The 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins

Tue, 14 Nov 2023

Premium Economy Cabins have exploded in the last few years, as COVID restrictions have been relaxed and interest in international travel has grown tremendously. The product's popularity has skyrocketed as more travellers seek to improve their comfort on long-haul flights and upgrade from economy. Some of the world's largest airlines have introduced a fourth class of service between standard economy and luxury business class; as a result, we've researched and listed the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins to assist you on your next trip.

Air New Zealand Premium Economy Features

Air New Zealand

On all Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777 long-haul service aircraft, Air New Zealand makes the cut by providing one of the 10 Best Premium Cabins. Offering comfortable, ink-coloured leather seats with generous armrests, a leg rest, and extendable foot support, Air New Zealand is there to improve your travel journey.

Air New Zealand Premium Economy Features

  • More personal space

  • Free standard seat selection

  • Two pieces of carry on (up to 14kg in total, with one item weighing up to 10kg)

  • Two pieces of checked luggage (up to 23kg each)

  • Inflight entertainment

  • Complimentary meal and drinks from our Premium Economy menu

  • A higher Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points earn rate^

  • Leather seats

  • Premium Economy menu

  • Extendable foot support

With the largest seat pitch in its class (41”), Air New Zealand offers more legroom and 50% more recline than in Economy. Their menus are packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients that deliver deliciously satisfying flavours with a contemporary Kiwi twist. Over 1,700 hours of content are offered with in-flight entertainment options, including an assortment of the latest movies, TV box sets, video games, and a dedicated kids section - all on a personal touch screen in widescreen format. A complimentary amenity kit is provided on board, and there is also easy boarding with premium check-in. With a seven times Airline of the Year winner, we can’t not include them on our list of the 10 best Premium Economy Cabins.

Emirates Premium Economy Features

Emirates

Selected A380 Emirates aircraft offer a higher level of comfort and rank as one of the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. Extra space, premium dining experience surrounded by sophisticated cabin interior makes Emirates one of the most anticipated Premium Economy Cabins in the sky.

Emirates Premium Economy Features 

  • Luxurious cream leather seats

  • Customised comfort: raised cushioned leg rest, greater recline, six-way adjustable headrest

  • Sustainable blankets 

  • Spacious woodgrain tables 

  • Reusable amenity kits

  • Large pillows

  • Elevated dining experience

  • Extended wine list 

  • Upgraded entertainment 

  • High-speed Wi-fi service

Elevate your journey with Emirates' Premium Economy, offering an exceptional dining experience and upgraded entertainment. Indulge in local flavours from the monthly Premium Economy menus served on Royal Doulton china tableware. Enjoy a 13.3-inch HD TV, wireless headphone connectivity, and high-speed Wi-Fi* (purchase options available). Sink into cream leather seats, customise your comfort, and work or dine on spacious woodgrain tables. Sustainability shines with blankets made from recycled bottles, large ghaf tree motif pillows, and reusable amenity kits. With 6,500 channels, premium dining, and onboard Wi-Fi, Emirates secures its spot among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins.

Finnair Premium Economy Features

Finnair

Finnair Premium Economy class serves on Airbus A330 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft. A recently employed cabin offering more choice, space, and comfort is difficult to compete with, making it an obvious choice to be listed on the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins.  

Finnair Premium Economy Features 

  • Quality dining experience

  • 2 meal services 

  • Complimentary beverages and drinks throughout the flight

  • Personal reading light

  • Cocktail table as well as a large, firm meal table

  • Plenty of storage features

  • Memory foam cushions for added comfort 

  • Universal PC power and USB A outlets

  • Exclusive Amenity kit

  • Minimum 13’ screen 

Embark on refined travel with Finnair's Premium Economy Cabin. Enjoy two meal services on exclusive Iittala chinaware, with a 38” (96.5cm) seat pitch for added comfort. Experience enhanced recline, leg rest, and memory foam cushions. An additional cocktail table on top of a large and firm meal table to allow you to eat and drink in comfort from their delicious in-flight menu. Dive into entertainment on a 13”  (minimum) screen, complemented by a Marimekko-designed amenity kit. With a modern fleet and environmental focus, Finnair's Premium Economy earns its spot among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins.

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Features

Singapore Airlines

An incomparable upgrade, available on Airbus A350-900, Airbus A350-900 ULR, Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A380 aircraft, Singapore Airlines is undoubtedly listed in the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. 

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Features

  • Spacious seating

  • 2 USB ports, 13.3" screen, noise-cancelling headphones

  • Gourmet dining, "Book the Cook" service

  • Priority services: check-in, boarding, baggage

  • 2-4-2 layout, single seats on select routes

  • KrisWorld Inflight Entertainment: 1,800+ options

  • Exceptional comfort: calf/footrests, adjustable lights, 

  • Priority treatment

  • 8” recline

  • Preview of digital inflight menu 8 days prior to departure

With seats up to 19.5 inches wide, an eight-inch recline, and thoughtful amenities like USB ports and a 13.3-inch screen, your journey is designed for relaxation. Indulge in gourmet dining with the "Book the Cook" service, offering pre-selected meals by the International Culinary Panel. Enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, making your travel seamless. With a 2-4-2 seat configuration and 38 inches of pitch, Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy is a standout in cabin design. Explore the curated KrisWorld inflight entertainment and receive priority treatment throughout your journey. Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy earns its place among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins for its commitment to passenger satisfaction.

ANA Premium Economy Features

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Offering many of the same benefits as flying in All Nippon Airways plush business class, the airline that lists in the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins offers this class in its Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Airbus A380-800 aircraft. 

ANA Premium Economy Cabin Features 

  • Priority baggage

  • Extra space

  • Access to ANA’s lounges at major airports

  • Business class drink menu options

  • 2-4-2 and 2-3-2 seat configurations

  • Slippers and shoe horn

  • Amenity kit 

  • Postcards are available on request

  • Extra comfort and functionality

  • A wide genre of in-flight entertainment

Indulge in the elevated services of All Nippon Airways (ANA) Premium Economy, recognised among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. From streamlined airport experiences to priority baggage services, ANA ensures a seamless journey. Access ANA lounges for added comfort, and settle into Premium Economy seats with extra width, pitch, and legroom. Enjoy enhanced dining options, including a selection of drinks and snacks, with the cordial hospitality of a Japanese airline. Stay entertained with ANA's in-flight entertainment and optional Wi-Fi, and explore duty-free shopping at affordable prices. ANA goes the extra mile, providing a range of amenities, from pillows and blankets to slippers and toothbrush sets, making your travel experience truly exceptional across all routes.

Qantas Premium Economy Features

Qantas

Another one on the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins list is Australian airline Qantas. Available on Boeing 787 Dreamliners and retrofitted Airbus A380s, the airline boasts an award-winning, intimate, and private cabin for travellers.

Qantas Premium Economy Features

  • Dedicated check-in counter 

  • Priority boarding and disembarkation access

  • More space

  • Dedicated cabin crew 

  • Private cabin between 32-40 seats

  • Extra legroom and wider seats

  • Noise-cancelling headphones

  • Amenity kit on overnight flights

  • Pièce de résistance - seat recline function 

  • Complimentary sparkling wine

Experience the epitome of comfort with Qantas Premium Economy, a top choice in the "10 Best Premium Economy Cabins." Enjoy a private cabin, dedicated check-in, and priority boarding. The specially designed Dreamliner B787 and A380 seats ensure maximum comfort with a unique recline function (pièce de résistance), allowing your legs and back to be slightly elevated for an unparalleled level of relaxation. Indulge in a refreshed menu by Neil Perry, complimentary sparkling wine, and noise-canceling headphones for in-flight entertainment. Amenities include a stylish kit with an eye mask, dental kit, and socks, accompanied by large cotton pillows and 100% wool blankets for optimum comfort.

Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Features

Cathay Pacific

The Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific offers Premium Economy Cabins on the A350’s and Boeing 777-300ERs, boasting 20 inches of width and up to 40 inches of pitch, along with length calf rests, leather-padded footrests, and a larger tray table, easily positioning the airline in our 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins.

Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Features

  • 2-4-2 cabin layout

  • Calf rests, leather-padded footrests

  • Mini cocktail table 

  • Priority boarding, dedicated check-in

  • Generous recline, expanded legroom

  • Award-winning menu

  • State-of-the-art inflight entertainment

  • Eco-friendly amenity kit

  • Increased baggage allowance

  • Welcome drink

Cathay Pacific's Premium Economy stands out among the "10 Best Premium Economy Cabins" with its exclusive two-four-two cabin layout, offering spacious seats with up to 20 inches of width and an impressive 40 inches of pitch. Passengers can enjoy full-length calf rests, leather-padded footrests, and a larger tray table, complemented by a separate mini cocktail table for welcome drinks. Prioritising comfort, Premium Economy features generous recline, expanded legroom, and supported headrests, while personalised service includes a welcome drink and attentive cabin crew throughout the journey. The upgraded menu, award-winning wines, and Betsy beer enhance the culinary experience. Stay entertained with a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, and arrive refreshed with an eco-friendly amenity kit. Enjoy smooth travel with dedicated check-in, priority boarding, and an increased baggage allowance.

Air Canada Premium Economy Features

Air Canada

Available on Boeing 777-300, Boeing 787-8 and Airbus A330-300 aircraft, Air Canada sits in the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins list for offering economy travel like you’ve never experienced before. 

Air Canada Premium Economy Features

  • Greater recline

  • Next generation entertainment system

  • Single-pin audio jack + complimentary earbud headset

  • Two free checked bags

  • Priority boarding, check-in and baggage handling

  • Ambient mood lighting with individual reading light

  • In-seat power at every seat

  • Adjustable headrest

  • Complimentary pillow and blanket

  • Complimentary CleanCare kit + Amenity kit

Experience Air Canada's Premium Economy, highlighted among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. Offering wider seats (18–20 inches), a deeper recline, a comfortable 96.5 cm (38 inches) seat pitch, and a larger seatback screen on Boeing 777-300, Boeing 787-8, and Airbus A330-300 planes, this elevated offering features power outlets, USB ports, and a 2-3-2 layout for a spacious feel. Savour Chef Jérôme Ferrer's culinary creations on select departures, enjoy priority services, and benefit from the CleanCare+ kit for added comfort. With ambient mood lighting and individual reading lights, Air Canada's premium economy ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey

SAS Premium Economy Features

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)

Scandinavian Airlines renamed their Premium Economy class to be more brand-consistent, so you can find it under SAS Plus. However, whatever you call them, they make the list of the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. SAS ensures that its Premium Economy product is worth paying for by making it available on aircraft A330, A340, and A350. 

SAS Premium Economy Features 

  • Seat configuration benefits

  • Wider seats, extra legroom

  • Reclining seats, adjustable headrests

  • Entertainment system on a 12" HD screen

  • Power outlets and USB ports

  • Fast Track and SAS Lounge access 

  • Priority boarding

  • Three-course menu on select routes

  • Complimentary beverages and snacks during the flight

  • WiFi for a fee 

SAS Plus by Scandinavian Airlines offers an enhanced Premium Economy experience, featured among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins. Available on A330, A340, and A350 planes, the cabin boasts comfortable seating in 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 layouts, providing a wider seat and extra legroom for long-haul flights. Passengers enjoy priority services, including check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, and access to SAS lounges in major Nordic hubs. The SAS Plus perks vary by region, offering amenities such as a three-course menu, complimentary beverages, and snacks, along with entertainment on a 12-inch HD screen. With adjustable headrests, power outlets, and USB ports, SAS Plus delivers a premium travel experience with a focus on comfort and service.

Latam Airlines Premium Economy Features

Latam Airlines

LATAM Airlines' Premium Economy, featured among the "10 Best Premium Economy Cabins," delivers a distinctive inflight experience with strategically designed seating and exclusive perks for passengers seeking enhanced comfort and services.

Latam Airlines Premium Economy Features

  • Ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests

  • Blocked central seat for added space

  • Dedicated compartment for cabin luggage

  • Various dining options on international flights

  • Free LATAM Play content for entertainment

  • Access to LATAM lounges at select airports

  • USB outlets at every seat for device charging

  • Premium check-in and exclusive lounges at select airports

  • Premium boarding in boarding group 1

  • Priority baggage for early collection upon arrival

LATAM Airlines' Premium Economy stands out among the 10 Best Premium Economy Cabins with its unique offerings. The cabin strategically blocks out the middle seats for added comfort and elbow room. Passengers enjoy premium check-in, premium boarding, and access to the VIP airport lounge. The separate premium economy cabin, situated in the first rows of the aircraft, features ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests and a blocked central seat for a distinctive experience. Onboard perks include a dedicated compartment for cabin luggage, exclusive restrooms, and various dining options. Passengers can stay entertained with free LATAM Play content, including movies, TV hits, and music. The airport experience is elevated with access to LATAM lounges at select airports, premium check-in, and priority boarding. Additionally, the Premium Economy cabin offers priority baggage, ensuring passengers are among the first to collect their belongings upon arrival.


These Premium Economy Cabins epitomise the ideal "business class lite" experience, with anything from better meals, elevated cocktails, and roomier seats to upgraded amenities like dedicated check-in and ample storage space. If you're ready to take your travel experience to the next level, speak to our airfare specialists about your travel plans. Allow us to curate your premium economy experience, ensuring you embark on a journey that seamlessly blends luxury and value. Your next adventure awaits, and we're here to help you make it unforgettable! Get in touch with an airfare specialist today.

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