17 Premium Economy Seats Worth the Upgrade (2024)

As anyone who has flown in a regular economy seat can attest, space on board planes is precious. Even just a few more inches of legroom or a slightly deeper seat recline can be the difference between comfortably falling asleep on a long flight and arriving at your destination as a zombie version of yourself.

Fortunately for fliers, premium economy cabins offer these upgrades and more perks at relatively affordable price points. A good premium economy product will not just offer roomier seats, but include an overall enhanced onboard experience, including fancier meals, better co*cktails, and comfortable amenities like noise-canceling headphones and upscale toiletry products. At the airport, expect priority check-in services, a larger checked baggage allotment, and even lounge access.

Typically, airlines offer the best premium economy seats on their longer flights or international routes. Here are some of the best premium economy cabins to book today—we promise the extra splurge will be worth it.

Emirates

One of the most anticipated premium economy cabins in the sky, Emirates debuted its version of the offering in 2021. The seats have continued to roll out to more aircraft, specifically, on Emirates' double-decker Airbus A380 planes. The cabin can be found at the front of the first deck. The seats are now available on a long list of routes to and from Dubai, including Paris, London, Sydney, Christchurch, Melbourne, and US cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Houston.

For premium economy travelers, the perks start in the airport, with a separate check-in desk, larger carry-on bag allowance, and free seat selection. Inside the cabin, Emirates invoked the same design elements as the airline's iconic business-class cabin, such as cream leather with stitching details and wood accents. Passengers also get a large throw pillow, six-way adjustable headrest, calf-and-foot rests, and an in-flight entertainment screen measuring 13.3 inches wide, as well as a dining table with side co*cktail table, and charging ports.

As for in-flight dining, expect three-course dinners served on Royal Doulton china tableware with stainless steel cutlery. Emirates always includes a dish local to the flight's destination on the premium economy menu—like Thai pepper beef with jasmine rice and pak choi. Top it all off with a complimentary glass of wine or something sparkly like the vintage 2012 Chandon—one of the array of drink selections from the business-class wine list not available in regular economy.

Qantas

Australian carrier Qantas's premium economy cabin—available on the airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A380s, plus its A350s starting in 2025 —is completely separate from regular economy with seats in a two-three-two layout. Seats are wider and have more legroom than coach, but they also feature wider armrests with storage compartments, two USB outlets, an ergonomic headrest, and a foot rest.

The “piècede résistance,” according to Qantas, is the seat's recline function. “As the passenger pushes back in the seat, several sections of the seat shift, not just the back," says a description on the airline's site. Instead of simply reclining backward, the seat moves forward and up, so your legs and back are slightly elevated in a more comfortable position.

Premium passengers are greeted with a complimentary sparkling wine, co*cktail, or juice upon boarding. Meals are served on custom-designed tableware. Other in-flight amenities include noise-canceling headphones, large pillow, 100% wool blanket, and a Napoleon Perdis–branded amenity kit. Passengers in the cabin also have access to a dedicated check-in counter and priority boarding.

All Nippon Airways

Fliers booked in premium economy class on All Nippon Airways will receive many of the same benefits as flying in the Japanese airline's plush business class. On international flights, premium economy passengers are guaranteed access to ANA's lounges at its major airports, including Haneda airport and Narita airport in Tokyo, Osaka's Kansai airport, and the Honolulu airport. The also receive priority baggage handling.

ANA's newest premium economy seats, found on board its Airbus A380s, Boeing 787-10s, and Boeing 777-300ER planes, have a roomy 38 inches of pitch, a leg rest that supports the calf, massive 15.6-inch personal monitor, and an adjustable reading light attached to the headrest.

During the flight, those seated in premium economy can order from the business-class drink menu, which includes curated selections of Champagne, sake, red and white wine, Umeshu plum wine, and shochu. When meal time rolls around, passengers will be served the airline's beloved dishes that fuse Asian and Western cuisine, including its homemade bread served in business class. If you're still feeling peckish, choose from an array of petit fours usually reserved for business class only.

Virgin Atlantic

Onboard Virgin Atlantic's sleekly designed plane interiors, there's a lot to celebrate—like the revamped Upper Class cabin on the airline's Airbus A350 planes with The Loft lounge. Not least among them is Virgin's premium economy cabin, simply called Premium, which is available on the carrier's A330-220 and A330-300 planes, its A350-1000s, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Seats in Premium are roomy: They're up to 21 inches wide (four inches wider than economy), have seven to eight inches of recline, and up to 38 inches of pitch. Each one also has a footrest.

Premium fliers get a dedicated check-in and bag drop line, plus priority boarding. Once aboard, passengers are handed a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly. Dinner includes a starter and main course served on china and paired with white or red wine. Post-meal, passengers are offered dessert and an after-dinner liqueur served with coffee. Select flights also include Virgin's signature afternoon tea service, featuring sandwiches, tea cakes, and warm scones with jam and clotted cream.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore, known for its over-the-top first-class suites, also has a solid premium economy product available on its A350, A380, and Boeing 777 planes.

Seats are spacious with up to 19.5 inches of width, an eight-inch recline, as well as a calf and foot rest. Each spot also has two USB ports and a 13.3-inch screen that comes with noise canceling headphones. There are also individual stowage areas specially designed for a water bottle, laptop, and headphones. While most of the seats are in a two-four-two layout, the airline's A350-900ULR planes have six single seats available, which would give the experience more of a business class feel.

Premium economy passengers have access to additional meal and beverage choices, including Singapore's famous “book the cook” service, which is available in premium economy flights out of 26 cities. This service allows customers to choose from in-flight meals created by the airline's International Culinary Panel and reserve them up to 24 hours in advance. Customers also receive priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.

Scandinavian Airlines

Swedish carrier Scandinavian Airlines also has a premium economy product worth cashing in for. Dubbed SAS Plus, the cabin class is available on the airline's A330, A340, A350 planes.

Seats are laid out in two-three-two or two-four-two formations, depending on the aircraft. On flights to the U.S. and Asia the seats are larger than regular coach, to the tune of 18.8 inches wide and 38 inches of pitch, according to Seat Guru, and they come with a full leg rests and a 12-inch entertainment screen. SAS Plus fliers also have access to free Wi-Fi onboard and order from an enhanced three-course menu.

In addition to priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, SAS Plus passengers receive numerous airport perks, including access to a “Fast Track” airport security line (where available) and admittance to SAS lounges, which are in every major Nordic hub, as well as Paris-Charles de Gaulle, New Jersey's Newark airport, and Chicago O'Hare.

Cathay Pacific

While Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific's business class consistently ranks among our favorites, its premium economy on its Boeing 777 and A350 planes is also worthy of attention.

Set in a separate cabin in a two-four-two layout, seats have ample space with up to 20 inches of width and up to a whopping 40 inches of pitch, according to Seat Guru. There are also full-length calf rests and leather-padded footrests on the A350s and Boeing 777-300ERs, and a larger tray table. Additionally, there's a separate mini co*cktail table, which can hold passengers' complimentary welcome drink received upon boarding.

Premium economy fliers order from an upgraded menu, are given priority boarding, and have access to dedicated check-in counters at select airports.

Latam Airlines

While the seats in Latam Airlines' premium cabin are only slightly roomier than regular economy—with a bit more leg space and recline—the airline blocks out the cabin's middle seats so passengers have more elbow room. Plus, a ticket in the cabin comes with on-the-ground perks like premium check-in and premium boarding; premium economy fliers on international routes within Latin America are also permitted access to the airline's VIP airport lounge. The separate premium economy cabin is also set within the first rows of the aircraft with a dedicated lavatory and reserved overhead bin compartment for carry-on luggage.

Air Canada

Passengers upgrading to Air Canada's premium economy cabin will find a wider seat with 18 to 20 inches of width (depending on the aircraft), seven more inches of leg room for a total pitch of 38 inches, a deeper recline, a footrest, a larger seatback screen, and power outlets and USB ports at every seat. The cabin is arranged in a 2-3-2 layout for a less crowded feel. The separate cabin is available on the airline's Boeing 777-300, Boeing 787-8, and Airbus A330-300 planes flying both domestic and international routes.

Meal service on flights departing North America consists of a main dish designed for the cabin by Air Canada's “culinary partner” Chef Jérôme Ferrer, as well as a side salad, bread roll, and dessert. On some flights, the meals come in a pre-packaged box, and on longer routes dishes are plated on tableware.

On the ground, the upgraded experience affords priority check-in, priority boarding, and priority luggage handling (the ticket also allots two free checked bags).

KLM

Launched in 2022, KLM’s newPremium Comfort class has all the hallmarks of an upgrade, thanks to a host of business-class-like benefits. At the airport, you’ll get priority check-in, along with two free checked bags and two carry-ons—the same as business class—as well as lounge access for an added fee.

Stepping onto the plane, you’ll find a completely private cabin with just 28 seats laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration. Once seated, you’ll get an additional seven inches of pitch—38 inches compared to regular economy’s 31 inches. You’ll also get eight inches of seat recline (that’s one to three inches more than coach, depending on the aircraft), as well as a leg and foot rest. Other onboard perks include a pair of noise-canceling headphones, aHella Jongerius duvet, and exclusive dining options like Bols espresso martinis and stroopwafel ice cream.

Finnair

If you’re looking for more room to stretch out on a long flight, you’ll definitely want to book one of Finnair’s premium economy seats, which offer 50% more legroom than regular coach. The memory foam seats have 38 inches of pitch, a full “waterfall” legrest, and eight inches of recline. The separate cabin offers a sense of calm and privacy with just 26 seats. The seat layout is a 2-4-2, so be sure to book near the windows to feel less cramped.

Onboard amenities have plenty ofNordic design flare—down to the three-course meal served on Iittala dishes and the neck pillow, woven blanket, and toiletry kit from Marimekko.

Lufthansa

The most innovative premium economy seats may belong toLufthansa’s new Allegris cabin concept: Each seat in the cabin features a hard-shell backing that will allow fliers to recline without encroaching on the passenger behind them. It’s a concept usually reserved for business class only, that Lufthansa plans to launch by the end of 2023. On average, Lufthansa’s premium economy seats offer 50% more space than regular economy.

The seats also come with a 15.6-inch 4K monitor, wireless charging stations, leg rests, a separate co*cktail table, a personal reading light, a coat hook, and a water bottle holder. You’ll also get two free checked bags, and once onboard, a welcome drink to sip as you settle in.

British Airways

When flying in a premium economy seat on British Airways, you’ll find a separate cabin with seats laid out in 2-4-2 arrangement, totaling about 40 seats on most aircraft that operate transatlantic routes. In terms of dimensions, seats offer 38 inches of pitch and eight inches of recline, and a foot rest (but no leg support).

Once you complete your priority boarding, you’ll be offered a welcome drink of sparkling wine or juice in real glassware. Meals are also served on ceramic tableware. Other amenities include over-ear-headphones for your in-flight entertainment, plus a plusher blanket, pillow, and toiletry kit than those offered in coach. Two free checked bags round out the benefits in this comfortable fare class.

Japan Airlines

Although Japan Airlines has long offered a stellar premium economy product, the newest version of the cabin that’s rolling out on the carrier’s Airbus A350-1000 planes is on a different level. The 24 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 layout have hardshell seat backs so reclining passengers don’t steal away your elbow room. There are also divider walls between seats for extra privacy, and business-class features like motorized recline and legrest functions that operate at the push of a button. The seat specifications are impressive, too: Legrests rise to a comfy 90 degrees, and when that feature isn’t in use, a pitch of 42 inches means there’s plenty of room to stretch out. You’ll also find a massive, 16-inch 4K monitor for in-flight entertainment, an AC power outlet, USB type A and C charging ports.

At the airport, premium economy passengers can expect priority check-in at a counter dedicated to the cabin, priority baggage handling, and access to the airline’s Sakura lounges within Japan. The A350-1000 planes currently operate on the airline’s New York to Tokyo Haneda route, and they’ll also be added to JAL’s Dallas to Tokyo and London to Tokyo routes in the near future.

Air New Zealand

Passengers on all of Air New Zealand’s long-haul routes operated by its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 777 jets have the option of upgrading to its premium economy cabin. You’ll ease through the airport with premium check-in and a luggage allotment of two checked bags. Inside the separated premium economy cabin, where 28 seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 layout, expect seat features like a legrest, extendable footrest, and 50% more recline than regular economy for a total of nine inches. Seat pitch measures a roomy 41 inches. Come meal time, you’ll have an upgraded menu to choose from, with dishes like slow-roasted lamb or New Zealand hāpuka fish accompanied by a selection of award-winning New Zealand wines. What’s more: Premium economy passengers will soon have access to a lie-flat sleeping option when the airline launches its much-anticipated SkyNest product next year. The product will offer six flat sleeping bunks that can be booked by economy and premium economy fliers for increments of four hours.

EVA Air

As the airline that’s credited with inventing premium economy class back in the 90s, EVA Air’s version of the fare class is well-worth the splurge. Today, the Taiwan-based airline's cabin is available on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER planes. The airline focuses the upgrades where it matters: making the seats more comfortable than regular economy. Rows in the separate cabin are configured in a 2-4-2 layout. Each seat offers a roomy 38 inches of pitch, a whopping 121 degrees of seat recline, and 19.5 inches of seat width. Small, thoughtful touches like slippers, noise-canceling headphones, plus AC and USB power ports, provide an extra dose of comfort. Starting later in 2024, EVA Air will begin adding premium economy to more of its planes, updating its Boeing 787-9 jets to offer the cabin class.

Delta Premium Select

Delta’s version of international premium economy—Premium Select—underwent an extensive overhaul in 2022. The result: an even plusher cabin with more comfortable seats, cozier bedding, and food and beverage perks. The latter point may be what passengers are most charmed by. After take-off, Premium Select fliers are now offered a “bubbles and bites” service, with complimentary sparkling wine or sparkling water and savory snacks, like mixed nuts. Other business-class-level touches, like printed menus and an oshibori towel, make meal service an event worth savoring. Seats offer 38 inches of pitch, 19 inches of width, and seven inches of recline—each dimension several inches larger than regular economy. Other upgrades include two free checked bags, noise-canceling headphones, and a plush memory foam pillow.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.