in international travel has grown tremendously. The product's popularity has skyrocketed as more travellers seek to improve their comfort on long-haul flights and upgrade from economy. Some of the world's largest airlines have introduced a fourth class of service between standard economy and luxury business class; as a result, we've researched and listed the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins to assist you on your next trip.
On all Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777 long-haul service aircraft, Air New Zealand makes the cut by providing one of the 10 Best Premium Cabins. Offering comfortable, ink-coloured leather seats with generous armrests, a leg rest, and extendable foot support, Air New Zealand is there to improve your travel journey.
More personal space
Free standard seat selection
Two pieces of carry on (up to 14kg in total, with one item weighing up to 10kg)
Two pieces of checked luggage (up to 23kg each)
Inflight entertainment
Complimentary meal and drinks from our Premium Economy menu
A higher Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points earn rate^
Leather seats
Premium Economy menu
Extendable foot support
With the largest seat pitch in its class (41”), Air New Zealand offers more legroom and 50% more recline than in Economy. Their menus are packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients that deliver deliciously satisfying flavours with a contemporary Kiwi twist. Over 1,700 hours of content are offered with in-flight entertainment options, including an assortment of the latest movies, TV box sets, video games, and a dedicated kids section - all on a personal touch screen in widescreen format. A complimentary amenity kit is provided on board, and there is also easy boarding with premium check-in. With a seven times Airline of the Year winner, we can’t not include them on our list of the 10 best Premium Economy Cabins.
Selected A380 Emirates aircraft offer a higher level of comfort and rank as one of the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. Extra space, premium dining experience surrounded by sophisticated cabin interior makes Emirates one of the most anticipated Premium Economy Cabins in the sky.
Luxurious cream leather seats
Customised comfort: raised cushioned leg rest, greater recline, six-way adjustable headrest
Sustainable blankets
Spacious woodgrain tables
Reusable amenity kits
Large pillows
Elevated dining experience
Extended wine list
Upgraded entertainment
High-speed Wi-fi service
Elevate your journey with Emirates' Premium Economy, offering an exceptional dining experience and upgraded entertainment. Indulge in local flavours from the monthly Premium Economy menus served on Royal Doulton china tableware. Enjoy a 13.3-inch HD TV, wireless headphone connectivity, and high-speed Wi-Fi* (purchase options available). Sink into cream leather seats, customise your comfort, and work or dine on spacious woodgrain tables. Sustainability shines with blankets made from recycled bottles, large ghaf tree motif pillows, and reusable amenity kits. With 6,500 channels, premium dining, and onboard Wi-Fi, Emirates secures its spot among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins.
Finnair Premium Economy class serves on Airbus A330 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft. A recently employed cabin offering more choice, space, and comfort is difficult to compete with, making it an obvious choice to be listed on the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins.
Quality dining experience
2 meal services
Complimentary beverages and drinks throughout the flight
Personal reading light
Cocktail table as well as a large, firm meal table
Plenty of storage features
Memory foam cushions for added comfort
Universal PC power and USB A outlets
Exclusive Amenity kit
Minimum 13’ screen
Embark on refined travel with Finnair's Premium Economy Cabin. Enjoy two meal services on exclusive Iittala chinaware, with a 38” (96.5cm) seat pitch for added comfort. Experience enhanced recline, leg rest, and memory foam cushions. An additional cocktail table on top of a large and firm meal table to allow you to eat and drink in comfort from their delicious in-flight menu. Dive into entertainment on a 13” (minimum) screen, complemented by a Marimekko-designed amenity kit. With a modern fleet and environmental focus, Finnair's Premium Economy earns its spot among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins.
An incomparable upgrade, available on Airbus A350-900, Airbus A350-900 ULR, Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A380 aircraft, Singapore Airlines is undoubtedly listed in the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins.
Spacious seating
2 USB ports, 13.3" screen, noise-cancelling headphones
Gourmet dining, "Book the Cook" service
Priority services: check-in, boarding, baggage
2-4-2 layout, single seats on select routes
KrisWorld Inflight Entertainment: 1,800+ options
Exceptional comfort: calf/footrests, adjustable lights,
Priority treatment
8” recline
Preview of digital inflight menu 8 days prior to departure
With seats up to 19.5 inches wide, an eight-inch recline, and thoughtful amenities like USB ports and a 13.3-inch screen, your journey is designed for relaxation. Indulge in gourmet dining with the "Book the Cook" service, offering pre-selected meals by the International Culinary Panel. Enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, making your travel seamless. With a 2-4-2 seat configuration and 38 inches of pitch, Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy is a standout in cabin design. Explore the curated KrisWorld inflight entertainment and receive priority treatment throughout your journey. Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy earns its place among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins for its commitment to passenger satisfaction.
Offering many of the same benefits as flying in All Nippon Airways plush business class, the airline that lists in the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins offers this class in its Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Airbus A380-800 aircraft.
Priority baggage
Extra space
Access to ANA’s lounges at major airports
Business class drink menu options
2-4-2 and 2-3-2 seat configurations
Slippers and shoe horn
Amenity kit
Postcards are available on request
Extra comfort and functionality
A wide genre of in-flight entertainment
Indulge in the elevated services of All Nippon Airways (ANA) Premium Economy, recognised among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. From streamlined airport experiences to priority baggage services, ANA ensures a seamless journey. Access ANA lounges for added comfort, and settle into Premium Economy seats with extra width, pitch, and legroom. Enjoy enhanced dining options, including a selection of drinks and snacks, with the cordial hospitality of a Japanese airline. Stay entertained with ANA's in-flight entertainment and optional Wi-Fi, and explore duty-free shopping at affordable prices. ANA goes the extra mile, providing a range of amenities, from pillows and blankets to slippers and toothbrush sets, making your travel experience truly exceptional across all routes.
Another one on the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins list is Australian airline Qantas. Available on Boeing 787 Dreamliners and retrofitted Airbus A380s, the airline boasts an award-winning, intimate, and private cabin for travellers.
Dedicated check-in counter
Priority boarding and disembarkation access
More space
Dedicated cabin crew
Private cabin between 32-40 seats
Extra legroom and wider seats
Noise-cancelling headphones
Amenity kit on overnight flights
Pièce de résistance - seat recline function
Complimentary sparkling wine
Experience the epitome of comfort with Qantas Premium Economy, a top choice in the "10 Best Premium Economy Cabins." Enjoy a private cabin, dedicated check-in, and priority boarding. The specially designed Dreamliner B787 and A380 seats ensure maximum comfort with a unique recline function (pièce de résistance), allowing your legs and back to be slightly elevated for an unparalleled level of relaxation. Indulge in a refreshed menu by Neil Perry, complimentary sparkling wine, and noise-canceling headphones for in-flight entertainment. Amenities include a stylish kit with an eye mask, dental kit, and socks, accompanied by large cotton pillows and 100% wool blankets for optimum comfort.
The Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific offers Premium Economy Cabins on the A350’s and Boeing 777-300ERs, boasting 20 inches of width and up to 40 inches of pitch, along with length calf rests, leather-padded footrests, and a larger tray table, easily positioning the airline in our 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins.
2-4-2 cabin layout
Calf rests, leather-padded footrests
Mini cocktail table
Priority boarding, dedicated check-in
Generous recline, expanded legroom
Award-winning menu
State-of-the-art inflight entertainment
Eco-friendly amenity kit
Increased baggage allowance
Welcome drink
Cathay Pacific's Premium Economy stands out among the "10 Best Premium Economy Cabins" with its exclusive two-four-two cabin layout, offering spacious seats with up to 20 inches of width and an impressive 40 inches of pitch. Passengers can enjoy full-length calf rests, leather-padded footrests, and a larger tray table, complemented by a separate mini cocktail table for welcome drinks. Prioritising comfort, Premium Economy features generous recline, expanded legroom, and supported headrests, while personalised service includes a welcome drink and attentive cabin crew throughout the journey. The upgraded menu, award-winning wines, and Betsy beer enhance the culinary experience. Stay entertained with a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, and arrive refreshed with an eco-friendly amenity kit. Enjoy smooth travel with dedicated check-in, priority boarding, and an increased baggage allowance.
Available on Boeing 777-300, Boeing 787-8 and Airbus A330-300 aircraft, Air Canada sits in the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins list for offering economy travel like you’ve never experienced before.
Greater recline
Next generation entertainment system
Single-pin audio jack + complimentary earbud headset
Two free checked bags
Priority boarding, check-in and baggage handling
Ambient mood lighting with individual reading light
In-seat power at every seat
Adjustable headrest
Complimentary pillow and blanket
Complimentary CleanCare kit + Amenity kit
Experience Air Canada's Premium Economy, highlighted among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. Offering wider seats (18–20 inches), a deeper recline, a comfortable 96.5 cm (38 inches) seat pitch, and a larger seatback screen on Boeing 777-300, Boeing 787-8, and Airbus A330-300 planes, this elevated offering features power outlets, USB ports, and a 2-3-2 layout for a spacious feel. Savour Chef Jérôme Ferrer's culinary creations on select departures, enjoy priority services, and benefit from the CleanCare+ kit for added comfort. With ambient mood lighting and individual reading lights, Air Canada's premium economy ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey
Scandinavian Airlines renamed their Premium Economy class to be more brand-consistent, so you can find it under SAS Plus. However, whatever you call them, they make the list of the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. SAS ensures that its Premium Economy product is worth paying for by making it available on aircraft A330, A340, and A350.
Seat configuration benefits
Wider seats, extra legroom
Reclining seats, adjustable headrests
Entertainment system on a 12" HD screen
Power outlets and USB ports
Fast Track and SAS Lounge access
Priority boarding
Three-course menu on select routes
Complimentary beverages and snacks during the flight
WiFi for a fee
SAS Plus by Scandinavian Airlines offers an enhanced Premium Economy experience, featured among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. Available on A330, A340, and A350 planes, the cabin boasts comfortable seating in 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 layouts, providing a wider seat and extra legroom for long-haul flights. Passengers enjoy priority services, including check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, and access to SAS lounges in major Nordic hubs. The SAS Plus perks vary by region, offering amenities such as a three-course menu, complimentary beverages, and snacks, along with entertainment on a 12-inch HD screen. With adjustable headrests, power outlets, and USB ports, SAS Plus delivers a premium travel experience with a focus on comfort and service.
LATAM Airlines' Premium Economy, featured among the "10 Best Premium Economy Cabins," delivers a distinctive inflight experience with strategically designed seating and exclusive perks for passengers seeking enhanced comfort and services.
Ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests
Blocked central seat for added space
Dedicated compartment for cabin luggage
Various dining options on international flights
Free LATAM Play content for entertainment
Access to LATAM lounges at select airports
USB outlets at every seat for device charging
Premium check-in and exclusive lounges at select airports
Premium boarding in boarding group 1
Priority baggage for early collection upon arrival
LATAM Airlines' Premium Economy stands out among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins with its unique offerings. The cabin strategically blocks out the middle seats for added comfort and elbow room. Passengers enjoy premium check-in, premium boarding, and access to the VIP airport lounge. The separate premium economy cabin, situated in the first rows of the aircraft, features ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests and a blocked central seat for a distinctive experience. Onboard perks include a dedicated compartment for cabin luggage, exclusive restrooms, and various dining options. Passengers can stay entertained with free LATAM Play content, including movies, TV hits, and music. The airport experience is elevated with access to LATAM lounges at select airports, premium check-in, and priority boarding. Additionally, the Premium Economy cabin offers priority baggage, ensuring passengers are among the first to collect their belongings upon arrival.
These Premium Economy Cabins epitomise the ideal "business class lite" experience, with anything from better meals, elevated cocktails, and roomier seats to upgraded amenities like dedicated check-in and ample storage space. If you're ready to take your travel experience to the next level, speak to our airfare specialists about your travel plans. Allow us to curate your premium economy experience, ensuring you embark on a journey that seamlessly blends luxury and value. Your next adventure awaits, and we're here to help you make it unforgettable! Get in touch with an airfare specialist today.