Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seats in the World for 2025

1 dzień temu

Premium economy has become a vital cabin for travellers who want more than standard economy but don’t quite need the full luxury of business class.

In 2025, Skytrax recognised the very best premium economy seats worldwide – those that deliver extra space, clever design, and thoughtful features that make long-haul flying much more comfortable.

Top 10 Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seats 2025

From wide recliners with leg rests to upgraded entertainment screens and better privacy, these seats are carefully crafted to make hours in the sky easier.

Whether you’re on a transatlantic hop, an ultra-long-haul to Australia, or a trip across Asia, the airlines below have redefined what premium economy really means.

Here’s the top ten, showcasing the carriers offering the finest balance between comfort, practicality, and style in this growing cabin.

1. Emirates

Emirates’ premium economy seats, introduced relatively recently, have already earned top honours in 2025. The Dubai carrier fitted its newest A380s and 777s with a premium economy product that feels far closer to business class than economy.

The cream leather seats are wide, well-cushioned, and recline generously, complete with leg rests and adjustable headrests for proper rest on long-haul journeys.

A standout is the 13.3-inch high-definition screen – one of the largest in the class – offering Emirates’ ICE entertainment system. The cabin also feels elegant, with woodgrain finishes and a quiet, spacious layout.

Dining in premium economy includes meals on real china with a proper drinks service, adding refinement throughout. For travellers flying between Dubai and destinations like London, New York, Sydney, and beyond, Emirates sets a new benchmark for premium economy comfort.

2. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines has mastered premium economy with seats that are among the most spacious in the industry. The airline’s award-winning “Sky Premium” seats feature a fixed-back shell design, meaning passengers can recline without disturbing those behind them.

Width and legroom are notably generous, with padded leg rests and ample recline to keep long-haul flights comfortable.

Each seat includes a wide table, power outlets, and large entertainment screens, making the cabin practical for both work and relaxation. Amenities such as noise-cancelling headphones and premium blankets enhance the comfort further.

JAL also adds thoughtful touches like bottled water at every seat and premium catering with Japanese and Western options.

For routes connecting Tokyo with Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, Japan Airlines’ premium economy seating consistently feels like a category above the rest.

3. Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy, a pioneer in the industry, continues to impress with some of the best-designed seats. The cabin feels distinctly different from economy, offering wider recliners with generous pitch, adjustable footrests, and deeper recline.

Each seat comes with a large screen for in-flight entertainment, while padded leather upholstery makes the product feel stylish and premium. One of Virgin’s strengths is its consistency across the fleet, particularly on long-haul routes to the US and Caribbean.

Passengers also enjoy extras such as priority boarding and welcome drinks, making the cabin experience more polished.

In terms of comfort, the seats balance space and privacy well, with a smaller cabin size that feels more exclusive. For travellers flying from London across the Atlantic or to Asia, Virgin’s premium economy remains a top choice.

4. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines’ premium economy seats are crafted with long-haul comfort in mind, particularly for ultra-long services such as Singapore–Newark or Singapore–Los Angeles.

The seats are wider than average, with calf rests, footrests, and an eight-inch recline that allows for genuine rest.

Each seat also has a personal reading light, storage compartments, and a large HD screen paired with noise-cancelling headphones. The airline’s meticulous design even extends to ergonomics, ensuring good posture for extended flights.

Dining is a standout, with premium economy passengers able to access the “Book the Cook” service, choosing from a wide menu in advance. Combined with Singapore’s famously attentive service, the seating experience feels well thought out and refined.

For anyone facing ultra-long sectors, these seats provide comfort that sits comfortably between affordability and luxury.

5. Delta Air Lines

Delta’s Premium Select seats have helped raise the bar for US carriers in this cabin. The seats are wide with deep recline, adjustable headrests, and substantial leg rests – designed to deliver real rest on transatlantic and transpacific flights.

Leather upholstery and smart finishes give the cabin a sleek look, while 13-inch screens provide one of the best entertainment setups in the category. Delta also supplies premium bedding and amenity kits, blurring the line between premium economy and business.

The seats are well-suited for long flights to Europe and Asia, where comfort over many hours matters most. The cabin configuration, with fewer rows, also feels quieter and more private.

6. Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Pacific offers a thoughtful premium economy seat, tailored to long-haul routes between Hong Kong, North America, and Europe. The seats are wider than economy with an extra six inches of recline, plus leg rests and adjustable headrests.

A key feature is the spacious 38-inch seat pitch, which gives passengers plenty of legroom even when the seat in front is reclined.

Large tray tables and USB/power ports make working onboard practical, while 12-inch screens provide excellent entertainment options. The cabin itself is designed to feel calmer, with a smaller, more intimate layout.

Cathay also supplies premium blankets and pillows to make rest easier. Together with attentive service and quality dining, these seats make Cathay’s premium economy a very comfortable middle ground for long journeys across continents.

7. Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has built a reputation for creativity, and its premium economy seats are no exception. The airline’s “Spaceseat” design, available on some aircraft, provides a shell-style layout with exceptional personal space and privacy.

Even on non-Spaceseat cabins, premium economy offers wide recliners with generous legroom and comfortable cushioning. The seats are upholstered in leather, with features like footrests and adjustable headrests to enhance comfort. Entertainment is provided on large touchscreens loaded with films, TV, and New Zealand-inspired content.

Dining is also upgraded, with menus featuring local produce and wines. The cabin is arranged to feel intimate, with an attentive crew providing excellent service.

For long-haul routes from Auckland to the US, Asia, and Europe, Air New Zealand’s premium economy seating remains one of the best options for comfort and style.

8. Qantas Airways

Qantas has designed its premium economy seating to suit ultra-long flights from Australia to destinations in Europe and North America.

The seats are sculpted for ergonomic comfort, with generous recline, adjustable leg rests, and extra width compared to economy.

Upholstered in premium materials, the seating is paired with large entertainment screens and well-placed storage. The cabin feels more exclusive, with fewer rows and attentive service creating a calmer environment.

Onboard dining is inspired by Australian flavours, often paired with wines from top vineyards, further elevating the experience. For long journeys such as Sydney–London or Melbourne–Los Angeles, these seats make a noticeable difference in rest and comfort. Qantas’ design is practical, elegant, and tailored to the needs of passengers facing some of the world’s longest routes.

9. Lufthansa

Lufthansa offers a solid premium economy product with seats that focus on comfort and practicality. The German airline provides seats with a generous 38-inch pitch, more recline than standard economy, and wide armrests to ensure personal space.

The seats are fitted with large tray tables, good for both meals and working on laptops, and entertainment screens are crisp and responsive.

Passengers are also given amenity kits, noise-cancelling headphones, and upgraded blankets. The cabin layout helps create a quieter atmosphere, with fewer passengers than in the economy.

Dining is another highlight, served on proper tableware with a drinks service that feels a step up. For long-haul flights across the Atlantic or to Asia, Lufthansa’s premium economy seating delivers dependable comfort with a German sense of practicality and efficiency.

10. British Airways

British Airways’ World Traveller Plus seating continues to perform strongly, particularly on busy transatlantic routes. The seats are wider with more recline than economy, complemented by footrests and adjustable headrests for improved comfort.

Entertainment screens are larger and sharper, loaded with films, series, and music for long-haul journeys. The cabin itself is smaller, giving a sense of calm away from the bustle of the economy.

Passengers also receive upgraded dining, complimentary drinks, and amenities such as pillows and blankets. Priority check-in and boarding add convenience on the ground.

For flights from London to North America, Asia, or Africa, BA’s premium economy seating strikes a solid balance – not extravagant, but comfortable, dependable, and very well-suited for travellers seeking extra comfort without the cost of business class.

Bottom Line

The 2025 Skytrax list of the best premium economy seats shows just how far this cabin has evolved. It’s a reminder that premium economy isn’t just about affordability – it’s about smart design that brings real comfort to the skies.

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