When is premium economy worth the extra cost? We compare five of the world's best-rated airlines

Skytrax named these the world's five best premium economy airlines. We examine what sets their cabins apart and whether it's worth paying extra for them.

With wider seats, more legroom and upgraded service, premium economy has become one of the most competitive segments of long-haul flying, promising a more comfortable flight without the business class price tag.

But the difference between cabins can vary enormously – and some airlines already offer an excellent economy experience.

In the 2026 World Airline Awards, based on passenger surveys, Skytrax named EVA Air, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic as the world's five best premium economy airlines.

We look at what each offers compared with its own economy cabin – and which upgrades deliver the most noticeable improvements in comfort and service.

EVA Air has a strong claim to premium economy expertise: the Taiwanese carrier was the first airline to introduce the cabin, in 1992. It topped Skytrax's 2026 rating and also won the award for best premium economy amenities.

The biggest differentiator is space. On EVA's Boeing 777-300ERs, premium economy offers 38in (96.5cm) of seat pitch (the distance between rows of seats), compared with 31-33in (78.7-83.8cm) in economy. Selected Boeing 787-9s go further, with 42in (106.7cm) of pitch, just 28 seats arranged 2-3-2 and a cradle-style recline designed to preserve the space for the passenger behind.

For taller travellers, that 42in (106.7cm) pitch is "like having the length of an acoustic guitar before the next seat," says Katy Nastro, travel expert at flight-tracking app Flighty.

But EVA's economy 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 airline's Boeing 777s still have nine seats across in economy rather than the tighter 10-abreast configuration common elsewhere.

Even so, Leff says he would still "far prefer premium economy", thanks to its wider seats, extra legroom and footrests. Nastro adds that "the cost to try premium economy is slightly lower than upgrading fare classes on Emirates or Cathay, where the jump can cost nearly $800 per segment".

Worth the upgrade? Particularly appealing for taller travellers on long-haul flights,especially on EVA's newer 787-9s. But its relatively generous economy seats may be sufficient for some.

Emirates ranked second in Skytrax's 2026 awards, but took the top spot for both premium economy seats and catering.

Its existing premium economy cabin offers a noticeable upgrade from economy, with cream-coloured leather seats, calf and footrests, larger entertainment screens and an upgraded dining service. But whether those extras justify the cost is another matter. Nastro says Emirates' already-strong economy product makes premium economy a harder sell, particularly when the fare can be twice as expensive. While the additional legroom and improved dining are welcome, she questions whether they are enough to justify such a price difference.

That could change with the airline's newest premium economy seat. Unveiled in September 2026 for newly delivered Airbus A350s, it features electric controls, wireless charging, a 13.3in (33.8cm) 4K screen and a full-height adjustable privacy divider between each seat, which Emirates says is an industry first for premium economy. The cabin has just 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration.

The A350 is already operating on routes including Dubai to Kuala Lumpur, but the aircraft type alone does not guarantee the new privacy-divider seat. The airline is introducing the design as it takes delivery of additional aircraft, so passengers hoping to experience it should check with Emirates before booking.

Leff is more enthusiastic about the new A350 seat than Emirates' older premium economy product, which he considers "fairly ordinary" by the standards of this group. He says the latest version "could be the best premium economy in the world".

Worth the upgrade? The newest A350 seats promise a compelling improvement in privacy and comfort, making them particularly appealing on long-haul flights. The older premium economy cabin is a more modest upgrade: the extra space and better dining are welcome, but whether they're worth paying for depends on the fare difference.

Singapore Airlines ranked third for premium economy in 2026, but it also won Skytrax's award for the world's best economy class – making the case for upgrading less straightforward.

Premium economy offers roughly 38in (96.5cm) of seat pitch, compared with around 32in (81.3cm) in economy, as well as wider seats, 8in (20.3cm) of recline and built-in calf and footrests. On its A380, its 2-4-2 premium economy configuration also means fewer middle seats than economy's 3-4-3 layout.

There are upgrades beyond the seat, too. Passengers can pre-order chef-inspired meals through the airline's Book the Cook service, enjoy Champagne and benefit from priority check in and boarding.

Nastro recommends upgrading on overnight journeys and flights lasting more than eight hours. "Sometimes, flights are simply too long to feel comfortable in economy despite the airline offering a solid economy product," says Nastro. She points to the extra legroom and fewer middle seats as particularly valuable on those lengthy routings.

Leff, meanwhile, notes that Singapore's economy cabin is already among the more comfortable options for long-haul travellers, with touches such as footrests and cup holders on some aircraft, as well as strong food and entertainment, regardless of cabin.

Worth the upgrade? On Singapore Airlines' longest flights, the extra space, recline and leg support could make a difference, particularly overnight. But on shorter journeys, its award-winning economy cabin may be more than comfortable enough.

Cathay Pacific came in fourth overall, while its premium economy seat ranked second only to Emirates' in Skytrax's 2026 awards.

On the A350, premium economy offers 40in (101.6cm) of seat pitch, 9in (22.9cm) of recline and full-length leg rests. Passengers also get priority boarding, more baggage and upgraded meals. Meanwhile, Cathay's refurbished Boeing 777-300Ers feature a redesigned premium economy cabin with winged headrests for added privacy, 15.6in (39.6cm) 4K entertainment screens and Bluetooth audio.

For Nastro, the newer seat design is what best distinguishes Cathay's premium economy from competitors such as Singapore Airlines. While she finds the benefits of upgrading from economy relatively similar between the two carriers, Cathay's larger entertainment screens make watching films more immersive, and its winged headrests offer a greater sense of privacy. The latter, she says, is the "biggest differentiator".

Like Singapore, though, Cathay starts from a strong economy offering, so the main case for upgrading is the seat itself rather than a dramatic change in service.

Worth the upgrade? Most persuasive on long overnight flights, when the generous recline and leg support become more valuable. For travellers seeking greater privacy, Cathay's redesigned 777-300ER cabin offers another compelling reason to upgrade, with its winged headrests providing more separation from neighbouring passengers. On shorter journeys, however, the benefits may be less noticeable.

Virgin Atlantic rounded out Skytrax's global top five, with a premium economy cabin that combines extra space with a more elaborate onboard experience.

Seats offer up to 38in (96.5cm) of pitch, compared with around 31in (78.7cm) in standard economy, along with greater recline and leg support. The amount of personal space varies by aircraft, however. On Virgin's Boeing 787-9s, premium economy seats measure up to 21in (53.3cm) wide and recline 8in (20.3cm), while those on its newer Airbus A350-1000s and A330neos are narrower at 18.5in (47cm) wide. The A330neo also adds wireless charging and Bluetooth-enabled entertainment screens.

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For Leff, the main attraction of Virgin's premium economy is the extra space, which offers what he describes as a "less claustrophobic experience".

Virgin also distinguishes its premium economy cabin through food and service. "There's sparkling wine on boarding, a menu with three main course choices and meals served on china with proper cutlery," says Leff, who adds that afternoon tea can be another nice touch. On the ground, passengers benefit from dedicated check in and bag drop, priority boarding and baggage delivery, plus two checked bags weighing up to 23kg each.

Worth the upgrade? Virgin's wider 787 seats may be especially appealing, while the upgraded dining and airport benefits offer additional reasons to pay more. However, travellers primarily interested in legroom may find better value in Virgin's Economy Delight seats, which offer up to 34in (86.4cm) of seat pitch without the full Premium fare.

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