Whether you're heading off on a long-haul adventure or a quick trip overseas, the prospect of a little extra comfort can make it tempting to upgrade.
Economy gets you from A to B, but limited legroom, cramped seats and fellow passengers encroaching on your space can make for an uncomfortable journey.
Premium economy, however, offers the sweet spot between squeezing into economy and paying a small fortune for business or first class.
Emirates launched its premium economy seats in 2022
Emirates was recently named the best for Preferred Premium Economy in the Flying Choice Awards 2026, and it's easy to see why.
The airline launched its premium economy seats in 2022 and the option is available on a range of its aircraft.
Passengers can sink into luxurious cream leather seats with soft pillows, and have the option to raise the cushioned leg rest or use the six-way adjustable headrest.
Need some space to work? The seats are equipped with fold-out woodgrain tables that stretch across the lap.
Harriet Sime tested out the seats in 2023 and revealed they had 'such a business-class feel' that she was 'forced to check with the cabin crew manager that the giant 37A seat [was] indeed mine'.
Singapore Airlines offers a 'spacious cabin where your comfort and convenience are our priority'
Singapore Airlines ranked second in the Flying Choice Awards' premium economy ratings.
The carrier promises to treat passengers with a 'spacious cabin where your comfort and convenience are our priority'.
The seats feature a calf rest as well as a footrest, meaning passengers can lean back, relax and even take a nap.
Passengers are also offered an 'elevated dining experience', with a main course 'accompanied by a seasonal appetiser, bread, dessert and cheese and crackers'.
There is also champagne, wine and other drinks to choose from.
Air New Zealand premium economy promises 'more personal space'
Passengers who opt for Air New Zealand's premium economy seats can sink into a roomy leather armchair and enjoy 'Kiwi hospitality and luxurious cabins'.
Every seat has a screen for inflight entertainment, while a complimentary meal and drinks are included from the premium economy menu.
Passengers are promised 'more personal space', while two pieces of carry-on luggage as well as two checked bags are included in the fare.
An amenity kit is also offered when travelling long haul or to Perth and Hawaii.
The airline placed third in Flying Choice Awards' premium economy ratings with its impressive facilities.
Virgin Atlantic was named the world's best premium economy class airline
Virgin Atlantic was crowned the world's best premium economy class airline in the World Airline Awards 2025.
The long-haul carrier offers premium seats on all of its aircraft and holidaymakers start the experience with a free glass of bubbly after they board.
Sleek leather seats provide a comfortable journey and passengers are given a 'premium amenity kit' and other accessories.
Scandinavian Airlines was named by Conde Nast Traveller for having good premium economy seats
With Scandinavian Airlines' premium economy seats, passengers are promised 'more comfort and service'.
The airline was named by Conde Nast Traveller as one that was worth splurging on for its premium economy offering.
Seats on flights to and from Asia and North America have extra legroom and are wider; those within Sweden, Norway or Denmark are the same as economy.
Long-haul routes are treated to a three-course menu as well as drinks and snacks throughout the flight.
The seats are also more widely spaced, in a two-three-two configuration, and are reclinable.
As for the entertainment, travellers can enjoy a 12-inch HD screen and several power outlets and ports.
LATAM Airlines' premium economy seats has an adjustable headrest
The luxury travel publication also identified LATAM Airlines and its premium economy seats.
It boasts ergonomic seats that have an adjustable headrest and the carrier keeps the middle seat free when possible to provide even more space and comfort.
Passengers can also make use of a dedicated, secure space for their carry-on bag.
Those on international flights can enjoy access to LATAM lounges at Santiago, Bogota, Guarulhos, Ezeiza, and Miami airports.
Japan airlines promises 'world-class seats' in its premium economy offerings
Japan Airlines offers a luxurious experience with its premium economy seating.
The carrier treats passengers to 'world-class seats' that have been 'significantly upgraded' from their previous designs.
Travellers are set apart with large partitions for privacy and there are motorised leg rests to provide extra comfort.
The seats recline but in a way that doesn't bother the passenger behind and there are 16-inch screens for entertainment.
EVA Air's premium economy seats come with 15.6" entertainment screens
EVA Air offers premium economy on its Boeing 777-300ER planes as well as select aircraft in its Boeing 787-9 fleet.
'In the premium economy class, we adopted business class seats and have taken special care to ensure you feel more comfortable, from more spacious seats to the numerous amenities,' the airline says.
On the Boeing 787-9, passengers will find a selection of 28 seats arranged in a two-three-two configuration.
The headrests boast side privacy panels and built-in reading lights. Passengers are also treated to 15.6-inch screens as well as a multi-function entertainment system controller.
British Airways offers World Traveller Plus for its premium economy range
British Airways has World Traveller Plus as its premium economy cabin and offers a spacious, quiet experience for passengers.
The seats are located in a separate, smaller cabin and are wider with more legroom to stretch out.
The ticket includes a complimentary bar service and two meals. It doesn't lack entertainment either as passengers can enjoy use of a personal entertainment system with noise-cancelling headphones.
Passengers are treated to priority boarding and have more free baggage allowance too. They also get an amenity kit that is made from recycled plastic bottles.