Flying might not always feel luxurious, with the queues, limited legroom and the occasional elbow bump with your seatmate. But there’s a sweet spot between economy and first class. Premium economy offers a more comfortable experience without the price tag.

What is premium economy?

If you’re wondering what the difference is between premium economy versus 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. You might also get free in-flight entertainment and wifi.

Premium economy offers more perks than economy class, and is typically much cheaper than business or first class.

The best premium economy airlines

We've compared the offerings of tens of airlines to find those with premium economy classes that are worth the price tag. From extra spacious and comfortable seats to better entertainment and in-flight services, these are a touch above the rest.

1. Japan Airlines (JAL)

JAL’s premium economy onboard the Airbus A380-1000 is perhaps the closest you’ll get to business class. Seats are incredibly spacious with privacy dividers, massive personal entertainment screens and motorized leg rests. JAL connects Australia to the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, offering premium economy service on most long-haul routes. It’s one of the most comfortable premium economy flights to Europe. 

Premium economy features:

• Seat size: 48cm wide, 107cm pitch with privacy screens and motorized leg rests 

• Dining: Japanese and Western meal options with elegant presentation

• Entertainment: 16in 4K personal touchscreen and Bluetooth headphone connection

• Baggage allowance: 2 checked bags (23kg each) + 1 carry-on (10kg)

• Extra features: Priority check-in and baggage service, access to the dedicated Sakura Lounge in Tokyo, and an amenity kit

2. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is certainly a powerful name in the skies, consistently lingering in the top three spots of World’s Top Airlines Skytrax Award. Their premium economy service is top-tier, making them worth bookmarking when you use the Skyscanner search filters.

With routes from Australia to Singapore (stopping over at award-winning Changi Airport) and onward to Europe, Singapore Airlines is one of the best premium economy Australia to Europe options. They also have convenient connections to the USA and Asia.

Premium economy features:

• Seat size: 49.5cm wide, 97cm pitch, with a calf-rest and footrest (Boeing 777-300ER)

• Dining: Premium meals served on china, plus “Book the Cook” pre-order options

• Entertainment: 13.3” HD touchscreen with noise-cancelling headphones

• Baggage allowance: 35kg checked + 1 7kg carry-on bag

• Extra features: Priority check-in and boarding, dedicated cabin, amenity kit on long-haul routes

3. Qantas

The Flying Kangaroo offers premium economy class flights on its long-haul routes in their Dreamliner Boeing 787s and Airbus A380s. It’s one of the best premium economy flight classes to fly if you’re jetting to Auckland, Johannesburg, Europe (London, Paris and Rome), Singapore, Santiago, Vancouver and the USA (Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu). During sales, they offer some of the cheapest premium economy flights.

Premium economy features:

• Seat size: 57cm wide and 96cm pitch recline with leg rest and adjustable headrest, some have privacy wings

• Dining: Seasonal menus served with Australian sparkling wine plus access to a self-serve snack bar

• Entertainment: 13in personal touchscreen, noise-cancelling headphones

• Baggage allowance: 40kg checked + 2 carry-on items (up to 7kg each)

• Extra features: Welcome drink, priority boarding, dedicated check-in, amenity kit, extra frequent flyer points

4. Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand premium economy seats seem to be in high demand, often selling out long before economy seats do. Their cushy leather armchair style seats make flying from Australian cities via Auckland to North America and beyond a comfortable experience. Generally, Air New Zealand offers the cheapest premium economy flights when you consider value for money, especially when travelling to the USA or Australia.

Premium economy features:

• Seat size: 49cm wide, 104cm pitch, with footrest and generous recline

• Dining: Modern Kiwi-inspired cuisine served with New Zealand wine

• Entertainment: 11” personal touchscreen and free inflight Wi-Fi

• Baggage allowance: 2 checked bags (23kg each) + 2 carry-on items (up to 7kg each)

• Extra features: Premium check-in, priority boarding, attentive crew, complimentary amenity kits, extra frequent flyer points

5. Cathay Pacific

A favourite for travellers via Hong Kong to Europe and North America, Cathay Pacific’s premium economy onboard their fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft combines comfort with efficiency and reliable service.

Premium economy features:

• Seat size: 47-49cm wide, 96cm pitch, with cradle recline, leg rest and footrest

• Dining: Upgraded meals with wine selection, welcome drink and Betsey brewed beer meant to be consumed at 35,000ft 

• Entertainment: 12in HD personal touchscreen with noise-cancelling headphones

• Baggage allowance: 35kg checked + 1 carry-on (7kg)

• Extra features: Priority boarding, amenity kits, upgraded blankets, and a smaller, quieter cabin