Premium-economy seating is becoming increasingly popular as travelers seek an upgrade from standard economy without paying business-class prices. Airlines are responding by expanding premium-economy offerings, introducing these seats on new routes and retrofitting aircraft with enhanced cabins. Known by various names across carriers, premium economy is worth considering when booking your next flight for a more comfortable journey and added perks.
Here’s what’s new in premium economy across several major airlines.
KOREAN AIR
In 2025 Korean Air introduced Premium Class on newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. These seats offer extra legroom, a deeper recline, ergonomic headrests, larger seatback screens, and leg and foot rests. Wing-shaped side panels increase privacy, while inflight dining on international routes is elevated with service on china. Premium Class also includes enhanced ground services such as priority boarding, priority baggage handling and dedicated check-in counters. Korean Air has upgraded Wi‑Fi and entertainment systems across its fleet, including the Premium Class cabins.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Etihad does not operate a separate premium-economy cabin but has expanded Economy Space within its economy cabin. Economy Space seats provide about five inches more legroom than standard economy and include large 4K touchscreens, USB charging ports and Bluetooth headphone pairing. Passengers can select Economy Space at booking or upgrade later with cash or Etihad Guest Miles.
UGANDA AIRLINES
Uganda Airlines added 28 premium-economy seats to its Airbus A330-800 fleet and launched direct premium-economy service from London Gatwick (LGW) to Entebbe (EBB). The premium-economy product features wider seats, extra legroom and increased recline compared with standard economy. In 2024 Uganda Airlines’ premium-economy amenity kit earned a Travel Plus Readers Gold Award; the kit includes a natural-fabric bag inspired by Ugandan textures and eco-friendly items such as a bamboo toothbrush, natural moisturizers, an eye mask and socks. Premium-economy travelers also receive priority check-in and boarding.
AIR NEW ZEALAND
Air New Zealand unveiled the first retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with a redesigned premium-economy cabin in May. The new seats prioritize comfort and privacy: the outer shell remains fixed so recline doesn’t intrude into the space behind, and the seat moves in a forward cradle motion for one of the deepest reclines available. Side wings add privacy, integrated lighting reduces spill onto neighboring seats, and extra storage plus adjustable leg and foot rests improve convenience. Air New Zealand also introduced a private-label wine, Thirteen Forty Five, offered to premium-economy passengers on international services.
EVA AIR
EVA Air, the pioneer of premium economy, released the fourth generation of its premium-economy seats this year. These seats recline further, feature larger high-resolution monitors, offer multiple power outlet types and include side panels for increased privacy. Upholstered headrests, armrests and footrests, dedicated bottle holders and generous storage compartments enhance passenger comfort, while device-friendly trays make working or entertainment easier in flight.
PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES
UNITED AIRLINES
In May 2025 United announced a comprehensive refresh of its Boeing 787-9 fleet, including new premium-economy cabins. Deliveries are expected by the end of 2025. The updated interior will emphasize a brighter, warmer atmosphere and significant enhancements throughout. United plans to offer a total of 99 premium seats on the refreshed aircraft—among the highest proportions for U.S. carriers—including 33 Premium Plus seats with privacy dividers, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and the largest economy-class seatback screens available.
PHOTO: © VIRGIN ATLANTIC
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Virgin Atlantic, named Skytrax’s World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airline in 2025, is rolling out further upgrades. New Airbus A330neo aircraft arriving in 2026 will include 56 premium seats, and a retrofit program for Boeing 787-9s will add more premium seating. The airline is also introducing free unlimited Starlink Wi‑Fi across its fleet and enhancing premium-economy dining with signature food and beverage items tailored to this cabin.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
In October 2025 American Airlines introduced premium economy on select transcontinental flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK). The product includes wider seats with more legroom, amenities such as an Ostrichpillow lumbar pillow, a crepe-weave blanket and a skincare-focused amenity kit. Dining is upgraded with hot entrées, salad and dessert served on china, along with complimentary beverages. Seats also provide in-seat power and larger monitors with noise-reducing headphones.
PHOTO: © DELTA AIR LINES
DELTA AIR LINES
Delta’s Premium Select cabins offer larger seats and deeper recline than standard economy. Long-haul passengers receive amenity kits from Someone Somewhere, featuring items from Grown Alchemist, a memory-foam pillow, plush blanket and noise-cancelling headphones. Delta recently introduced advance meal pre-ordering for international premium-economy travelers and added select canned still wines for the cabin. Premium Select also includes Sky Priority benefits like expedited check-in, security and baggage handling.
ALASKA AIRLINES
Alaska currently markets Premium Class on most flights and announced in 2025 plans to roll out a dedicated premium-economy cabin on select aircraft. The offering will provide approximately four inches of extra legroom over standard economy, priority boarding and complimentary alcoholic beverages on flights longer than 350 miles.
PHOTO: © FINNAIR
FINNAIR
Finnair continues to refine its premium-economy product, which features elevated meal service on Iittala chinaware. Recent updates include upgraded menus on select routes, a new brunch concept for late-night departures from Helsinki and the option to pre-select main courses. Finnair has also expanded onboard entertainment, adding Disney content available to premium-economy passengers.
Across the industry, premium economy is evolving from a simple extra-legroom option into a distinct cabin with dedicated service, upgraded dining and enhanced in-flight amenities. For travelers seeking greater comfort without the business-class price tag, premium economy now offers a range of thoughtful features that make long-haul flying more enjoyable.