Chasing Comfort: The Roomiest Seats in Premium Economy

These days most of the world's major airlines offer a Premium Economy cabin giving travelers the ultimate in comfort and service without the price tag of business, but who does offer the most personal space?

Sharon Petersen

1884

July 06, 2023

Premium economy: The once innovative cabin class that has bridged the gap between Economy and Business Class. Originally it emerged as an attractive option on a handful of airlines for travellers who desired extra legroom, enhanced amenities, and a more enjoyable journey without the cost of a Business Class ticket.

These days most of the world’s major airlines offer such a cabin and its popularity continues to surge. For this author, a Premium Economy (PY) cabin should in her opinion offer the passenger a Business Class experience without the bed, so with that in mind, who does offer the most space in a quality Premium Economy Cabin?

Firstly we need to create a shortlist as when it comes to the onboard service, wine and dining options, in-flight entertainment and amenities, it’s difficult to split the award-winning airlines.

In no particular order, the best of the best are Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Eva Air and ANA. That’s quite a few I hear you say but they really are all that good.

These airlines all offer the passenger a premium drink selection, superior meals and snacks (some even served on actual china with real cutlery), large seat back screens, noise cancelling or at least ‘better than economy’ headphones, blankets, pillows and business class style amenity kit. But the question remains, who offers the most space?

AIRLINE	SEAT PITCH	SEAT WIDTH
Singapore Airlines	38	19
Emirates	40	19.5
Cathay Pacific	38-40	19.5-20
Air New Zealand	41	19.3
Qantas	38	19.5 – 20.5
Japan Airlines	38 – 42	18 -19.2
Virgin Atlantic	38	18.5 – 21
Eva Air	38	19.5
ANA	38	19.3

Seat pitch and width of the world’s airlines that offer a superior Premium Economy experience.

At first glance, that table seems to show a lot of similar numbers and to some extent, it’s true because these world-leading airlines offer such a fantastic product.

However, we must answer the question, ‘Who offers the most space?’ With a 41-inch seat pitch consistent across the long-haul fleet, Air New Zealand is a clear winner offering passengers the most legroom. Whilst this article is not looking at service per se it is worth noting that in addition to leg room, Air New Zealand provides its PY passengers top-notch service every single time

So here we have it, our question about who provides the most space in PY has been answered. Air New Zealand has taken the title however, we encourage our readers to also think about value. With airfares for Premium Economy varying widely from airline to airline and route to route, one needs to do the value/space equation before they make a final choice.