More than 30 years since EVA Air brought us the first premium economy cabin, there are few long-haul carriers who have not yet joined the party.
EVA introduced the concept in 1991, followed by Virgin Atlantic a year later. The decades that followed saw some carriers embrace the concept of a separate cabin with extra legroom and upgraded meals, whilst others tried to stem the tide by just offering sections in the main cabin with more space but no extra perks.
Today, the latter approach doesn’t really cut it, although it remains as an option on some carriers. United Airlines, for example, introduced a separate Premium Plus class in 2018, but has retained its Economy Plus extra legroom option in the main cabin.
US carriers in particular have upgraded service levels hugely in the last decade, with premium economy being a major part of this, bridging the often large price difference between economy and business class. It has been a welcome addition on transatlantic flights, with many corporates viewing the extra cost of a business class fare on the outbound daytime leg as prohibitive compared with the benefits it provides.
We often get asked whether it’s worth the money to upgrade from economy, especially if travelling for leisure. Broadly speaking, the benefits are generally worth the additional money if you value additional space and an improved meal/snacks. We often recommend premium economy for our frequent fliers travelling with their family on holiday or couples wanting to make their trip extra special but don’t have the budget for business class.
You can expect a standard 38-inch seat pitch – about 7 inches’ more legroom than in most economy cabins. Seats are generally 2 to 3 inches wider and will have a leg rest and increased recline. Two things to check are the luggage allowance and the in-flight service, as these will differ amongst carriers – be sure to examine the small print to see exactly what you are buying. Don’t expect lounge access; if you must have it, book from a generic lounge provider or use your frequent flier scheme status.
Whether it’s for business or leisure, if you decide premium economy is for you, here are some of the best and latest options.
Emirates
Emirates put its long-awaited premium economy cabin on sale in June 2022. The new cabin boasts a pitch of up to 40 inches and an 8-inch recline. Notable features include large 13” TVs and décor similar to the business cabin. Meals are served on china crockery and include premium wines. Passengers also enjoy a dedicated check-in.
Airbus A380s have 56 seats in a 2-4-2 layout, while Boeing 777s have 24 seats. The cabin is being progressively retrofitted to the fleet and to date is found on three of the carrier’s daily Heathrow services. All Sydney services now offer the cabin, while it now features on some Singapore flights.
Emirates remains your only premium economy option among the major Middle East carriers. Rival Etihad is sticking with Economy Space, an extra legroom economy product, while Qatar Airways says its main cabin is so good it doesn’t need premium economy.
KLM
KLM was another carrier late to the premium economy market, making its debut in Summer 2022.
Premium Comfort Class follows the standard format of a 38-inch seat pitch with a separate cabin of 21 to 28 seats depending on aircraft type. The layout on the Boeing 777 is 2-4-2. Premium Comfort has wider seats, a larger TV screen and a footrest. Seats also have greater recline than economy.
The cabin offers upgraded catering, with one or two hot meals served on long-haul routes. A variety of snacks and cocktails are served between meals, mainly selected from those popular in World Business Class.
Air France
KLM’s sister brand began upgrading premium cabins in early 2023, starting with Boeing 777-300ERs. Latest Premium Economy cabins on these aircraft feature 48 seats of the new recliner type already available on Airbus A350s.
Seats feature the standard 38 inches of pitch but are wider than previous versions and have a recline of 124 degrees. A new noise-reducing audio headset is integrated into the seat which also features USB A and C ports.
British Airways
British Airways bought into the premium economy idea a long time ago. Combined with its impressive network and Avios Executive Club, it’s a great option if you want to use Avios to upgrade.
British Airways World Traveller Plus offers premium economy customers a three-course meal with options from the business class menu, served on china plates with linen napkins. Plus, on selected flights, you can choose your main meal from the onboard menu between 30 days and 24 hours before your flight, which ensures you’ll get your first choice.
Seats have a pitch of 38” and are 18.5” wide, which is on the smaller side compared to other airlines we have reviewed. Customers have a 10.6” touchscreen entertainment system with personal in-seat power plus two USB sockets. Included are a blanket, hot towel service and amenity kit. An increased luggage allowance of two checked bags, each a maximum of 23 kg (51lb), is included.
Noticeably, World Traveller Plus customers don’t have any additional benefits at check-in or security. With BA’s group boarding system, unless you have a high Executive Club status, you will be in boarding Group 3 (with Group 1 being the first to board), ahead of economy customers.
Norse Atlantic Airways
Norse took over budget transatlantic flights where Norwegian left off, even using its former Boeing 787s. Norse has retained Norwegian’s cabin layout, with a Premium cabin that offers a huge 46-inch pitch, so if you need to stretch long legs on a budget, this could be for you.
The cabin of 56 seats is in a 2-3-2 layout and the cheapest fare category, Premium Light, is for those with hand luggage only (a small under seat bag plus a 10kg carry-on). Two other fares, Classic and Flextra, offer more luggage and flexibility, but none include lounge access.
Passengers are offered two premium meals from a separate menu to economy customers (dinner and a light breakfast) plus drinks, however, additional snacks are not included.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines’ leather seats were designed with UK firm James Park Associates, with inspiration coming from luxury handbags. They have a width of 18.5-19.5”, seat pitch of 38”, an 8” recline, a calf and footrest, plus a headrest with ‘wings’.
Customers can select from an onboard menu as well as from the Premium Economy ‘Book the Cook’ meal pre-order service. All drinks and snacks are complimentary, and passengers have a choice of the economy drinks bar as well as Champagne.
At the airport, customers benefit from priority check-in, bag tagging and priority boarding. The baggage allowance is 35kg, an increase in the standard economy allowance. Most other airlines offer two bags at 23kg each – worth noting if luggage allowance is important to you – but PPS Club, Star Alliance Gold and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members get an extra allowance of 55-70kg.
Virgin Atlantic
As well as a 38” seat pitch and footrest, Virgin offers the widest seat at an impressive 21 inches. It also offers a dedicated cabin and crew, so you should get a lot more attention than in economy.
Service includes an enhanced menu served on china plates with stainless steel cutlery, plus passengers are offered sparkling wine on boarding. Newer 787s feature a ‘Wander Wall’ near the galley where you can go and help yourself to snacks and drinks whenever you want to.
At the airport, you’ll benefit from dedicated check-in desks, an additional baggage allowance (two checked-in bags up to 23kg each) and priority boarding after Upper-Class customers.
TUI Airways
Yes, even charter airline TUI offer a premium cabin experience on its Boeing 787s. It doesn’t have all the perks most of the scheduled airlines offer but prices can be very competitive and if you are flying long-haul with your family, it could be a good option to get a bit more room and access to a UK lounge before the flight.
At the airport, you’ll also get fast-track through security but there is no additional luggage allowance.
Onboard you’ll get a 38-inch seat pitch, more of a recline than in economy, a four-course meal and complimentary drinks (except Champagne). The other big benefit is that you can pre-book your seats online so you can choose where you sit and ensure you are all together. There are also amenity kits and noise-reducing headphones. In a nutshell, expect all the things you used to get when flying in economy on a scheduled airline, but with more legroom.
