For travelers who can’t quite splurge on business class but still want a more comfortable flying experience, premium economy is the way to go. This fare class offers a happy medium between the ultra-luxe business class cabin and the cramped claustrophobia of coach class.

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With record-high airfares, it’s not always possible to splash out on business class for every flight. Premium economy is designed for travelers who want a bit more pampering without breaking the bank. The cabin usually offers comfier seats, more personal space, enhanced amenities, and upgraded meal and beverage selections compared to standard economy class.

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The Best Premium Economy Products

Not all premium economy products are worth the more expensive airfare. The best premium economy cabins are usually found on long-haul aircraft that operate lengthy international routes. These fare classes offer an elevated experience both on the ground and in the sky, with well-designed seats located in a separate, comparatively spacious cabin.

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Here are some of the top premium economy products from airlines across the globe:

• All Nippon Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Singapore Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates
• Qantas
• Japan Airlines
• Air France
• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• ITA Airways

Each of these airlines offers a unique and premium experience, with upgraded amenities and services that make flying more comfortable and enjoyable.

Emirates’ Premium Economy Cabin

Emirates’ premium economy cabin is one of the most popular in the sky. The airline debuted its version of the offering in 2021, and the seats have continued to roll out to more aircraft, including Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380 planes and select retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft.

The cabin can be found at the front of the first deck, and the seats are now available on more than 30 routes to and from Dubai, including US cities like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, 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 cocktail 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’s Premium Economy Seats

Australian carrier Qantas’s premium economy cabin—available on the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A380s—is completely separate from regular economy with 32 to 40 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.

One of the most thoughtful aspects is the seat’s “unique recline motion” that is designed to “provide a class-leading level of comfort,” Qantas says on its 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 or water upon boarding. Meals are served on custom-designed tableware by David Caan. Other in-flight amenities include noise-canceling headphones, large pillow, 100% wool blanket, and an amenity kit.

Passengers in the cabin also have access to a dedicated check-in counter and priority boarding. The cabin class is available out of at least 13 airports, including US hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth, New York JFK, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

ANA’s Next-Gen Premium Economy Seats

The first of ANA’s next-gen premium economy seats will roll out beginning November 2026 on the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Premium economy on Japanese carrier ANA is truly a premium experience, starting in the terminal. On international flights, premium economy passengers are afforded access to the airline’s lounges at its major hubs, including Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, Osaka’s Kansai airport, and Honolulu airport.

ANA is also launching new premium economy seats on its fleet of fresh Boeing 787-9 aircraft, the first of which will be received in November 2026, that operate long-haul international flights. The overhauled seats offer 40 inches of pitch and nine inches of recline, an improvement of two additional inches for both dimensions.

When it’s time to relax, a leg rest pops up that supports the entire calf. A 15.6-inch entertainment screen comes with Bluetooth connectivity and USB C charging ports.

Once in the air, premium economy fliers are treated to refreshments from ANA’s business-class drink menu, which includes curated selections of Champagne, sake, red and white wine, Umeshu plum wine, and shochu.

Meal time brings a selection of Asian and Western fusion cuisine, including the carrier’s homemade bread served in business class. Throughout the flight, premium economy passengers have access to substantial snacks like petit fours or cup-style noodles usually reserved for business class only.

Upon landing, priority baggage handling service means that you won’t have to wring your hands at baggage claim wondering if your checked luggage arrived safely.

Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy Cabin

On board 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. Select flights also include Virgin’s signature afternoon tea service, featuring sandwiches, tea cakes, and warm scones with jam and clotted cream.

Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy Seats

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 27 cities.

This service allows customers to choose from in-flight meals that are prepared with their preferred ingredients and cooking methods. It’s a great way to experience the flavors and cuisine of different destinations without having to worry about dietary restrictions or preferences.