27 Best Premium Economy Airline Cabins (2023)

Premium Economy was first introduced in 1991 - by EVA Air - and was soon adopted by most of the world's major airlines. It was created as a bridge between economy and Business Class. It offers passengers better perks, points and legroom than economy and is ideal for cost-conscious passengers - especially families - on longer haul routes.

Over time, as airlines drop First Class, Premium Economy has become the "middle” cabin and has taken on greater importance. Better cuisine, inflight entertainment and enhanced amenity kits are being offered - making it a much more luxurious experience than in the past. You still will not have use of a dedicated lounge or amazing suites that are available only to First and Business Class passengers but speedier boarding always helps!

The BusinessClass.com guide to 27 airlines with great Premium Economy cabins:

Air Canada

Premium Economy passengers are fast-tracked through hub airports and are allowed to check in two bags at 23 kilograms each. Once on board, you are offered a hot towel and welcome soft-drink. This is followed up by a choice of wine, beer, or spirits – along with an upgraded hot meal served on proper tableware with appropriate glassware. The inflight entertainment screen is 28 centimetres (11 inches) on the Boeing B787-8, 26 cm (10.4 inches) on the Boeing B777-300ER and 23 cm (8.9 inches) on the Airbus A330. All seats come equipped with USB port for charging, along with in-seat power. Adjustable headrest, a comfortable pillow and blanket makes it easier to rest, and a Clean Care+ kit containing mask, hand sanitiser and antiseptic wipes is provided along with an amenity kit when flying internationally.

Seat Width: 50.8 cm / 20 inches (B777-300ER); 49.5 cm / 19.5 inches (B787-8); 45.7cm / 18 inches (A330)

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Recline: 18 cm / 7 inches

Air France

Premium Economy passengers flying on Air France can use Sky Priority channels in the airport, gain lounge access for a fee (unavailable for Economy passengers), priority boarding before the Economy queue, and get checked luggage quicker on arrival.

Air France states that its Premium Economy seat is 40% more spacious than in Economy, due to the fixed-shell design – meaning that you will not encroach on the leg-space of the person sitting behind you when reclining. Premium Economy passengers are provided with travel kits, and there are well-designed grooves in the tray table to rest your tablet on, and you also get a 30.5 cm (12-inch) built-in screen. The seat is available on all its long-haul, wide-body aircraft: A330, A350, B777 and B787.

Width: 48 cm / 19 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Recline: 130 degrees

Air New Zealand

In somewhat of a backward step, Air New Zealand’s innovative Spaceseat (the name of its Premium Economy seat) – installed on the B777-300ER – was replaced with a more conventional Premium Economy seat in 2017. This seat has now been standardised across the airline’s fleet of B787-9, B777-200 and B777-300ER planes, which either comes with a 2-3-2 (B787-9) or 2-4-2 (B777-200/300ER) configuration.

Passengers flying Premium Economy receives priority check-in, baggage-handling and boarding, and onboard amenity kits, meals and drinks – including a selection of wines from New Zealand.

Width: 49 cm / 19.3 inches

Legroom: 104 cm / 41 inches

Recline: 23 cm / 9 inches

American Airlines

American Airlines launched its first Premium Economy product in 2017 on its B787-9s and B777-200s. The product has since then been installed on its entire B777 and B787 fleets.

Included in the price is priority check-in, security, boarding and luggage, as well as “chef-inspired” meals and alcohol. Passengers can take advantage of spacious black leather seats, noise-reducing headphones, USB-ports and amenity kits.

Width: 48 cm / 19 inches (B777-300ER & B787-9); 47 cm / 18.5 inches (B777-200 & B787-8)

Legroom: 96.5cm / 38 inches

Recline: 12-15 cm / 4.7-6 inches

ANA

Premium Economy passengers on the airline’s international flights can access “ANA lounges” at Haneda airport, Narita airport, Kansai airport and Honolulu airport. ANA has two different types of Premium Economy seating, with the first being on the B787-8, B787-9 and select B777-300ER aircraft, and the second being on the A380, B787-10 and B777-300ER – with the new 212 seat configuration.

The first configuration of Premium Economy is in its own 2-4-2 cabin. Legroom is amply more than Economy – while the seat is 10% wider. On the second configuration, the seatback touchscreen is 39 cm (15.6 inches), and in a 3-3-3 configuration.

Each seat has a leg-rest, foot-rest, touchscreen, power outlet, USB port and connection for Apple devices, plus a reading light at shoulder height. Free sparkling wine is served, while desserts are from the business class menu. Also on offer are ANA special edition wines.

Width: 47-49 cm / 18.5-19.3 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38.5 inches

Recline: 21-24.5 degrees

Austrian Airlines

Austrian’s B777-200 hold a total of 24 Premium Economy seats configured 2-4-2, while B767-300ER contain 30 seats (expanded from 18) configured 2-2-2. Along with 96.5 cm (38 inches) of legroom, passengers can enjoy a footrest, 30.5 cm (12-inch) TV screen, individual power outlets and USB ports.

Premium Economy also allows passengers to check in two bags of 23 kg per person and the menu provides a choice of three inflight main courses. An amenity kit including ear plugs, socks and other necessities is also provided.

Width: 48 cm / 19 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Recline: 40 degrees

British Airways

BA’s World Traveller Plus cabin (the name of its Premium Economy class) comes in two forms, with a more modern product found on the B787, A380 and select B777s and an older one on the rest of its long-haul fleet. The pitch is 18 cm (7 inches) more than in Economy and the seat is 2.5 cm (1 inch) wider.

Upholstered in navy padded fabric, the newer seat has a footrest, a headrest with wings and a 26.5 cm (10.5-inch) touchscreen that can be controlled by a personal handset. Noise-cancelling headphones and an amenity kit with socks, an eye mask, ear plugs and toothbrush/toothpaste are provided.

Width: 47 cm / 18.5 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Recline: 18-20 cm / 7-8 inches

Brussels Airlines

The airline’s A330s have a Premium Economy cabin with 21 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. Passengers also have a 34 cm (13.3-inch) screen, large table with power and USB ports, and an “upgraded culinary experience” including a snack of ice cream.

Passengers flying Brussels Airlines Premium Economy received priority check-in, and can check two bags at 23 kg each, and get lounge access for a fee (unavailable to Economy passengers).

Width: 47 cm / 18.5 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Recline: 40 degrees

Cathay Pacific

Premium Economy seats are equipped with a full-length legrest, leather-padded footrests, a retractable armrest that can be adjusted and a headrest. The seat reclines by 23 cm (9 inches) and have an expanded seat pitch of 101.5 cm (40 inches). Seats include a dimmable personal reading light, slide-out cocktail table, larger meal table, in-seat power outlet and an amenity storage. The Premium Economy cabin houses 28 seats, in a 2-4-2 configuration. Champagne is included, and meals are “light and healthy.” Larger tray tables make working easier, while its inflight entertainment touchscreens come with noise-cancelling headphones. Amenity kits are also handed out.

Width: 47-49 cm / 18.5-19.5 inches

Legroom: 96.5-101.5 cm / 38-40 inches

Recline: 20-23 cm / 8-9 inches

China Airlines

The Taiwanese carrier offers eight rows of Premium Economy in a 2-4-2 layout on its B777-300ER aircraft. The fixed-back shell seat features a legrest, a 30.7 cm (12.1-inch) touchscreen, a water bottle holder, a drinks holder and a USB port. An amenity kit is offered on long-haul flights.

Designed by Ray Chen, a Chinese aesthetic is imposed throughout the aircraft, with the Premium Economy cabin featuring walls lined with a wood texturing effect.

Width: 48 cm / 19 inches

Legroom: 99 cm / 39 inches

Recline: 118 degrees

Delta

Delta calls its Premium Economy for Premium Select, and has it on its A350, A330 and B767 aircraft. The sear is wider than Economy, with an adjustable footrest and legrest, 34 cm (13.3-inch) seatback screens and the ability to watch the Delta Studio content on personal devices, and individual power ports. Also provided is an upgraded amenity kit, noise-cancelling headphones, a blanket made from recycled materials and a memory foam pillow to help passengers arrive rested and refreshed. Free Starbucks coffee is available, along with snacks and complimentary beverages including beer, wine, cocktails and spirits. Premium Select travellers also qualify for Sky Priority security, boarding and bag delivery at destination.

Width: 48 cm / 19 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Recline: 18 cm / 7 inches

El Al

Israeli carrier El Al took delivery of the first of 16 B787 Dreamliner aircraft back in 2017, featuring a new Premium Economy seat configured in a 2-3-2 layout and offering 96.5 cm (38 inches) of seat pitch, a footrest and multi-position adjustable headrest.

The seat also features a larger inflight entertainment screen compared to Economy, as well as power and USB ports. The airline’s Premium Economy cabin has subsequently been installed on selected B777-200ERs, at the expense of the aircraft’s First Class seating.

Width: 49 cm / 19.3 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Recline: Undisclosed

Emirates

The new Premium Economy cabin on the Emirate A380s is located at the front of the main deck of the superjumbo, with a total of 56 seats in a 2-4-2 layout. Three toilets have been dedicated to the new cabin. Features include up to 101.6 cm (40 inches) of seat pitch, 50 cm (19.5 inches) of seat width, 20 cm (8 inches) of recline and a 34 cm (13.3-inch) inflight entertainment screen.

There is in-seat charging, a wide fold-out dining table and a side cocktail table. The seat is upholstered in “cream-coloured anti-stain leather with stitching details and a wood panel finishing similar to business class,” and features a six-way adjustable headrest, a calf-rest and a footrest.

Premium Economy is currently only available on select Emirates flights to and from London Heathrow, Paris CDG and Sydney, and will be progressively rolled out to more destinations such as New York JFK, Auckland, Melbourne, San Francisco and Singapore by March 2023.

Emirates is in the midst of what it is calling the “largest fleet retrofit” project, with a total of 120 aircraft being retrofitted, starting with the carrier’s A380 superjumbos before moving onto its B777 fleet. All retrofitted aircraft will feature Premium Economy, with the project set to be completed in 2025.

Width: 49.5 cm / 19.3 inches

Legroom: up to 102 cm / 40 inches

Recline: 20 cm / 8 inches

EVA Air

The Taiwanese airline was one of the first carriers to offer Premium Economy (branded Elite Class). The product is available on the carrier’s fleet of B777-300ERs, and offers USB ports, plug sockets, mood lighting and 28 cm (11-inch) LCD touchscreens.

Toiletries by French brand Payot are provided that contain moisturising cream, lip balm, socks, comb, earplugs and sleep mask, along with pillow and blanket sets in order to ensure a comfortable journey. A choice of wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks are on offer, with meals served on proper tableware.

Width: 49.5 cm / 19.3 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Recline: 20 cm / 8 inches

Finnair

Finnair’s new Premium Economy seating is by Haeco Cabin Solutions, and the carrier is the launch customer of its ‘Vector Premium’ seat, customised by Finnair and created in partnership with interior design specialist Tangerine.

Premium Economy is in a cabin of 26 seats immediately behind the rear business class cabin. The seat has a 96.5 cm (38-inch) legroom, a stowage area for laptops and small personal items, memory foam cushions, a 20 cm (8-inch) recline, legrest, six-way headrest and an inflight entertainment station through a 33 cm (13-inch) touchscreen. There is a single leaf meal tray for work and dining, individual reading lights, power and USB ports.

On long-haul flights, Premium Economy passengers are offered two meal services as well as a selection of drinks throughout the flight. A three-course meal will be served on tableware designed for the airline by Finnish designer Harri Koskinen and Iittala, with a light meal service before landing.

The textiles covering the seats are by the well-known Finnish design house Marimekko, which also styled the amenity kit with its L:A Bruket toiletries. The neck pillow and blanket are designed specifically for the new Premium Economy seat.

Width: 45.7 cm / 18 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Recline: 20 cm / 8 inches

Iberia

Iberia’s Premium Economy offers an increased seat width of 11.6% from Economy, a seat pitch of 93 cm (36.7 inches), 40% more recline compared to Economy, and a larger inflight entertainment screen.

Passengers benefit from priority check-in and boarding, a larger luggage allowance, an upgraded meal service, an amenity kit and noise-cancelling headphones. The product is being fitted on 37 of the carrier’s A330-300, A340-600 and A350-900 aircrafts, with a layout of 2-3-2 on A330-300 and A340-600, and 2-4-2 on the A350-900.

Width: 44-47 cm / 17-18.5 inches

Legroom: 93 cm / 37 inches

Recline: 20 cm / 8 inches

ITA Airways

ITA Airways uses the old Alitalia fleet on many of its long-haul routes, and the seating is inherited from the now-defunct airline. The Premium Economy product was launched back in 2010, originally branded as Classica Plus, and the cabin is configured in a 2-3-2 layout.

Benefits include a separate cabin with 17 seats with a recline of 120 degrees and up to 40% more legroom compared to Economy; baggage allowance of two items weighing 23 kg; dedicated check-in desks and priority boarding; a night kit with blanket and pillow.

Width: 50 cm / 20 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 39 inches

Recline: 120 degrees

Japan Airlines

JAL’s Sky Premium fixed-shell seats (the airline’s name for its Premium Economy product) emphasise functionality and privacy, and offers a generous 106.5 cm (42 inches) of pitch, a legrest, a headrest with wings, a privacy divider at head height and in-seat power. The seat in front of you does not recline backwards, encroaching on your space.

The food in Premium Economy is made in collaboration with up-and-coming young chefs that offers both Western and Japanese cuisine. A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is on offer – including Japanese Shochu. Another significant perk is having lounge access at the carrier’s lounges at Tokyo Haneda and Narita, as well as London Heathrow.

Width: 48 cm / 19 inches

Legroom: 106.5 cm / 42 inches

Recline: Undisclosed

KLM

The Dutch flag carrier unveiled its long-awaited Premium Economy seating (branded Premium Comfort) in May 2022, and the first flight featuring the new cabin was between Amsterdam Schiphol and New York JFK in September.

The carrier plans to fit the seat to its B787-10, B787-9, B777-200 and B777-300ER aircrafts, with the number of seats in the cabin dependent on the aircraft type.

The new seat offers more legroom than standard Economy and up to 20 cm (8-inch) recline, as well as moveable legrests and footrests, in-seat power and a 33 cm (13-inch) inflight entertainment screen.

Width: 47 cm / 18.5 inches

Legroom: 89 cm / 35 inches

Recline: 20 cm / 8 inches

Lufthansa

Although Lufthansa’s Premium Economy seats is not in a separate cabin but, depending on the aircraft, is up to an inch wider than in Economy, with about 4 inches more room at the side thanks to a wider armrest and centre console. Seats have adjustable footrests, power sockets, a USB port, an inflight entertainment screen and a small stowage area. There is no priority boarding or check-in but select lounges can be accessed for a fee. Once onboard, a “fruity” welcome drink is offered.

Lufthansa is currently upgrading the seat with German manufacturer Zim confirmed as the new supplier for its B747-8 jumbo aircraft. The Zim Privacy seat (officially known as Zim PC-02) will be fitted to the carrier’s 19 B747-8s, as well as new A350 and B787-9s as they are delivered. Lufthansa had originally planned to launch the new seat on its delayed B777-9 aircraft. The fixed-shell seat features an integrated privacy shield, as well as adjustable armrests, a cocktail table, single piece metal table, personal reading light and “extra-large inflight entertainment screen.” It is an upgrade on the Zim Magic seat, with which Lufthansa launched back in 2014.

Width: 45.5-48 cm / 18-19 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 39 inches

Recline: 40 degrees

Qantas

The Australian national carrier has a new Premium Economy seat on its B787s. Smartly upholstered in charcoal grey with touches of “burnt caramel”, the seat reclines into a Z shape with a hammock to support your feet, while a thick pillow slots on the fixed-wing headrest to cushion you as you sleep. Seatbacks are fitted with 34 cm (13.5-inch) inflight entertainment screens, plus slots for your tablet. There are USB ports and pods for storing water bottles.

Passengers flying Premium Economy can use a dedicated counter during check-in, along with priority boarding. Dining service is served on stylish David Caon tableware, and the menu designed by chef Neil Perry. Amenity kit by Napoleon Perdis helps you stay refreshed, and contains eye mask, dental kit and socks.

Width: 49.5 cm / 19.5 inches

Legroom: 96.5-107 cm / 39-42 inches

Recline: 23 cm / 9 inches

SAS

SAS calls its Premium Economy SAS Plus. On flights within Europe, the seat is identical to Economy (called SAS Go), but to and from Asia, Canada and the US you get a wider seat and extra legroom. The seat configuration in the cabin is 2-3-2 as opposed to 2-4-2 in Economy on the A330, and 2-4-2 as opposed to 3-3-3 on the A350.

A three-course meal is served on proper tableware, with a wider selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. There is a power outlet and USB port, adjustable headrest and 30.5 cm (12-inch) inflight entertainment screen in HD, and Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Width: 46.4 cm / 18 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 39 inches

Recline: Undisclosed

Singapore Airlines

Configured in a 2-4-2 layout, SIA’s new Premium Economy seat has slots at the base of the central armrest for water bottles, cup holders above, calf and footrests that fold out, two USB ports in each seat, and 34 cm (13.3-inch) HD monitors.

Premium Economy passengers may order from the carrier’s signature ‘Book the Cook’ dishes up to 24 hours before the flight, or select from three meal choices onboard. Champagne is complimentary, and fast-track check-in, boarding and baggage handling are rolled in as well.

Width: 47-49.5 cm / 18.5-19.5 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 39 inches

Recline: 20 cm / 8 inches

SWISS

Lufthansa Group carrier Swiss is upgrading Premium Economy by fitting Zim Privacy seats to its fleet of 12 B777-300ERs, and on 9 of its A330 aircraft as well as its A340s. The Zim Privacy seat is a fixed-shell seat with an integrated privacy shield, as well as adjustable armrests, cocktail table, single-piece metal table, personal reading light and “extra-large inflight entertainment screen.”

A refreshing, non-alcoholic drink is offered to welcome you on board. The drink is made from Swiss-grown elderberries and leaves a pleasant tingling sensation on the tongue to set the stage for a perfect flight. You can enjoy an aperitivo and choose from three hot main courses served on proper tableware. Amenity kits are provided and passengers can check in 2 x 23 kg of luggage.

Width: 45.5-48 cm / 18-19 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 39 inches

Recline: 40 degrees

United Airlines

United’s Premium Economy product – called Premium Plus, offers passengers noise-reducing headphones, a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow, and an amenity kit. The cabin is closer to the front of the plane, giving you more legroom, elbow room and room to recline. Each seat has its own power outlet and USB charger, and a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along hot meals, snacks and desserts is offered. Passengers are eligible to check-in two standard checked bags, and have priority boarding and can purchase discounted passes to the airline’s own lounges called United Club.

Premium Plus is fitted on B777-200 aircraft that serve long-haul destinations, B777-300ER, the entire B787 fleet as well as the B767 fleet. The layout on the B777-200 and B777-300ER is in a 2-4-2 configuration, whereas a 2-3-2 layout is found on the B787-10 and a 2-2-2 layout on the B767-300ER.

Width: 48 cm / 19 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 39 inches

Recline: 17 cm / 7 inches

Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines offers Premium Economy both on the B787-9 and A350 aircraft, with slight variations in seat dimensions. Both aircraft include 27 cm (10.6-inch) inflight entertainment screens and spacious luggage compartments. Premium Economy passengers can take advantage of priority check-in and amenities including pillows, blankets and toiletries.

Premium Economy offers an extensive menu of Vietnamese delicacies and popular world cuisine. The carefully curated menus inspired by some of the world’s greatest culinary art and are coupled with a complimentary selection of soft drinks and Premium spirits.

Width: 46-48 cm / 18-19 inches

Legroom: 96.5-107 cm / 39-42 inches

Recline: 18-20 cm / 7-8 inches

Virgin Atlantic

One of the originators of Premium Economy, Virgin’s product is now called Premium. The seat has 26.5 cm (10.5-inch) touchscreens and broad central armrests with a flat section for drinks. Passengers either have footrests or a supportive ottoman cushion behind the bulkhead. Upon boarding, a glass of Prosecco and a newspaper is offered and, later, a choice of post-prandial liqueurs. Amenity kits are provided on night flights.

On its new A330 neo aircraft, there will be 46 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout with 96.5 cm (39 inches) pitch and a 34 cm (13.3-inch) touchscreen inflight entertainment with Bluetooth audio. The airline is also offering its Premium customers an in-seat wireless charging pad.

Width: 53 cm / 21 inches

Legroom: 96.5 cm / 39 inches

Recline: 20 cm / 8 inches

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