Interested in premium economy? From Singapore Airlines to Qantas, Skyscanner Australia reviews the cheapest and best premium economy airlines, so you can cherry pick a luxury seat from the best of the bunch.
Flying isn’t always the most glamorous activity. Waiting in long lines to board your plane, battling with other passengers for space for your cabin baggage, then watching your knees slide into the back of the seat in front of you while you play elbow tango with your seat neighbour are just some of the many challenges that can come with flying economy class. There is, however, a solution without the need to shell out for first class.
In this article we look at several factors in the premium economy vs economy debate, including whether premium economy is worth the extra cost.
Please note: This article was accurate at the time of publishing on 18 April 2023. Before your journey, be sure to check the latest official travel advice on Smartraveller.gov.au.
What is premium economy?
Premium economy is a cabin class between economy and business class. It’s generally found on international flights, and some popular short-haul domestic trips. Typical benefits include better seat selection during booking, wider seats with more legroom, prioritised check-in and boarding, plus premium meals, services and amenities.
Premium economy offers more perks than economy class, and is typically much cheaper than business or first class.
Premium economy vs economy: what’s the difference?
There is quite a big difference when considering premium economy vs economy, primarily in terms of space. Generally speaking, airlines give you roughly 12-18cm (5-7in) extra legroom space, 3-5cm (1-2in) extra seat-width space, and 5-7cm (2-3in) extra seat reclining space in premium economy seats. If you like to stretch out your legs (or are just tall) and hate fighting for elbow space, you’ll find upgrading will afford you more comfort in-flight.
Many travellers want to know: is premium economy worth it? Well, we’ve put together a list of the top five premium economy airlines that we think are worth paying for.
1. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is a powerful name in the skies, but it’s also hitting review lists as one of the best premium economy airlines for good reason. As with everything Singapore Airlines does, their premium economy service is top tier, and certainly enough to make them worth bookmarking when you use our search filters.
Each seat offers 96cm (38in) of legroom (compared to 81cm/32in in standard economy), along with the ability to recline 20cm (8in). There is also a calf and foot rest, as well as two USB ports, a universal power outlet, an adjustable reading lamp, and more storage space. Additional perks are Wi-Fi access, a 33cm (13in) high-definition entertainment monitor, and noise-cancelling headphones.
Passengers of premium economy on Singapore Airlines can enjoy complimentary wine or champagne, and make use of the airline’s exclusive “Book the Cook” service, where you pre-order your meal before you fly. Satay in the sky, anyone?
Passengers will also have priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Read more: 8 of the best business class airlines
2. Lufthansa
The premium economy class seats on the German airline Lufthansa boast of being up to 50% more spacious on all sides than your average economy seat. They’re also in a separate compartment to economy seating, which is perfect if you’ve always dreamed about being behind that taunting blue curtain.
Lufthansa’s premium economy seats have around 96cm (38in) of legroom and are a generous 45-48cm (18-19in) in width. There’s a footrest, a larger 30cm (12in) monitor and more storage space.
Lufthansa includes all meals and passengers are given a welcome drink as they board. Plus, in this cabin class, you’re served your meals with china tableware and real cutlery, which is a refreshing change from the airline standard of flimsy forks and knives.
Premium economy passengers receive priority boarding and access to Lufthansa Business Class Lounges from €25. Lufthansa gives you additional baggage allowance of two checked bags up to 23kg each and a travel kit at your seat.
Read more: Which airlines offer the best economy classes from Australia?
3. Qantas
Passengers on Qantas’ premium economy class have a separate, dedicated check-in counter as well as priority boarding, much like most premium economy classes for the other airlines. Their standout feature is the private cabin that they equip with ergonomically designed seats that have a multiway adjustable headrest. Your body will thank you after the long haul, trust us.
The legroom and width measurements for Qantas are above standard. The space to stretch your legs clocks in at about 96-106cm (38-42in), whilst the elbow room is at 48cm-56cm (19-22in). You can also recline up to 23cm (9in) overall, and utilise the footrest. The in-flight entertainment screen is 25% larger than those in economy seating, and comes with noise cancelling headphones. USB and power outlets are provided.
Everything is gratis, and the modern menu is designed by Australian chef Neil Perry. There are a host of excellent domestic wines to choose from, and again, you can banish thoughts of flimsy plastic cutlery. Snacks and soft drinks can be enjoyed from a self-serve bar on some flights.
Each passenger gets a travel-sized comfort kit and a hefty 40kg baggage allowance.
Read more: How to book business class flights for cheaper than you’d think
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4. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific has focused their premium economy class seats on legroom, and providing those tantalising extra amenities that travellers crave in an upgrade.
Cathay Pacific’s premium economy seats have 96-101cm (38-40in) of pitch, and 47-49cm (18.5-19.5in) of width. You get 20cm (8in) of recline, plus leg- and footrests. There’s a large tray table, and a smaller cocktail table when you don’t need the bigger one. Plus, you can look forward to a 30cm (12in) monitor, USB ports, power outlets, and access to WiFi (for a small charge).
You’ll be welcomed onboard with a glass of champagne and get to choose food and drinks from an upgraded menu. Cathay Pacific also offers premium economy passengers the chance to order a Betsy beer which has been brewed specifically to enjoy at 35,000 feet.
Premium economy passengers get an additional baggage allowance of up to 35kg, either in weight or the number of pieces to check in. You’ll also get a sweet (and environmentally friendly) amenity pack.
Read more: 10 ways to get a free flight upgrade
5. ANA
This leading Japanese airline’s premium economy ticket holders will enjoy all the extra room they could want while flying, but in a flash of pure genius, they’ll also supply you with complimentary lounge access.
ANA’s premium economy seats offer 17% more room than their economy counterparts. We’re talking 96cm (38in) pitch, 49cm (19.3in) width, and extendable footrests. WiFi service is available on a lot of routes, and you’ll find access to USB ports, power outlets, noise cancelling earphones, and a 27cm (10.6in) entertainment screen.
The meals are the same as those served in economy class. But if you have a sweet tooth you’re in luck because desserts come straight from business class.
One of the best extras is access to the ANA lounges, which you can access all around the world. You will also receive priority check-in and baggage handling.
FAQs about premium economy
There are a few things to consider when thinking about premium economy vs economy seats. Although what you’re offered in a premium economy seat varies from airline to airline, it’s essentially a mid-range option between economy and business class. Premium economy seats tend to be wider and offer more legroom. Meals and snacks are often served from an upgraded menu. The cost of a ticket in premium economy is slightly higher than the same flight taken in economy class.
In most cases, lounge access is reserved for business and first class passengers. ANA is an exception to this, offering lounge access to premium economy travellers at Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Kansai Airports and Honolulu Airport.
As with most flight details, drink inclusions depend on which airline you book with. Cathay Pacific offers champagne on arrival, Singapore Airlines has champagne or wine for premium economy passengers, and Lufthansa includes all drinks in the fare.
Can’t wait to fly more comfortably? Use Skyscanner Australia to book your flights, so you can see how much premium economy is worth on each airline, making sure you snap up the cheapest premium economy seats on the market. Keep ahead of the trends by signing up for our newsletter, so you know when airlines are launching new services.
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