Flying Long Haul But Can't Swing Business Class? These Premium Economy Seats Are the Next Best Thing

These are our 16 favorite international premium economy products—for when coach just isn't cutting it.GettyThere’s a happy medium between the ultra-luxe business class cabin and the cramped claustrophobia of coach class: premium economy.With record-high airfares, splashing out on business class isn’t possible for every flight. Premium economy is designed for travelers who want a bit more pampering but on a tighter budget. The cabin usually offers comfier seats, more personal space, enhanced amenities, and upgraded meal and beverage selections compared to standard economy class.But 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.During the booking process, it can be difficult to discern all of the perks—or lack thereof—that are included in premium economy fare. So we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite premium economy products from airlines across the globe. If you spend your precious airline miles or hard-earned cash on an upgrade to any of these seats, you’ll arrive at your destination well rested and ready to go.EmiratesQantasAll Nippon AirwaysVirgin AtlanticSingapore AirlinesCathay PacificAir FranceLufthansaBritish AirwaysJapan AirlinesAir New ZealandEVA AirDelta Air LinesSwiss AirFinnairITA AirwaysThis story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.Emirates new premium economy cabin is designed to emulate its business-class seats. Courtesy EmiratesEmiratesOne of the most popular 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 and on select retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft. The cabin can be found at the front of the first deck. 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 rival some business-class offerings. Courtesy QantasQantasAustralian 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.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. All Nippon AirwaysAll Nippon AirwaysPremium 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.A rendering of premium economy class on Virgin's Airbus A350 plane Courtesy Virgin AtlanticVirgin AtlanticOn 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 come with perks like “book the cook.” James D. Morgan / Getty ImagesSingapore AirlinesSingapore, 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 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.The Aria premium economy cabin on Cathay Pacific's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offers elevated features like privacy wings, plus a calf and foot rest. Cathay PacificCathay PacificWhen it debuted a trio of overhauled cabins in 2025, Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific received numerous accolades for its new Aria business class suites. But its refreshed premium economy concept also offers a strong dose of luxury. The dedicated cabin has a total of 48 seats in a 2-4-2 layout. It’s easy to get cozy on Cathay’s long-haul routes, thanks to the premium economy seats’ generous dimensions. Expect a roomy 39 inches of pitch, a seat width of 19.5 inches, and eight inches of recline, plus a calf rest and a foot rest. The 15.6-inch entertainment screen has Bluetooth audio pairing, plus USB A and C ports, and fliers are provided noise-canceling headphones as well. Upon boarding, premium economy passengers are offered a welcome drink, as well as a menu of gourmet Cantonese cuisine and other international dishes. The cabin also has its own premium economy lavatory with touchless features. On the ground, fliers receive perks like priority boarding, dedicated check-in at select airports, and two free checked bags.Air France's new “Premium” class is available to book on select Boeing 777 planes and Airbus A350 jets. Courtesy Air FranceAir FranceIn the fall of 2024, Air France renamed its premium economy cabin to simply “Premium” and began installing larger new seats in the fare class across its fleet. The new seats recline to a generous 124 degrees, offer 37 to 38 inches of legroom pitch and an adjustable footrest, and have been “widened for extra comfort,” the airline says. As an additional upgrade, Air France redesigned the seat foam and topped it with herringbone fabric for a softer, more cozy finish.The new seat is available on select Boeing 777 planes and Airbus A350 jets, and by the end of 2025, Air France expects them to be installed on 80% of its fleet. Aside from the seat specifications, the Premium cabin offers a priority check-in counter and baggage drop at the airport, as well as priority boarding. Extra in-flight perks include 13.3-inch entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging ports, noise-cancelling headphones, and an amenity kit designed specifically for the cabin class.And this being France’s national flag carrier, meal time is its own momentous event. Premium passengers can expect to receive a glass of Champagne upon arrival, followed by a “full ‘French-style’ meal service, comprising snacks, a starter, a choice of two hot dishes, cheese and dessert, served in eco-designed tableware with stainless steel cutlery,” according to the airline’s site. Expect to top it all off with impressive French patisserie, like Paris-Brest and chocolate fondant.Lufthansa’s Allegris premium economy seats offer 50% more space than regular economy. LufthansaLufthansaIn Lufthansa’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. Each seat has 39 inches of pitch, and, on average, Lufthansa’s premium economy seats offer 50% more space than regular economy.The cabin’s 24 seats are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration and also come with a 15.6-inch 4K monitor, wireless charging stations, leg rests, noise-cancelling headphones, a separate cocktail 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.The new Allegris cabin class is now available on nine of Lufthansa’s Airbus A350-900s, which are flying between Munich and San Francisco, Shanghai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chicago, Beijing, and New York-JFK.Expect cozier pillows and blankets, plus a welcome glass of sparkling wine in British Airways' premium economy cabin. Nick Morrish/British AirwaysBritish AirwaysWhen flying in a premium economy seat on British Airways—called World Traveller Plus by the carrier—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). The airline also notes that the seats are wider than in regular economy.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' new premium economy seats are available to book on select Airbus A350-1000 planes. Japan AirlinesJapan AirlinesAlthough 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 leg rest functions that operate at the push of a button. The seat specifications are impressive, too: Leg rests 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. As of spring 2025, the airline was flying nine of the 13 total A350-1000 planes it had ordered. The nine planes currently operate on the airline’s routes between Tokyo Haneda and New York JFK, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), London Heathrow (LHR), and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). In summer 2025, JAL will begin operating the new aircraft between Los Angeles (LAX) and Tokyo, as well.The Air New Zealand premium economy seats offer 50% more recline than regular economy. Air New ZealandAir New ZealandPassengers 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: the airline unveiled the first of its redesigned 787-9 Dreamliners in May 2025, featuring an upgraded premium economy product with more storage options, side wings for added privacy, and fixed outer shells so reclining passengers don’t encroach on your personal space. That initial aircraft—tail number ZK-NZH—will operate flights between San Francisco (SFO) and Auckland (AKL). Seven of the new aircraft variant are expected to be in service by the end of 2025.EVA Air's new premium economy cabin on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets. EVA AirEVA AirThe airline that invented premium economy back in the 90s is still bringing new innovations to the fare class decades later. The Taiwan-based carrier has launched a completely reimagined version of its premium economy cabin on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets, and it’s well worth the splurge. For starters, the refreshed concept offers an industry-leading 42 inches of pitch at every seat, making the seat’s specifications alone worth the price of an upgrade. Passengers can stretch out and use the seat’s ingenious recline function, which has hard-shell backing and offers a cradling motion that slides the seat forward and up for eight inches of recline without disturbing the flier behind. Footrests and privacy panels add even more comfort, and a 15.6-inch entertainment screen and personal device holder will hold your attention for the long-haul journey. The carrier is continually rolling out more of the 787-9 planes with its latest premium economy cabin and plans to deploy a total of nine of the widebody planes by 2029.The international premium economy seats on Delta feature a “bubbles and bites” service after take-off. Delta Air LinesDelta Air LinesDelta’s version of international premium economy—Delta 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 with a leg and foot rest, 19 inches of width, and seven inches of recline—each dimension several inches larger than regular economy. Other upgrades include two free checked bags, priority check-in and boarding, noise-canceling headphones, and a plush memory foam pillow.Swiss Air’s new “Swiss Senses” premium economy cabin on its A350 aircraft. SWISSSwiss AirIf you’re flying to Zurich or Geneva from the US, consider upgrading from coach to Swiss Air’s new “Swiss Senses” premium economy cabin. The separate premium economy cabin features 38 seats in a 2-3-2 layout, offering an exclusive environment. Each seat is 19 inches wide with 39 inches of pitch with thoughtful features like a hard shell for easy reclining without disturbing surrounding fliers and privacy dividers attached to the headrest. You’ll also find a leg and calf rest and a 15.6-inch entertainment screen with Bluetooth capability to stretch out and watch a new movie. There’s even a wireless charging pad in the armrest (as well as USB A and C ports) to keep your devices juiced up. Premium economy passengers are allowed two free checked bags, and upon boarding, they get a taste of Switzerland’s famous apéro culture with a welcome aperitif and a snack of Sbrinz cheese, as well as Swiss wines to complement their in-flight meal.FinnairFinnairFor a sense of Nordic style in the skies, look no further than Finnair’s premium economy product. The Helisinki-based carrier’s upgraded cabin can be found on long-haul flights aboard its Airbus A350 and A330 aircraft and features collaborations with Finnish designers, including Marimekko amenity kits and tableware from Iittala, which is used to serve three-course meals. Aside from its focus on style, the cabin offers substance too, including spacious seats that come with 38 inches of pitch and a leg rest that cradles the entire leg. Each spot is also outfitted with a 13-inch entertainment screen, power outlets, and USB A ports. When it’s time to rest, passengers will notice that the separate cabin of just 26 seats in a 2-4-2 layout cultivates a quiet and calm atmosphere that lends itself to relaxation.In ITA Airways' premium economy cabin, authentic Italian dishes are served on porcelain tableware. ITA AirwaysITA AirwaysBook a seat in ITA Airways’ premium economy class and bring a bit of “la dolce vita” lifestyle to your next flight without busting your budget. The dedicated cabin is outfitted with 24 seats in a spacious 2-3-2 layout. Every seat is upholstered in stylish beige and cream-colored textiles and offers seven inches of recline, 40 inches of pitch, and 19 inches of width. A leg and foot rest, plus privacy wings on the headrest, make falling asleep easy, while perks like a 15.6-inch entertainment screen, noise-canceling headphones, and USB A and C ports ensure quality in-flight entertainment options. Each seat even has a separate cocktail table that can hold passengers’ welcome drink of prosecco, or maybe a glass of Italian wine, limoncello, or a freshly made espresso from Illy coffee. Meal time means Italian dishes served on porcelain tableware. The benefits extend to the airport experience, too: premium economy fliers are granted priority check-in, boarding, and baggage claim, as well as two free checked bags.Jessica Puckett is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who covers transportation and travel news for Condé Nast Traveler. She has previously covered travel news at The Points Guy and domestic and foreign affairs at ABC News. ... Read More