]
Seats are spacious with up to 19.5 inches of width, an eight-inch recline, as well as a calf and foot rest. Each spot also has two USB ports and a 13.3-inch screen that comes with noise canceling headphones. There are also individual stowage areas specially designed for a water bottle, laptop, and headphones. While most of the seats are in a two-four-two layout, the airline’s A350-900ULR planes have six single seats available, which would give the experience more of a business class feel.
Premium economy passengers have access to additional meal and beverage choices, including Singapore’s famous “book the cook” service, which is available in premium economy flights out of 26 cities. This service allows customers to choose from in-flight meals created by the airline’s International Culinary Panel and reserve them up to 24 hours in advance. (Note: This is temporarily suspended in premium economy due to COVID-19.) Customers also receive priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.
Book now: singaporeair.com
The premium economy seat on Scandinavian Airlines’ A350 plane
KRISTOFER SAMUELSSON PHOTOGRAPHY / Courtesy SASScandinavian Airlines
Swedish carrier Scandinavian Airlines also has a premium economy product worth cashing in for. Dubbed SAS Plus, the cabin class is available on the airline’s A330, A340, A350 planes.
Seats are laid out in two-three-two or two-four-two formations, depending on the aircraft. On flights to the U.S. and Asia the seats are larger than regular coach, to the tune of 18.8 inches wide and 38 inches of pitch, according to Seat Guru, and they come with a full leg rests and a 12-inch entertainment screen. SAS Plus fliers also have access to free Wi-Fi onboard and order from an enhanced three-course menu.
In addition to priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, SAS Plus passengers receive numerous airport perks, including access to a “Fast Track” airport security line (where available) and admittance to SAS lounges, which are in every major Nordic hub, as well as Paris-Charles de Gaulle, New Jersey’s Newark airport, and Chicago O’Hare.
Book now: flysas.com
Cathay Pacific’s premium economy class
Courtesy Cathay PacificCathay Pacific
While Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific’s business class consistently ranks among our favorites, its premium economy on its Boeing 777 and A350 planes is also worthy of attention.
Set in a separate cabin in a two-four-two layout, seats have ample space with up to 20 inches of width and up to a whopping 40 inches of pitch, according to Seat Guru. There are also full-length calf rests and leather-padded footrests on the A350s and Boeing 777-300ERs, and a larger tray table. Additionally, there’s a separate mini cocktail table, which can hold passengers’ complimentary welcome drink received upon boarding.
Premium economy fliers order from an upgraded menu, are given priority boarding, and have access to dedicated check-in counters at select airports.
Book now: cathaypacific.com
