For many travellers, premium economy has become the sweet spot between affordability and comfort. The extra legroom and upgraded seating are appreciated, but what really sets the experience apart is often the food.
A well-prepared meal can transform a long-haul flight from tiring to enjoyable, and airlines have begun to treat catering as a defining feature of this cabin.
Top 10 Best Premium Economy Class Airline Catering 2025
In 2025, these ten airlines have been recognised for serving meals that feel thoughtful, flavoursome, and a cut above standard economy.

1. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic takes premium economy catering seriously, blending a distinctly British touch with hearty and well-presented meals.
Travellers often remark on the thoughtful balance between comfort food and quality dining, with dishes that feel freshly prepared rather than mass-produced. Presentation is also carefully handled, using proper tableware and cutlery rather than the typical airline trays.
Drinks service is generous, with a good range of wines and spirits available throughout the flight. The airline has also built a reputation for adding small extras, whether it’s mid-flight snacks or indulgent desserts that passengers look forward to.
This attention to detail creates a dining experience that feels closer to business class than economy. Virgin’s approach ensures premium economy guests don’t feel overlooked, instead making the meal service a genuine highlight of the journey.

2. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is known worldwide for its high culinary standards, and this extends strongly to premium economy. Meals are crafted with the same philosophy as its upper classes, showcasing Asian and international influences with a refined finish.
Passengers often appreciate the Book the Cook service, which allows pre-ordering from an expanded menu, something rare in this cabin type. Presentation, portion size, and flavour are consistently praised, reflecting the airline’s emphasis on hospitality.
Beverages include a carefully chosen wine selection alongside popular non-alcoholic options, ensuring all tastes are covered. Even small details like appetisers and desserts are designed to feel considered rather than generic.
Singapore Airlines shows that premium economy passengers can still expect a touch of luxury at mealtimes, making the catering experience a genuine highlight of long-haul travel.

3. EVA Air
EVA Air has quietly built a strong reputation for its premium economy catering, setting itself apart with quality and attention to presentation.
Meals feel substantial yet carefully balanced, often featuring a blend of Asian and Western favourites that appeal to a wide passenger base.
Passengers highlight that flavours are fresh and not overly processed, something not always easy at altitude. Desserts, too, are often more memorable than what’s typically found in this class, and drinks are served generously.
The use of proper dishware and thoughtful tray layouts helps elevate the experience beyond standard economy.
EVA Air’s approach is understated but effective, creating a sense that every detail is considered. For long flights, this makes a big difference, and many travellers find the catering among the best they’ve experienced in premium economy.

4. Emirates
Emirates has long marketed itself as a premium brand, and its catering in premium economy reflects this. Meals are served with a sense of style, often inspired by regional dishes alongside international classics.
Portions are generous, and presentation is more refined than passengers might expect outside business class. The airline places emphasis on offering choice, with menus rotating to reflect both destination and season, keeping the dining experience varied.
Drinks service includes a wide selection of wines and spirits, complementing the meals with a touch of luxury. Passengers also note the care in small extras, like quality bread rolls and well-prepared appetisers.
By investing in premium economy catering, Emirates reinforces its image of consistent quality across cabins, ensuring the dining element of the flight feels special rather than secondary.

5. Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific approaches premium economy catering with the same precision and refinement that marks its wider brand. Meals are designed to highlight fresh ingredients, often showcasing Asian flavours alongside classic Western choices.
Presentation is clean and well thought out, with proper crockery and cutlery enhancing the sense of an upgraded experience. Portions are sufficient without feeling heavy, and the balance of appetisers, mains, and desserts reflects attention to passenger comfort.
Drink options include a respectable range of wines, beers, and soft drinks, aligning with what travellers might expect in a higher cabin class. Cathay’s catering feels unhurried and carefully planned, giving the impression of restaurant-inspired dining even on long-haul flights.

6. Air France
Air France naturally brings French culinary tradition into its premium economy service, ensuring mealtimes feel distinctly elevated. Menus highlight classic French dishes and regional influences, complemented by international choices for wider appeal.
Presentation is stylish, with real tableware and attention to layout, helping the service feel more refined. The airline also takes pride in its bread and dessert offerings, which are often standout features that reflect French culture.
Wine and champagne selections are carefully chosen, reinforcing the dining experience as something memorable rather than routine. Even simple elements such as appetisers or cheese plates are given a thoughtful touch.
Air France consistently treats premium economy catering as part of the journey’s enjoyment, not just a necessity, creating a service that passengers regularly describe as charming and authentically French in spirit.

7. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is known for doing things a little differently, and this shows in its premium economy catering. Meals are often creative, with modern twists on familiar dishes and a focus on fresh New Zealand produce wherever possible.
Presentation is appealing, with proper tableware used to add to the sense of occasion. Portion sizes are generous, reflecting the airline’s practical approach, and passengers often comment positively on the quality of the bread and desserts.
The drinks service is another highlight, featuring New Zealand wines that showcase the country’s viticulture, alongside a full range of other options.
Cabin crew add warmth to the meal service, making it feel personal and relaxed rather than mechanical. The result is catering that balances substance with a uniquely Kiwi charm, leaving travellers satisfied.

8. Lufthansa
Lufthansa takes a straightforward yet refined approach to premium economy catering. Meals are designed with a balance of European and international influences, giving passengers familiar favourites alongside more creative dishes.
Presentation is noticeably above economy level, with ceramic tableware and metal cutlery adding a sense of upgrade. Portions are carefully measured to satisfy without overwhelming, and passengers appreciate the quality of ingredients used.
Drinks include German wines and beers, alongside a wide choice of standard options. Lufthansa is also noted for punctual and efficient meal service, in line with its reputation for reliability.
While not showy, the catering feels dependable and thoughtfully put together, ensuring passengers are comfortable and well cared for during long-haul flights.

9. Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines brings a strong cultural influence into its premium economy catering, offering meals that highlight Japanese cuisine alongside global favourites.
Passengers can expect dishes that are both visually appealing and carefully balanced, with flavours designed to work well at altitude. Presentation is elegant, reflecting Japanese standards of hospitality, with proper dishware adding to the overall experience.
Drinks service is equally considered, often including Japanese options such as sake alongside international wines and spirits.
Passengers often note the freshness of ingredients and the attention to detail in desserts and side dishes. The result is catering that feels authentic and restorative rather than generic.

10. Air Canada
Air Canada has steadily improved its premium economy catering, ensuring it competes strongly with other international carriers. Menus are designed to balance hearty, comforting meals with lighter international options, giving passengers a sense of choice.
Presentation is a step above economy, using proper cutlery and better table layouts to create a more refined service. Passengers often comment on the quality of the mains and desserts, which feel fresh and satisfying even on long-haul flights.
Drinks include a respectable selection of wines and spirits, alongside Canadian touches that add a bit of personality. Service is efficient yet friendly, with the crew making sure the experience feels attentive.
Bottom line
Premium economy catering has come a long way from the days of slightly larger economy trays. Today, airlines are competing to offer meals that not only satisfy but also reflect their brand identity.
The best carriers in 2025 prove that premium economy can deliver real value, with thoughtful menus, proper presentation, and drinks services that rival business class in some cases.
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