10 Best Premium Economy Class Airlines in the World in 2025

Premium economy has become a sweet spot for many travellers – offering more space, comfort, and perks without the full price tag of business class.

In 2025, Skytrax highlights the world’s best carriers in this growing cabin, judged on everything from seating and in-flight dining to service and value.

The winners are those who strike the right balance, giving passengers a genuine sense of upgrade while keeping it affordable.

Whether you’re flying long-haul across the Atlantic, heading to Asia, or simply looking for extra comfort without stretching your budget too far, these airlines prove that premium economy can be a truly worthwhile experience.

Best Premium Economy Class Airlines

Let’s take a closer look at the top ten names redefining this cabin for travellers in 2025.

Photo: Virgin Atlantic

1. Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic leads the way once again, topping the list for the world’s best premium economy cabin. Known for its stylish and distinctly British personality, Virgin has long treated premium economy as a product in its own right, not just an add-on.

Passengers can expect spacious seats with generous recline, footrests, and upgraded dining presented on china with proper cutlery – small touches that make a big difference.

Dedicated check-in counters and priority boarding add to the appeal, while the cabin’s modern design feels closer to business than standard economy. The airline also makes an effort with cocktails and wines, ensuring the experience feels special throughout.

Photo: Japan Airlines

2. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines has built a reputation for meticulous detail, and its premium economy offering reflects that philosophy perfectly. The airline’s seats are among the widest and most comfortable in the market, offering generous legroom and features such as padded footrests, adjustable headrests, and individual reading lamps. The highlight is the thoughtful extras – from noise-cancelling headphones to premium meals influenced by Japanese and Western cuisine.

Dedicated check-in and priority baggage handling round out the ground experience, while in-flight service carries the trademark warmth and precision JAL is known for. Many passengers remark that premium economy on Japan Airlines feels more like a light version of business class rather than an in-between cabin.

Emirates A350 Premium Economy; Photo- Emirates

3. Emirates

Emirates’ premium economy has quickly become a star attraction on its newly refurbished A380s and 777s. The cabin is designed with the same sense of glamour and detail you’d expect from the Dubai-based carrier.

Seats are wide, with plush cushioning, deep recline, and stylish cream leather finishes, while large in-flight entertainment screens keep travellers occupied throughout. The meal service feels elevated, with menu options similar to business class and sparkling wine served in proper glassware.

On the ground, passengers benefit from priority check-in and boarding, smoothing the travel experience.

Photo: Singapore Airlines

4. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is famous for consistency, and its premium economy product is no exception. The airline offers seats designed for real comfort on ultra-long-haul journeys, with extra width, adjustable leg rests, and personal reading lamps.

Amenities such as noise-cancelling headphones and large high-definition screens make the experience feel much closer to business class than economy.

Dining is another highlight – premium economy passengers can even pre-order meals through Singapore Airlines’ “Book the Cook” service, usually reserved for premium cabins. Service is warm, attentive, and polished, reflecting the airline’s global reputation.

On the ground, priority boarding and baggage handling help ease the journey. For travellers flying across Asia, to Europe, or to the US, Singapore’s premium economy is one of the best ways to travel in style without breaking the bank.

Photo: EVA Air

5. EVA Air

Taiwan’s EVA Air has long been praised for its premium economy, and it remains one of the strongest products worldwide in 2025. EVA was one of the pioneers in this cabin type, and its experience feels well-developed and carefully thought out.

Seats are generously sized, with wider armrests and plenty of recline, while soft furnishings create a relaxing environment. Meals are closer to business class quality, with Taiwanese touches adding local flavour to the menu.

The in-flight entertainment system offers a wide selection, paired with quality headphones for a better experience. EVA’s service is also attentive yet understated, creating a calm and pleasant atmosphere. For long-haul routes between Asia, North America, and Europe, EVA Air’s premium economy continues to stand out as one of the most reliable and comfortable choices.

Cathay Pacific A350 Premium Economy; Photo- Raymondeuro | Wikimedia Commons

6. Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Pacific offers a premium economy cabin that feels distinctly more spacious and refined than standard economy. The Hong Kong-based airline has designed seats with generous recline, footrests, and large tray tables, making long-haul work or relaxation easier.

Entertainment is excellent, thanks to oversized screens loaded with films, shows, and music. The dining service is well-regarded too, with meals served on proper tableware and paired with a good wine list.

Ground services include priority boarding and check-in, helping passengers save time and stress before the flight. Cathay’s cabin crew brings their characteristic professionalism and warmth, ensuring the journey feels smooth from start to finish.

Photo: British Airways

7. British Airways

British Airways has invested heavily in its premium economy, known as World Traveller Plus, making it a very popular choice for UK and transatlantic travellers. Seats offer extra width, more recline, and leg rests for added comfort, along with larger screens for in-flight entertainment.

BA makes an effort with the dining service, offering upgraded meals and complimentary drinks, which are a step above regular economy.

Priority check-in and boarding smooth the journey on the ground, while the service onboard retains a friendly British feel. For those flying from London to destinations in the US, Asia, or Africa, World Traveller Plus strikes a solid balance of comfort and affordability.

Photo: Air France

8. Air France

Air France brings a touch of French flair to premium economy, with a cabin that feels elegant and refined. The seats are designed with extra space in mind, offering a good recline, adjustable headrests, and wide armrests to ensure comfort on long flights.

Onboard dining is a highlight – menus are crafted with French influence and served on stylish tableware, often with a glass of Champagne to start. The entertainment screens are large and high-quality, making films and shows enjoyable throughout the journey.

Passengers also benefit from priority boarding and baggage handling, which smooths the overall travel experience. For transatlantic or long-haul routes, the airline’s premium economy offers an elegant middle ground between affordability and indulgence.

Photo: Qantas

9. Qantas Airways

Qantas has worked hard to develop a premium economy cabin that meets the needs of long-haul travellers, particularly on routes to and from Australia. The seats are thoughtfully designed with extra width, leg rests, and a comfortable recline, allowing passengers to rest properly on ultra-long flights.

The cabin has a more intimate feel, with fewer seats and an attentive crew providing a high standard of service. Dining is another strong point, with menus inspired by Australian cuisine and paired with wines from the country’s top vineyards. Entertainment is excellent, with large screens and a wide variety of content.

Ground services such as priority boarding help smooth the experience. For travellers heading Down Under, Qantas’ premium economy offers a comfortable, practical, and enjoyable alternative to business class.

Photo: All Nippon Airways

10. ANA All Nippon Airways

ANA has a reputation for precision and comfort, and its premium economy is no different. The Japanese carrier offers wider seats with significant legroom and thoughtful touches like adjustable footrests, headrests, and large personal monitors.

The cabin itself feels peaceful, with fewer seats and a quieter atmosphere. Onboard dining combines Japanese and Western influences, with upgraded meals that feel closer to business class than economy.

Premium headphones, amenity kits, and priority services on the ground round out the experience. ANA’s crew delivers its trademark attentive service, ensuring each detail is handled smoothly.

For long-haul flights between Japan and destinations across North America and Europe, ANA’s premium economy remains a top choice, striking the right balance between affordability, comfort, and refined service.

Photo- Delta News Hub

Bottom Line

Premium economy has evolved into a cabin that stands firmly on its own, and the 2025 Skytrax rankings reflect that. From Virgin Atlantic’s stylish approach to Japan Airlines’ exceptional comfort and Emirates’ glamorous product, each airline on the list delivers something unique.

For passengers, the appeal lies in the balance – more space, better food, and thoughtful touches, without the steep jump to business class fares.

Whether you’re crossing the Atlantic, flying across Asia, or embarking on ultra-long-haul routes to Australia, these ten airlines show that premium economy can transform the journey into something genuinely enjoyable. It’s no longer just a compromise – it’s a smart and rewarding choice for modern air travel.

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