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........

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