I find traveling long-haul in Economy Class tough. It was not so bad what I was in my 20s, but now I am older, I have the funds to upgrade and a not-quite-so-youthful body that suffers when subjected to long-haul economy seats. I almost always choose to upgrade to Premium Economy and when funds allow, Business Class.
Just like in our top 10 best Business Class airlines, not all Premium Economy offerings are the same. Virgin Atlantic is the winner with a very average 38 inches of legroom but a wider seat width of 21 inches.
1. Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy
The facts: 21 inch seat width, 38 inch legroom, free drinks, free food.
We like: Priority boarding, wide reclining chairs with footrest, the enhanced menu offering served on china with stainless steel cutlery, the snack bar on the new 787 aircraft with free snacks and drinks that you can help yourself to, the fact you can book your seat on Virgin Flying Club miles which you can collect at Waitrose and earn via their credit card.
We don’t like: The very average legroom.
2. Air New Zealand
The facts: 19.3 inch seat width, 42 inch legroom, free drinks, free food.
We like: Separate check-in, the look of the leather Spaceseat and the decent recline, the menu designed with chefs, Peter Gordon and Michael Meredith and complimented by premium New Zealand wines, an amenity kit with Antipodes skincare pawpaw, and with an avocado lip balm – more than you get on other airlines.
We don’t like: unimpressive legroom.
3. British Airways World Traveller Plus
The facts: 18.5 inch seat width, 38 inch legroom, free drinks, free food.
We like: Jolly British Airways Biggles pilots, the menu (three-course) with options from the business class menu served on china with linen napkins, and that it is easy to collect Avios at Tesco or with the Lloyds Avios credit card.
We don’t like: The lack of priority boarding, the thin seats at 18.5 inch, which are not very comfortable, and the very average legroom.
We have reviewed British Airways World Traveller Plus.
4. Qantas Premium Economy
The facts: 19.5 inch seat width, 38-42 inch legroom, free drinks, free food.
We like: Priority check-in and boarding, decent seat width and pitch, the menu inspired by leading Australian restaurateur Neil Perry, all served on Marc Newson-designed tableware. Food is served on porcelain tableware, 130-degree chair recline.
5. Cathay Pacific Premium Economy
The facts: 19.5 inch seat width, 38 inch legroom, free drinks, free food.
We like: Priority boarding, tasty food.
We don’t like: The very average legroom.
We have reviewed Cathay Pacific Premium Economy.
6. Singapore Airlines Premium Economy
The facts: 18.5-19.5 inch seat width, 38 inch legroom, free drinks, free food.
We like: Priority boarding and check-in, 8 inch recline with a calf and footrest, and headrest and wings.
We don’t like: The very average legroom.
7. Air France – KLM Premium Economy
The facts: 19 inch seat width, 38-40 inch legroom, free drinks, free food.
We like: That meals are presented in eco-designed tableware created by the Catalan designer Eugeni Quitllet, self-service buffet on longer flights, SkyPriority, which is priority check-in, security fast-track, and boarding at selected airports.
We don’t like: The very average legroom.
8. Lufthansa Premium Economy
The facts: 18-19 inch seat width, 38 inch legroom, free drinks, free food.
We like: Food is served on porcelain tableware, 130-degree chair recline.
We don’t like: Average seat size and legroom.
Lufthansa offer almost identical seats to those which have just launched on Austrian Airlines. When traveling on Austrian in Premium Economy, the key is to pick the bulkhead seats at the front of the cabin. These offer impressive leg rests (not just footrests) and makes this a brilliant new Premium Economy choice.
9. ANA Premium Economy
The facts: 19.3 inch seat width, 38 inch legroom, free drinks, free food.
We like: Priority check-in and luggage handling. Premium travelers can also use Star Alliance partners’ Business Class Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2 and the ANA Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport, and the complimentary slippers.
We don’t like: Premium Economy meals are the same as in economy but with Business Class desserts.
The American Airlines offers AA Premium Economy seats on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Delta Air Lines already offered Comfort Plus with extra legroom and now offer complete Premium Economy cabin called Delta Premium Select (pictured above) on long-haul aircraft. Expect 38 inches of pitch, up to 19 inches of width, and up to seven inches of recline with adjustable leg rests and headrests. They is also including a Westin Heavenly® In-Flight Blanket with pillow and a TUMI amenity kit featuring Malin+Goetz Travel Essentials. A fresh, seasonal menu will be presented with Alessi serviceware designed exclusively for Delta. There will also be an up to 13.3-inch, high-resolution in-flight entertainment screen, noise-canceling headphones, in-seat power ports, and Sky Priority service, including faster check-in, accelerated security, priority boarding, and expedited baggage service will also be included.
United currently offers Economy Plus with a 37-inch seat pitch, five inches more than Economy, but this currently has no other advantages over the normal economy seats.
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