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Premium cabin reviews

Premium Economy

More space without the business class price. Our editorial comparisons cover dedicated premium economy cabins, not simply extra-legroom economy seats.

Points pick

Singapore Airlines · KrisFlyer

A direct way to search confirmed awards; choose points only when the cash fare makes the redemption worthwhile.

Cash pick

Japan Airlines · A350-1000

A standout seat when the aircraft is confirmed and the fare uplift over economy is reasonable.

Scores are editorial opinions, not personally flown trip reports. Aircraft, benefits, award availability and fares vary; check the linked airline information and your exact flight before booking.

Japan Airlines Premium Economy

A350-1000 / selected 787 and 777 international flights

8.8/10

10 Positives

  1. +The A350-1000 seat offers an unusually generous amount of personal space.
  2. +The A350-1000 fixed-shell design keeps the passenger ahead from reclining into your space.
  3. +Electrically adjustable seats on the A350-1000 make finding a comfortable position easier.
  4. +The A350-1000 leg rest supports a more relaxed resting position than a basic foot bar.
  5. +Older international premium economy seats still provide useful extra legroom over economy.
  6. +The separate cabin feels quieter and less crowded than the main economy cabin.
  7. +Eligible international premium economy passengers receive lounge access under JAL's published rules.
  8. +Japanese meal choices can make the dining experience more distinctive.
  9. +Personal entertainment screens make long flights easier to pass.
  10. +JAL's attentive service is a strong reason to choose the cabin.

10 Negatives

  1. −The impressive A350-1000 seat is not the product on every flight.
  2. −No version of the seat turns into a fully flat bed.
  3. −Older fixed-shell seats can feel firm when resting for several hours.
  4. −Window passengers still need to pass a neighbour to reach the aisle.
  5. −Meals should not be mistaken for the full business class dining experience.
  6. −Aircraft substitutions can change the seat you expected to receive.
  7. −Premium economy is not available on every international aircraft or route.
  8. −Award availability can be limited on popular Japan routes.
  9. −Partner programmes do not all offer the same premium economy redemption options.
  10. −Peak-season cash fares can erode the value of the extra comfort.

Book with points?

A strong points candidate when JAL or an eligible partner offers a sensible redemption and cash fares are high; compare taxes and the business class award before committing.

Book with cash?

Our comfort-led cash pick, particularly on a confirmed A350-1000 flight with a modest premium over economy; a large fare difference is harder to justify on older seats.

Official cabin information ↗ · Confirm the seat map and benefits for your flight.

Emirates Premium Economy

Selected A380, retrofitted 777 and A350 services

8.7/10

10 Positives

  1. +Wide seats provide a meaningful comfort improvement over economy.
  2. +A deeper recline helps make long daytime flights more relaxing.
  3. +Padded leg rests give better support than economy seats.
  4. +The light-coloured upholstery makes the cabin feel bright and spacious.
  5. +A dedicated cabin separates passengers from the main economy seating area.
  6. +Dining uses upgraded presentation and tableware rather than a basic economy tray.
  7. +A more considered drinks offering adds to the onboard experience.
  8. +Large personal screens make the extensive ICE entertainment library enjoyable.
  9. +Seat-side charging supports phones and other personal devices.
  10. +The product is a compelling middle ground for travellers who do not need a bed.

10 Negatives

  1. −Premium economy is only sold on selected aircraft and services.
  2. −The seat reclines but never becomes a fully flat bed.
  3. −A reclining passenger ahead can reduce your usable space.
  4. −Window passengers do not have direct aisle access.
  5. −Aircraft type changes can alter the layout or remove the cabin.
  6. −A premium economy ticket does not normally include business class lounge access.
  7. −The cabin does not include the business class onboard bar or first class facilities.
  8. −A connection through Dubai makes some journeys substantially longer than a nonstop.
  9. −Premium economy rewards and upgrades depend on current Skywards rules and availability.
  10. −High cash fares can put the price uncomfortably close to discounted business class.

Book with points?

Check Skywards for the exact flight rather than assuming a reward or upgrade is available; cash is often the simpler option, and points value must include any fees.

Book with cash?

Excellent for a daytime flight when the fare uplift over economy is reasonable; compare total journey time and any discounted business class fare before buying.

Official cabin information ↗ · Confirm the seat map and benefits for your flight.

ANA Premium Economy

Selected international 777-300ER and 787 services

8.4/10

10 Positives

  1. +Extra legroom makes long transpacific flights less restrictive than economy.
  2. +Wider seats give useful shoulder room for work and rest.
  3. +Adjustable leg or foot support helps reduce discomfort during a long flight.
  4. +The small dedicated cabin feels calmer than a large economy section.
  5. +Eligible ANA-operated international premium economy tickets include lounge access under ANA's rules.
  6. +Priority airport services on eligible journeys reduce some of the ground-level friction.
  7. +Japanese and international meal choices cater to different preferences.
  8. +Personal entertainment screens provide an individual viewing experience.
  9. +Charging facilities make it easier to keep personal devices running.
  10. +The service is usually polite and carefully organised.

10 Negatives

  1. −The seat is a recliner rather than a lie-flat bed.
  2. −The cabin does not share the business class seat design known as The Room.
  3. −Dining remains closer to economy than to a full business class service.
  4. −The exact seat and layout vary between aircraft.
  5. −Window passengers must pass a neighbour to leave their seat.
  6. −Recline from the row ahead can reduce your space.
  7. −Premium economy is not fitted to every ANA international flight.
  8. −Popular Japan departures can have limited award inventory.
  9. −Lounge arrangements depend on the airport and eligible operating carrier.
  10. −A high fare premium is difficult to justify if sleep is your main priority.

Book with points?

Consider points on eligible routes when cash fares are high, but check that your programme actually sells ANA premium economy awards and compare the total cost with business class.

Book with cash?

Good value when the extra seat space and eligible lounge access come at a manageable uplift over economy; less persuasive at near-business fares.

Official cabin information ↗ · Confirm the seat map and benefits for your flight.

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy

Selected A350, A380 and 777-300ER services

8.3/10

10 Positives

  1. +Wider seats give noticeably more personal space than standard economy.
  2. +Extra legroom is particularly welcome on very long flights.
  3. +Leg and foot support make it easier to settle into a resting position.
  4. +Book the Cook is available on eligible departures for greater meal choice.
  5. +The upgraded meal service gives the cabin its own identity.
  6. +The drinks selection makes dining more enjoyable than a basic economy service.
  7. +KrisWorld offers a large entertainment library on personal screens.
  8. +Power and device storage make the seat practical for a long journey.
  9. +A separate cabin reduces the bustle of the main economy section.
  10. +KrisFlyer provides a direct programme through which to check premium economy awards.

10 Negatives

  1. −Seats do not recline into a fully flat bed.
  2. −The cabin lacks the privacy of Singapore Airlines business class.
  3. −Window passengers must pass their neighbour to reach the aisle.
  4. −A reclined seat ahead can make your screen and table feel closer.
  5. −Lounge entry is not a standard benefit of the premium economy ticket alone.
  6. −Premium economy is not installed on every A350 configuration or route.
  7. −Book the Cook choices depend on departure airport and service availability.
  8. −Ultra-long-haul flights remain tiring even with the improved seat.
  9. −KrisFlyer award seats can be scarce on popular departures.
  10. −Cash fares sometimes rise close enough to business class to weaken the value.

Book with points?

Our straightforward points pick through KrisFlyer when a confirmed award offers good value against the cash fare; avoid poor-value redemptions and compare the business class mileage difference.

Book with cash?

Worth considering for long daytime sectors and modest fare uplifts, especially if you value dining and service; do not pay business-like prices for a recliner.

Official cabin information ↗ · Confirm the seat map and benefits for your flight.

Cathay Pacific Premium Economy

Selected A350 and 777 services; newer cabin on selected retrofitted 777s

8.2/10

10 Positives

  1. +The wider seat makes a clear difference compared with economy.
  2. +Additional legroom improves comfort on long Hong Kong routes.
  3. +The newer 777 seat adds useful privacy around the head area.
  4. +Leg support makes reclining more comfortable on equipped aircraft.
  5. +The smaller dedicated cabin feels more personal than the economy section.
  6. +Upgraded dining presentation adds a sense of occasion to meals.
  7. +Personal entertainment screens give passengers plenty to watch.
  8. +Charging facilities help keep personal devices usable during the journey.
  9. +Cathay's Hong Kong hub offers many onward connection choices.
  10. +Asia Miles provides a direct way to search eligible premium economy rewards.

10 Negatives

  1. −The new 777 cabin is not guaranteed on every flight.
  2. −Older seats are less private than the newer product.
  3. −No premium economy seat becomes a fully flat bed.
  4. −Window passengers need to pass a neighbour to reach the aisle.
  5. −Some layouts include centre seats that feel less spacious.
  6. −Lounge access is not normally included solely because you booked premium economy.
  7. −Dining is still a step below business class in choice and flexibility.
  8. −A connection through Hong Kong can add time versus a nonstop alternative.
  9. −Reward seats are capacity-controlled and can be hard to find in peak periods.
  10. −Carrier charges can reduce the value of a points booking.

Book with points?

Asia Miles can be worthwhile when reward seats are available and cash prices are high; include carrier charges and compare partner options before transferring points.

Book with cash?

A sensible buy at a moderate uplift over economy, particularly on the newer 777 cabin; confirm the seat map rather than paying extra based only on the airline name.

Official cabin information ↗ · Confirm the seat map and benefits for your flight.

Air France Premium

A350, 787 and selected 777 services; recliner and older fixed-shell seats vary

7.6/10

10 Positives

  1. +A separate cabin gives passengers a quieter setting than standard economy.
  2. +Extra legroom makes long-haul travel less cramped.
  3. +Wider seats provide better shoulder room than the economy cabin.
  4. +Newer recliner seats are more inviting for rest than the older fixed-shell design.
  5. +Adjustable leg or foot support improves the resting position on equipped seats.
  6. +Upgraded meal presentation gives dining a more considered feel.
  7. +Priority airport services on eligible tickets can simplify departure.
  8. +Personal entertainment screens offer a useful distraction on long flights.
  9. +Connections through Paris give access to a broad long-haul network.
  10. +Flying Blue lets travellers check cash and mileage options within one programme.

10 Negatives

  1. −Older fixed-shell seats can feel uncomfortable for sleeping.
  2. −The seat type differs substantially between aircraft configurations.
  3. −Even the newer recliner is not a fully flat bed.
  4. −Window passengers do not have direct aisle access.
  5. −Some cabin layouts contain middle seats.
  6. −A premium economy ticket alone does not normally include lounge access.
  7. −Meal choice and service flexibility do not match business class.
  8. −A Paris connection can add time and another airport transfer to the journey.
  9. −Flying Blue's variable award prices can become poor value.
  10. −Award surcharges and high cash fares can outweigh the cabin's benefits.

Book with points?

Look for a competitive Flying Blue reward, including eligible promotional pricing, but calculate the full mileage and surcharge cost rather than assuming every award is good value.

Book with cash?

A value-led option when discounted fares are available and the newer recliner is confirmed; the older fixed-shell product deserves a much smaller premium over economy.

Official cabin information ↗ · Confirm the seat map and benefits for your flight.

Not every airline in our Business and First Class list has a dedicated premium economy cabin. Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines sell extra-legroom economy options instead; other aircraft-specific or newly introduced products will be reviewed separately once their details are verified.