The Skytrax World Airline Awards are a global airline or airport achievement benchmark. Since 1999 they have completed extensive customer satisfaction surveys of travellers from across the globe to determine the best in various categories. As well as the best Premium Economy Class other awards for Premium Economy include best Premium Economy Cabin by region, Best Airline Seats and Best Onboard Catering.

Japan Airlines Named Skytrax World’s Best Premium Economy

At the recent Skytrax World Airline Awards, Japan Airlines was awarded the best Premium Economy Class, the best Premium Economy Class Seat, and the best Premium Economy Class in Asia for the first time. This is a massive achievement for Japan Airlines as competition increases in the Premium Economy cabin.

JAL offers a variety of services for Premium Economy passengers including priority check-in and access to the Sakura Lounge before boarding. Once onboard travellers can enjoy luxurious personal space with seat backs that do not tilt back toward customers, Sparkling wine and exclusive snacks and a dedicated cabin crew.

The new Premium Economy onboard the Airbus A350-1000 introduced in January has enhanced these features with larger dividers for privacy, motorised leg rests and a large 16-inch 4K screen, 1.3 times larger than the previous model.

Who Else Claimed A Spot For The World’s Top Premium Economy Class?

Emirates Premium Economy

Emirates claimed a few top stops coming in second to JAL for the best Premium Economy Class and Best Premium Economy Class Seat, while taking out the best Premium Economy Cabin for the Middle East region. The A350 Emirates Premium Economy (which is currently being retrofitted into their Boeing 777) features a light and airy interior with wood panelling throughout the cabin. This creates a warm and inviting space designed for maximum comfort, something that is essential when travelling.

Premium Economy Features

Sink into cream leather seats that have a 38-inch pitch and are 19.5-inch seats wide that recline 8 inches. The plush headrests can be customised to suit your individual comfort needs, when you work, or dine on the spacious woodgrain tables while enjoying inflight entertainment on a 13.3-inch HD TV. Emirates brings dining to a whole new level, indulging in local flavours from a monthly rotating menu served on Royal Doulton china tableware and quality linens and extended wine list. Comfort and sustainability come to the front with blankets made from recycled bottles, large ghaf tree motif pillows and reusable amenity kits.

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy

The recently upgraded Singapore Airlines Premium Economy cabin also made the list, with seats up to 19.5 inches wide with an eight-inche recline and thoughtful amenities like USB ports and a 13.3-inch screen your journey with Singapore Airlines is designed for relaxation. In 2024 the Airlines introduced a host of enhancements, including an expanded selection of dining options and brand-new amenity kits, guests are even greeted with a glass of Charles de Cazanove But Tradition NV Champagne after take off, setting the tone for an indulgent experience. This is along with the existing gourmet dining experience offering pre-selected meals with the iconic “Book the Cook” service.

Premium Economy Features

For Singapore Airlines Premium Economy guests the premium services start with priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, making your travel experience seamless. The 2-4-2 configured cabin offers guests space to relax, each seat features calf/footrests, adjustable lights, KrisWorld inflight entertainment, and noise-cancelling headphones.

All Nippon Airways Premium Economy

Other notable airlines in the top 10 included ANA All Nippon Airways whose guests enjoy business class-like treatment while flying and access to the airline’s business-class lounges in the airport it is easy to see why they have once again been voted into the top 10.

Premium Economy Features

Starting with streamlined airport and baggage services, ANA ensures a premium experience from start to finish. Once settled into the spacious Premium Economy seats with extra width, pitch and legroom guests and sit back and enjoy enhanced dining options, including drinks and snacks along with the hospitality the Japanese airline is known for. ANA make use guests have a truly exceptional travel experience from start to finish, providing a range of amenities from pillows, blankets, slippers and toothbrush sets.

Cathay Pacific Premium Economy

Cathay Pacific was the last Asian carrier named in the top 10, coming in at number eight on the list, again another recently upgraded cabin Cathay Pacific is slowly introducing its new seat onto aircraft. While the seat dimensions have not changed the airline is focusing on privacy and upgraded tech, with winged headrests, enabling passengers better privacy as well as personal lights attached in the wings so it is less disruptive to neighboring passengers.

Premium Economy Features

The exclusive private Premium Economy cabin is what helps Cathay Pacific stay in the top 10 year after year, offering spacious seats with up to 20 inches of width and 40-inch pitch, finished off with full-length calf rest, leather-padded footrests and a larger tray table. It is clear the airline has chosen to prioritise their customer's comfort and enjoyment, from personalised service, and attentive cabin crew to an upgraded menu, award-winning wines and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system. Enjoy smooth travel with dedicated check-in, priority boarding and increased baggage allowance.

Qantas Premium Economy

Qantas rounded out the top 10 as well as taking out the best Premium Economy cabin and catering for the Australian/Pacific cabin region. The separate cabin offers guests extra privacy while enjoying the signature Qantas hospitality.

Premium Economy Features

Qantas has recognised Australians' need for comfort when travelling on long journeys, which is why their Premium Economy Cabin is the epitome of comfort from start to finish. Enjoy a private cabin, dedicated check-in, and priority boarding. The specially designed seats feature a unique recline function, offering maximum relaxation. Complimentary sparkling wine, noise-cancelling headphones and the signature Qantas amenity kits with an eye mask, dental kit and socks, make sure passengers arrive feeling refreshed. Qantas plans to upgrade their premium economy cabin on their A350 as part of their Project Sunrise.

Delta Air Lines

The only North American carrier included in the top 10 Delta Air Lines goes above and beyond right from priority check-in and boarding to the dedicated flight staff you feel like you are in one of the premium classes. Delta Airlines was also named the best Premium Economy for the North American region.

Premium Economy Features

The intimate 2-4-2 cabin features wide and extremely comfortable seats complimented with a soft memory foam pillow, blanket and noise-cancelling headphones making for a relaxing flight. With more room to stretch out, a deeper recline, additional legroom and an adjustable leg rest Delta Air Lines makes sure their guests arrive feeling rested and refreshed. The Someone Somewhere amenity kit provides a self-care moment for passengers with essentials like eye masks and Grown Alchemist lip balm. Premium Economy guests can indulge in elevated dining from an exclusively curated Delta Premium menu, with 24-hour pre-orders available as well as premium snack baskets accessible during the flight.

Full List Of The World’s Top 10 Premium Economy Class Airlines

1. Japan Airlines Emirates
2. EVA Air
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Virgin Atlantic
5. ANA All Nippon Airways
6. Delta Air Lines
7. Cathay Pacific Airways
8. Air France
9. Qantas Airways

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