Premium Economy Showdown: Which Airlines Offer the Best Value?

As passengers returned to fly after the pandemic, they came with new expectations: for comfort, personal space, and—why not?—a touch of luxury. While the most affluent have plumped for business class seats, easily replacing corporate travelers whose meetings have been rescheduled online, those on tighter budgets have flocked to premium economy on long-haul flights.

Located at the sweet spot between affordability and luxury, premium economy cabins are booming. But which premium economy cabins are worth the ticket premium?

Below, we explore the world’s most spacious premium economy seats and run down the other perks you can expect onboard.

Japan Airlines (JAL)

Tokyo is known for its jam-packed metro, with commuters pressed cheek-to-cheek. But Japanese flag carrier JAL gives its travelers room to breathe. Its economy cabins have the most legroom of any in the world: 33-34 inches of pitch (the best measure of legroom) on all wide-body planes.

Photo: Courtesy of Japan Airlines

Its premium economy seats are even more spacious, with an industry-leading 42 inches of pitch on nearly all planes and ample widths of between 19 and 19.5 inches.

In JAL’s newest cabins, aboard its brand-new Airbus A350, the seats come with privacy dividers and motorized leg rests.

Photo: Courtesy of Japan Airlines

The winner of Skytrax’s Best Premium Economy Class award in 2024, JAL’s service also offers elevated in-flight amenities, including slippers, noise-canceling headphones, and huge 16-inch entertainment screens.

The meals in premium economy are basically the same as in economy—which is excellent, per JAL’s standards.’

Photo: Courtesy of Japan Airlines

Premium economy passengers can also access exclusive snacks, including cup noodles and ice cream, and dedicated crew members pop the cork on sparkling wine in the cabin.

On the ground, ticket holders will find dedicated check-in lines and priority checked baggage. They can even enjoy JAL’s Sakura lounges—a rare perk for premium economy.

EVA Air

Taiwan’s EVA Air pioneered premium economy class in 1992 and, over 30 years later, is once again leading the pack with its latest premium economy cabins, debuting in early 2025.

The new seats offer a massive 42 inches of pitch, equaling JAL. Much like JAL, the seats have a ‘cradle-motion mechanism,’ sliding forward as they recline up to 8 inches, and privacy wings, so you don’t infringe on the personal space of your neighbors.

Photo: Courtesy of EVA Air

The seats are debuting on EVA’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and will be rolled out on the Airbus A350s it’s set to receive in 2027.

EVA also offers an older premium economy product on its flagship 777-300ER fleet, where seats have a perfectly respectable 38 inches of pitch.

Photo: Courtesy of EVA Air

The Taiwanese carrier won the bronze in Skytrax’s ranking of the best premium economy products with these slightly more tightly packed seats, so you shouldn’t be too disappointed to encounter them.

Photo: Courtesy of EVA Air

EVA Air also treats premium economy travelers to an exclusive menu and business-class-style amenity kits, including travel-sized toiletries, noise-canceling headphones, and 15.6-inch seatback screens.

Air New Zealand

All premium economy seats on the Kiwi flag carrier have 41 to 42 inches of pitch and 19-20 inches of width—roomy enough for even those marathon journeys to the edge of the world.

Photo: Premium Economy. Courtesy of Air New Zealand.

In Air New Zealand‘s premium economy mini cabin, you’ll also find elevated meals served on china and beverages in glassware, thicker pillows and blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and amenity kits with products from New Zealand’s homegrown Aotea skincare line.

Photo: Premium Economy, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy of Air New Zealand.

On the ground, premium economy passengers will find their journey through the airport smoothed with priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, as well as additional baggage allowances of up to two checked bags and two carry-ons.

Emirates

It may surprise you that Emirates only introduced premium economy cabins in late 2020, considering the luxurious experience they offer.

Named the second-best premium economy product in the world by Skytrax in 2024, these cabins feature plush cream leather seats paired with elegant walnut-finished cocktail side tables, along with foot and calf rests.

Photo: The newly refurbished Premium Economy onboard the Airbus A380. Courtesy of Emirates.

The seats are spacious, boasting a 40-inch pitch, 19.5-inch width, and 8-inch recline.

You’ll also find perks that aren’t even standard in business class cabins from some competitors, including pre-departure champagne, warm towels, and electric window shades.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

The elevated menu is served on Royal Doulton, china and, with complimentary wine, and if you’re celebrating, you can arrange for Emirates to fete you with cake and champagne for a fee of $43.

Photo: Airbus A350-900 Premium Economy. Courtesy of Emirates

To fly in Emirates’ new Premium Economy, you’ll need to check the specific destinations where the airline offers this service. The Premium Economy cabin is available on select Boeing 777-300ERs, Airbus A380s, and the newly delivered Airbus A350-900s. This new cabin is receiving outstanding reviews globally.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific has been setting standards for premium economy cabins since it introduced them in 2012. The seats are all between 19.3 and 20 inches wide, and while they have a pretty standard 38 inches of pitch on some aircraft, if you’re lucky enough to end up on Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350s, you’ll find 40 inches of pitch.

Photo: Premium Economy, Airbus A350. Courtesy of Cathay Pacific

With the elevated calf rest and padded leather footrest, that’s enough space to stretch out. You’ll almost think you’re in an old-school business-class seat, before the dawn of the suites and lie-flat beds.

Cathay’s premium economy menu has been curated alongside the airline’s Michelin-starred dining partner, incorporating Chinese and international dishes and served on china. Passengers also benefit from an additional complimentary checked bag and priority services at the airport.

Qantas

Aussie flag carrier Qantas also offers a positively airy 40 inches of pitch on premium economy seats on its Airbus A350s.

Headrests with 8-inch wings provide a bit of privacy, and calf rests cradle the body, lulling you to sleep on those record-setting flights Down Under—under 100 percent wool blankets, another perk of the ticket.

Photo: Premium Economy, Airbus A350-1000. Courtesy of Qantas

Other aircraft offer 38 inches of pitch and seat widths up to an industry-leading 20.5 inches.

The seats are in a private cabin with a dedicated flight crew, who greet passengers with a welcoming glass of Australian sparkling wine before handing out complimentary noise-canceling headphones and amenity kits on select flights.

Photo: Premium Economy, Airbus A350-1000. Courtesy of Qantas

Meals are elevated and served on chic tableware. Passengers use a dedicated check-in counter and benefit from priority boarding and disembarkation.

China Airlines

Not to be outdone by fellow Taiwanese carrier EVA Air, China Airlines offers premium economy seats 20 inches wide, with 39 inches of pitch. With the carrier’s signature mood lighting and the slippers found at your seat, you’ll be drifting away in no time.

Photo: Courtesy of China Airlines

But make sure you wake up for the food, which is more refined and generously-portioned than in economy.

Photo: Courtesy of China Airlines

China Airlines also offers one of the cheapest premium economy tickets across the Pacific, with roundtrips between the West Coast and Taipei costing as little as $1,550.

Virgin Atlantic

Premium economy seats on some Virgin Atlantic aircraft are the absolute widest in the class, at 21 inches. Others are a slightly cramped 17.5 inches, but let’s assume you’ve got lucky.

Photo: Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic

You’ll also find a great 38 inches of pitch between the rows, enough that your legs shouldn’t be ramming into the back of the seat ahead of you.

Other perks are more consistent across planes: pre-departure bubbly, amenity kits, and meals that seem to be lifted right off the menu of a London restaurant.

Photo: Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic

The cabin has a “Wander Wall,” a selection of snacks that can be grabbed at any time should you feel peckish between meals. You’re also entitled to two free checked bags.

The prices are also mind-blowing, provided you’re starting your journey in the UK. Roundtrip tickets between London and New York are available for as little as $1,000—the cheapest premium economy transatlantic flight we’ve seen—but the reverse will cost you double.

Singapore Airlines

From the impeccable customer service of its sarong kebaya-clad cabin crew to its generous baggage allowance, Singapore Airlines is known for its passenger experience.

Photo: Premium Economy seat. Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

Does its premium economy stack up? With 38 inches of pitch and a width of 19.5 inches, the seats are roomy but not the most spacious in the skies.

However, Singapore Airlines more than makes up for that with the extras, especially following its 2024 rethink of the travel class.

Premium economy passengers are now feted with champagne and even better gourmet meals, designed to taste good at altitude and served on grey porcelain.

Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

If they plan ahead, travelers can also pre-order dishes off a 20-item menu through the airline’s “Book a Cook” service.

On long-haul flights, self-care amenity kits are available upon request, and passengers enjoy priority treatment from check-in to baggage pickup.

ITA Airways

The Premium Economy cabin onboard ITA Airways’ newest planes—the Airbus A350-900 and A330neo—is a class above, offering an experience that rivals some business class products.

Photo: Premium Economy seat, ITA Airways, Airbus A330neo. Courtesy of ITA Airways.

From the moment you settle into your seat, the difference is striking. Generous legroom, deep recline, and a thoughtfully designed footrest create a cocoon of comfort, making long-haul travel a pleasure rather than a chore. The extendable and tiltable headrest adds an extra layer of support, ensuring a restful journey.

The in-flight entertainment system is among the best in the industry, boasting an impressive 17-inch 4K touchscreen—larger and crisper than those on Air France, KLM, or British Airways.

Photo: ITA Airways, Airbus A330-900neo. Courtesy of ITA Airways.

Bluetooth connectivity allows seamless pairing with personal headphones, while power outlets and USB ports ensure your devices stay charged.

Storage is abundant, with oversized hatboxes and well-placed compartments. Traditional Italian dining is, of course, another highlight, culminating in an authentic Italian espresso and a refreshing limoncello.

ITA Airways, the Lufthansa Group’s newest member, has redefined premium economy, making it a worthwhile splurge for those seeking superior comfort and service.

Air France

Air France previously had a much-maligned premium economy product, which used fixed shell seats that didn’t recline but rather slid down and forward.

To dispel those bad memories, Air France has rebranded the cabin simply “Premium” and is in the process of rolling out larger, reclining seats across its fleet.

Photo: Courtesy of Air France

The new seats are 19 inches wide, with a respectable 38 inches of pitch. That’s slightly less than the 40 inches some of those old fixed shell seats offered, but the new seats are such an upgrade that we’re giving Air France a nod anyway.

The French flag carrier treats its premium economy travelers to French haute culture, including Michelin-starred meals, treats straight from a Parisian pâtisserie, and a flying cellar of champagne and wine.

Photo: Courtesy of Air France

Of course, because it’s Air France, they’re also popping corks back in economy, but that doesn’t make it any less special.

Other perks in Premium include fleece blankets and plush pillows, amenity kits, adjustable reading lamps, priority airport services, and more baggage.

Air Canada

Like many airlines with a diverse fleet, Air Canada offers various premium economy seats of different specs. The best are up to 20 inches wide, with up to 38 inches of pitch, and recline up to 7 inches. Wide armrests, doubled up between adjacent seats, make the seats feel even roomier.

Photo: Premium Economy. Courtesy of Air Canada.

Meals are elevated and listed on a menu you receive as you board. The amenity kits come in a usable, reusable tote bag. Passengers can check two bags for free and have an expedited bath through the airport, with priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.

Big Three U.S. Airlines

While not the most lavish or spacious, the premium economy services from American Airlines, Delta, and United are definitely a step up from coach and often worth a splurge, especially if you can nab an upgrade with points.

American Airlines Premium Economy. Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

The seats all have similar specs: 38 inches of pitch, the industry standard for premium economy, and 18.5-19 inches widths.

However, one layout of United’s Boeing 777s cramps premium economy passengers in a coach-worthy 35 inches of pitch and 17.1 inches of width.

United Airlines, Premium Economy, Boeing 777-300 / Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

Their soft products are mostly comparable: two free checked bags, priority check-in, and boarding.

Delta stands out by offering premium economy travelers expedited security screening at select airports, superior amenity kits, and a dedicated cabin crew. That’s why Business Traveler named it the Best Premium Economy in North America last year.

You can also now catch it on transcontinental and international departures. (United claims to offer premium economy on domestic routes and branded Economy Plus, but it’s not to the same standard as its Premium Plus on international routes.)

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

However, you’ll pay a premium for Delta’s superior product. When we compared roundtrip flights between New York and London, the cheapest Delta tickets came in at $1,800, while you could grab seats in American and United’s premium economy sections for as little as $1,500 and £1,650, respectively.