Premium economy vs. economy: Which airlines are actually worth it?
More worth the splurge than other premium economy classes on the market, these ones provide noticeably more spacious seats.
Any traveller will be aware that the prices of flying—no matter what airline class—have risen noticeably since before the pandemic. Whether that can be credited to carriers trying to recoup their incomes after a year of grounded planes, or part of the general increases in costs of living, it’s hard for some frequent fliers to shake the feeling of getting less than what they’ve paid for.
It‘s why, for many airlines, mastering premium economy has become a new frontier for those no longer willing to pay the price for business, and marking a middle ground for economy fliers who would previously have splurged for business. Premium economy cabins began as a slightly improved version of economy, with a little more seat pitch and room to spread out on long-haul routes. For some airlines, premium economy still means a marginally amped-up economy seat, but for others, it’s a truly premium experience in a class of its own, even with a better meal service. And while you can’t lie down, which is the norm for almost all long-haul international business class seats in 2023 (see the best ones here), choosing the right premium economy airline will give you an experience that nips at the heels of other classes, far beyond just priority boarding (which is almost always included).
At the top of that list is Emirates’ premium economy. The Dubai carrier is an innovator in many areas—not limited to their First Class, which introduced the world to the enclosed First Suite in 2003 and changed the game forever—and their post-Covid premium economy experience features the bells and whistles of their signature luxury. Among them: a seat that reclines generously with extra leg room, dining options on the level of some airlines’ business class offerings, wider seats in plush woven leather, wood tray tables and accents that give a luxurious feel.
Whether you’re a fan of business class looking to try a more cost-effective premium experience on for size, or a regular economy flyer looking to splurge but not sold on going the whole way to business, these are the premium economy class carriers that airlines offer, with a product that’s actually worth your hard-earned dollars (or airline membership points).
A note: some of these airlines’ premium economy offerings may differ depending on the airline, based on aircraft and route.
Emirates
As mentioned before, Emirates is king when it comes to premium economy, and operates with these seats on its A380 routes from Australia to Europe via Dubai. In a small, quieter cabin, seats are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration with all the top-line bells and whistles you’d expect from business and first: comfortable plush leather seats, wood accents and a game-changing 40 inches of legroom, where most airlines cap it at 38. Like business, meal service includes real glassware and cutlery, while the window shades feature the same electric blind shutters that Emirates’ business and first class cabins are equipped with.
Lufthansa
A newcomer in the luxe premium economy stakes, Lufthansa’s upcoming premium economy seat is top tier. The ‘Allegris’ seat is thick and comfortable for sleeping and features a built-in round headrest that makes the seat feel more like a private cocoon. Leg room is 39 inches in the new chair, which is set to roll out on Lufthansa’s new aircraft later this year.
Qantas
The premium economy on our homegrown carrier’s international flights is sleek. On the more comfortable end of the spectrum, it’s arguably better than domestic business, and sits inside a quieter cabin for increased privacy. The plush chair moves slightly forward when you recline, allowing you to lay back without overly interrupting the person behind you (goodbye, reclining etiquette). Neil Perry oversees the dining options for Qantas premium economy, which is available on A380 and 787 routes.
EVA Air
Taiwanese carrier EVA introduced premium economy to the world in the early ’90s, and in 2023, its seats are still among the best. 38 inches of leg room means there’s more room to spread out than in economy’s 32-33, and while it doesn’t have a footrest that reclines out with the seat, the renowned service, and Payot amenity kits, make up for things.
Singapore Airlines
When Singapore Airlines announced its record-breaking Singapore to New York route in 2018 on a specialised long-distance A350, it was announced there’d be no standard economy, but only premium economy and business on board to ensure comfort for the 18-hour flight. The leather seats have an extendable foot stool and offers an extensive meal service where you can choose your dining experience 24 hours before you fly; pick anything from seafood thermidor to dim sum on flights from Sydney.
ANA
Japanese carrier ANA (All Nippon Airways) is the inventor of ‘The Cube’, one of the world’s most advanced business class offerings, and that innovative spirit extends to premium economy on board their 787, which flies to Tokyo from Sydney. At 15.6 inches, the in-flight entertainment screen trumps the size of economy ones, while the plush seat has a leg rest that swings out from underneath so you can literally put your feet up.
Finnair
Made with Finnish efficiency in mind, Finnair’s premium economy is ergonomic, spacious and somewhat futuristic in appearance. If you’re booking premium economy over economy because you want to sleep, the wide, plush headrest is a little extra touch that goes a long way for comfort. Finnair now flies to Australia from Helsinki.
Air Canada
Comfort on trans-Pacific flights from Australia to Canada makes all the difference, and the latter country’s flagship carrier is a fair alternative to Qantas. A thick, comfortable headrest is good for sleeping across time zones on the 777 and 787, helped along by the 38 inches of leg room.
Delta Air Lines
Of all the American airlines and carriers, Delta’s premium economy seats are a cut above, and are available on flights from Australia to the U.S. on their A350. With a comfortable embroidered seat, they offer a large footrest and 38-inch pitch, providing an easier and less cramped way to head Stateside.
