Premium economy has grown from a niche cabin into one of the most competitive spaces in global aviation. For many business travellers who value comfort but do not require a flat-bed seat, and for leisure passengers seeking a more comfortable long-haul journey without incurring business class prices, this cabin strikes the perfect balance.
Over the past decade, airlines have invested heavily in improving seat design, in-flight dining, entertainment, and service, turning premium economy into a polished product in its own right.
Best Premium Economy Class in the World 2025
In 2025, Business Traveller readers recognised five airlines that set the global benchmark for Premium Economy. What unites them all is a commitment to elevating the travel experience beyond the basics, offering passengers a taste of premium travel without the steep price tag.
1. Emirates
Emirates continues its rise in the premium economy market with a product that feels close to business class in several areas, yet still priced reasonably. Its premium economy cabin, currently featured on selected Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, stands out for its generous space, plush aesthetics, and quiet luxury.
The seats are crafted with cream leather, full cushioning, and elegant stitching, with up to 40 inches of pitch and substantial recline. Leg rests and calf rests add proper support for longer flights, while wide seats make the cabin feel genuinely relaxing. The airline’s signature attention to detail shows through real wood finishing, tasteful lighting, and thoughtful touches like large pillows and blankets.
Dining is another standout, served on china plates with stainless-steel cutlery, echoing business class presentation. The menus feature elevated international dishes along with Emirati touches, making meals feel much more substantial than the typical premium economy offering. Emirates’ award-winning ICE entertainment system rounds out the cabin with huge screens and an unmatched library of films, music, and TV.
2. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines frequently tops global rankings, and its premium economy is no exception. Built around the airline’s philosophy of hospitality, the cabin combines subtle luxury, practical comfort, and a level of refinement that travellers instantly recognise.
SIA’s seats are ergonomically designed with up to 38 inches of pitch, wide armrests, and leg rests that actually support taller passengers. The cabin feels orderly and calming, with a sophisticated colour palette and a sense of space that makes boarding feel less hectic than in economy.
The in-flight experience is where Singapore Airlines shines. The “Book the Cook” service allows premium economy passengers to pre-order restaurant-quality meals, a distinction very few airlines offer at this cabin level.
From regional selections like chicken rice to Western classics, the dining feels indulgent and genuinely satisfying. Add in champagne served on many long-haul flights, and the product pushes the boundary of Premium Economy luxury.
Entertainment is top-tier, thanks to KrisWorld’s curated catalogue, while attentive cabin crew ensure the service feels genuinely thoughtful. Singapore Airlines is meticulous, and that quiet precision is a major factor in securing second place.
3. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic has long been credited as one of the pioneers of premium economy, and its stylish, personality-driven approach continues to earn praise from Business Traveller voters. Its offering stands out because it blends glamour with practicality, a cabin that feels premium, fun, and comfortable in equal measure.
The cabin features deep-purple seats with generous padding, footrests, and champagne served shortly after take-off. The seat pitch is around 38 inches, with winged headrests and a good degree of recline. Virgin’s aesthetics are distinctive, and the premium cabin has a more boutique, intimate feel compared to larger competitors.
Dining is a highlight, inspired by Virgin’s signature Upper Class style but adapted thoughtfully for premium economy. Meals are served on real tableware, with proper cutlery and nicely curated options that go beyond typical airline offerings. The crews add personality to the service with warmth and upbeat behaviour, but remain professional.
The entertainment system is modern, easy to navigate, and stocked with a well-curated mix of films and series. Virgin Atlantic’s blend of comfort, charm, and strong service culture makes it an easy favourite among travellers who want a premium experience with a bit of flair.
4. Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific’s premium economy continues to be one of the most consistent and polished products in Asia. Known for its quiet cabins and understated luxury, Cathay focuses on practicality with great seats, generous recline, intuitive features, and dependable service, all wrapped in a soft, premium aesthetic.
Cathay Pacific’s seats offer 38 inches of pitch, deep recline, a wide seat base, and good padding that remains comfortable even on long transpacific routes. Tray tables are large enough for proper productivity, while plenty of storage space accommodates devices, bottles, and small items without clutter.
Service is typically calm and refined, a hallmark of Cathay’s approach. Meals feel more elevated than standard economy, with thoughtful presentation and flavours that lean toward both Asian and Western tastes. Hong Kong-based favourites often appear on the menu, offering travellers a regional culinary experience.
Entertainment is extensive and reliable, delivered through crisp screens and excellent noise-cancelling headsets.
5. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand rounds out the top five with a premium economy cabin widely appreciated for its comfort, upbeat service, and well-designed seats. Known for its creativity and customer-focused approach, the airline brings a friendly, thoughtful personality to the cabin, making it a pleasant environment for long-haul travel.
The seats, offered on its Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft, are some of the most comfortable in the market, with plenty of cushioning and recline. Leg rests are supportive, headrests adjust smoothly, and the overall layout provides a sense of space that feels welcome on ultra-long-haul routes.
Dining is a strength as well, with menus that highlight New Zealand influences and fresh ingredients. Presentation is clean and stylish, supported by attentive cabin crew who contribute to the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere the airline is known for.
Entertainment is extensive and pairs well with the airline’s humorous, distinctive style.
Bottom Line
Premium economy has matured into a premium yet accessible cabin, and the 2025 results from Business Traveller reflect the industry’s best efforts.
Together, these five airlines demonstrate how far premium economy has evolved. What was once a simple in-between cabin is now a major pillar of long-haul travel, offering spacious seats, polished service, refined dining, and a noticeably more relaxed experience than economy.
As more travellers prioritise comfort without going all-in on business class, these airlines show what the future of mid-tier travel looks refined, practical, and genuinely enjoyable.
Best Premium Economy Class FAQs
Its spacious seats, luxurious cabin design, high-end dining, and consistently excellent crew service put it well ahead of many global competitors.
Travellers want extra comfort with wider seats, more legroom, and better meals, without paying business class prices. Premium economy hits that sweet spot.
Not always. Availability varies by aircraft and route, but Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, and Air New Zealand continue to expand premium economy coverage across major long-haul destinations.
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