When is premium economy worth the extra cost?

EVA Air has a pioneering position

When is it worth paying more for Premium Economy class?

At the 2026 World Airline Awards, Skytrax selected five airlines as the best in the Premium Economy category, based on passenger surveys. These five brands - EVA Air, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic - were nominated for the superior quality of their premium cabin. The purpose of this analysis is to assess what differentiates these cabs and whether the additional price is justified.

With slower seats, more legroom and improved service, Premium Economy has become one of the most competitive offers on long-haul flights. It promises a high level of comfort without touching the costs of business class. However, differences between cabins vary significantly and some lines already offer an excellent experience even in standard economy class. It is therefore essential to examine what each company brings compared to its own economic cabin and which upgrades bring the most visible improvements.

EVA Air has a pioneering position in this segment: this Taiwanese company was the first to introduce the Premium Economy class in 1992. In Skytrax's 2026 rating, it took first place, also winning the award for superior facilities in this class. The most important differentiator is the available space. On the company's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the distance between rows (seat pitch) in the Premium Economy is 38 inches (96,5 cm), while in the economy class this measure falls between 31 and 33 inches (78,7 to 83,8 cm). On certain Boeing 787-9, the situation is even more favourable: the pitch reaches 42 inches (106.7 cm), with only 28 seats arranged in 2-3-2 configuration, equipped with a 'backseat' type retractor that keeps the back passenger space.

However, EVA Air's economic cabin is already relatively generous by industry standards. Gary Leff, founder of the frequent flyer site View from the Wing, points out that some of the company's Boeing 777s still retain nine seats wide in economy class, a more comfortable configuration than the 10-seat wide arrangement common on other lines. Even so, Leff says he would preferablychoose the Premium Economy class, due to the lower seats, extra legroom and foot supports. Nastro adds that the cost of testing this class is slightly lower than switching to higher classes at Emirates or Cathay, where the price difference can reach nearly $800 per segment.

Is it worth the upgrade? It is particularly attractive for high altitude travelers on long-haul flights, especially on the newer 787-9 EVA aircraft. However, given that the economy cabin is already quite generous, some passengers might find enough comfort even without paying extra.

Emirates took second place in the 2026

Two. The following is the list of airlines:

Emirates took second place in the 2026 Skytrax Awards, but won first places for both Premium Economy seats and catering offerings. The existing premium cab offers a visible improvement over the economy class: cream leather seats, ankle and leg supports, larger entertainment screens and an upgraded table service. But whether these extras justify the cost is another question.

Nastro considers that Emirates' already strong economic product makes Premium Economy more difficult to sell, especially when the price can be doubled. Although additional legroom and improved table are welcome, she doubts whether they are sufficient to justify such a price difference. However, the situation can change with the company's latest Premium Economy chair. Unveiled in September 2026 for newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, it includes electrical controls, wireless charging, a 13.3-inch (33.8 cm) 4K display and a full-height privacy barrier between each seat, an industry first for this class, according to Emirates. The cab has only 28 seats in 2-3-2 configuration.

The A350 already operates on routes such as Dubai - Kuala Lumpur, but the aircraft type alone does not guarantee the presence of the new confidentiality barrier seat. The line introduces this design as it receives additional aircraft delivery, so passengers wishing to experience it should check with Emirates before booking. Leff is more enthusiastic about the new A350 seat than Emirates' old Premium Economy product, which he considers too ordinaryto the group's standards. He says the latest version may be the best Premium Economy in the world.

The new A350 seats promise a convincing improvement in terms of privacy and comfort, making them particularly