17 Premium Economy Seats Worth the Upgrade

12.03.2024 - 01:39 / cntraveler.com / Airlines

As anyone who has flown in a regular economy seat can attest, space on board planes is precious. Even just a few more inches of legroom or a slightly deeper seat recline can be the difference between comfortably falling asleep on a long flight and arriving at your destination as a zombie version of yourself.

Fortunately for fliers, premium economy cabins offer these upgrades and more perks at relatively affordable price points. A good premium economy product will not just offer roomier seats, but include an overall enhanced onboard experience, including fancier meals, better cocktails, and comfortable amenities like noise-canceling headphones and upscale toiletry products. At the airport, expect priority check-in services, a larger checked baggage allotment, and even lounge access.

Typically, airlines offer the best premium economy seats on their longer flights or international routes. Here are some of the best premium economy cabins to book today—we promise the extra splurge will be worth it.

Emirates new premium economy cabin is designed to emulate its business-class seats.

One of the most anticipated 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. The cabin can be found at the front of the first deck. The seats are now available on a long list of routes to and from Dubai, including Paris, London, Sydney, Christchurch, Melbourne, and US cities like New York, Los Angeles, 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.

Australian carrier Qantas's premium economy cabin—available on the airline's Boeing 787