Some times, travelers like to fly in ultimate luxury in business and first class. Other times, travelers like to save their money and miles and fly in cheaper plane seats. Although these seats may classify as "economy", they still get the job done and make you feel at home. This is my ranking for the top 5 best premium economy seats.
#5 - American Airlines
American Airlines, as you might know, is my favorite airline because my dad is a frequent flyer with them. Because of this, I fly business class quite a lot with American Airlines. But this is not my ranking of the best business class seats, this is a ranking of the best premium economy seats. So you don't have to throw away all of the money in your wallet. The seat is classified as a standard recliner, has a seat pitch of 36"-38" depending on what type of plane you are on, and has a width of 17.1"-19". There is a foot rest on every seat which comes in handy if you want to sleep, but there is also a leg rest. But the leg rest is only available in the first row. At your seat, you will find an amenity kit, Casper bedding, and noise cancelling headphones. Unfortunately you do not get lounge access though. Some other benefits that you get when flying premium economy are pre-ordered meals, enhanced food and drinks, and priority check-in and boarding. You can redeem 5 miles for every $1 spent. This premium economy seat will cost you around $1,500 for a long-haul flight. I would not say that this seat is 100% worth the cost, but it will get the job done and give you a better experience than you would get in economy.
#4 - Japan Airlines (JAL)
Japan Airlines has always had a descent first and business class, but what about the premium economy? The seat is called a fixed shell which means you will not be reclined into by the seat in front of you. This is a big thing in most economy and premium seats, especially when you want to watch a movie or sleep. The seat has a pitch of 38"-42" and a width of 18"-19.3". On every seat, unlike American Airlines premium economy, their is foot and leg rests. You also get an amenity kit and lounge access. Some other perks that you get with this seat are enhanced drinks, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage. The seats themselves have some privacy if you are traveling solo, and they will definitely make you happy. For this JAL premium economy seat, you will have to pay about $1,100 on a 7-8 hour flight. I would say that this seat is worth and and I would recommend this to all of you travelers and families who love to travel.
#3 - Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines was just ranked one of the best airlines in 2019 because of their amazing new first and business class seats, and their premium economy does not disappoint. The seat is a standard recliner, has a pitch of 38", a width of 19"-19.5", and has a leg and foot rest. Some other perks that you will get when booking this seat is pre-ordered food, an amenity kit, noise cancelling headphones, and priority check-in. Unfortunately, you do not get access to the lounge like you do with JAL premium economy. Also, some window seats are single so you have even more privacy because you don't have a neighbor. Along with that, window seats have large storage bins next to the seat for extra storage area. Singapore Airlines also provides you with a soft pillow and blanket. You can find this premium economy seat for the price of $1,500+. This is a very expensive price for a premium economy seat, but if you have extra money laying around, this seat will do you the trick!
#2 - Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific has just recently updated the premium economy seats on board the A350s. The cabin is layed out in a 2-4-2 configuration so not everyone has direct isle access. For all of you leg and foot rest fans, Cathay Pacific's premium economy is perfect for you. Every seat has an extendable leg rest and a foot rest at the bottom to maximize your comfort. Along with this, you will get a recline of 8.5 inches on the A350 which is much more than you will get on most premium economy seats. The seat itself has 18.5 inches of width and 39 inches of pitch. Unfortunately it is very hard to get out of your seat when the person in front of you is fully reclined. Another problem with the A350 premium economy is the amount of storage space you get. At your seat, you will receive an amenity kit, a pillow, and blanket. The IFE screens are 12 inches wide and very fast. Cathay Pacific's premium economy seat will cost you around $1,400+. Overall, this seat will be worth the cost and will give you a very good ride to wherever you need to go.
#1 - Thai Airways (Select Routes)
Thai Airways has no doubt the best premium economy seat. On certain routes from Bangkok to Copenhagen, Moscow, and Stockholm, you get to pay the price of a premium economy seat while sitting in business. Thai Airways does classify this seat as premium economy, even though it is a business class seat, so I am including this on my list. The first thing that will already get you to buy this ticket is the lie-flat, direct isle access seats. That's right, a lie-flat seat in premium economy! The seat itself has a pitch of 87" and a width of 20", blowing Cathay Pacific out of the park! Unfortunately you do not get an amenity kit or lounge access, but that is made up for by the lie-flat seats and the exceptional service. Some other perks with this seat are the enhanced food and drinks, priority check-in, and fast track arrivals. This really helps with all of the lines at the airport when you arrive. You also receive a very soft pillow and blanket along with a large IFE screen. You will find this seat for about $3,000+ which is definitely the most expensive premium economy seat. but it is no doubt the best premium economy seat out there. I would say that it is 100% worth it and I would recommend flying Thai Airways premium economy.
This post was really helpful.