The four best premium economy airlines to fly with

Roomier than economy, cheaper than business, premium economy is the Goldilocks option. And this cabin class is looking better than ever before.

Words by Fiona Carruthers.

Air New Zealand

The airline launched its first new cabin product in 15 years in the form of one retrofitted 787-9, which began flying between Auckland and Brisbane in May. It’s a nose-to-tail retrofit across four classes, where the sweet spot is in the premium cabin. Here, passengers will find 33 seats, each with a fixed outer shell, meaning reclining doesn’t affect those behind you.

Japan Airlines

JAL impressed judges enough to win gold at the Skytrax awards in 2024 for the premium economy category (followed by Emirates and Eva Air). You’ll find its hard-shell seat on A350-1000 – used mainly on JAL’s long-haul routes from Tokyo to London and New York. It has a pitch of 97cm and is 48cm wide.

Lufthansa

The new Allegris premium economy class has a generous 99cm pitch and nice touches like a glare-free reading lamp, and cocktail tray. You’ll find it on their A350-900 and 787-9 aircraft, and seat width varies from 45.7cm to 48.2cm depending on aircraft type.

Emirates

Inspired by the Mercedes-Benz S Class, you’ll find hard-shell seats on the Dubai carrier’s A380 aircraft and select 777s (that is, the ones that have been re-fitted). Emirates is known for its bling factor and the stylish tones of this cabin class don’t disappoint. Many mistake it for business class on boarding. The seat is 49.5cm wide with a pitch of 96.5cm.

This article first appeared in Escape as 4 best premium economy airlines to fly with