If flying at the front end of the plane (read: first or business class) is out of reach, fear not. There are a number of international airlines that offer economy passengers an upscale travel experience. While none come with reclining seats or unlimited cans of Dom Perignon, these airlines’ economy cabins are some of the best you’ll find.
With perks you’d typically only find in first class (think high-end liquor or reusable amenity kits), here are seven airlines with the premium economy class experience.
Japan Airlines
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Japan’s flagship flies coast-to-coast to 10 US cities. On these long-haul flights, Japan Airlines offers some of the widest seats and widest seat pitch (distance between rows) in the industry. Not only are the economy seats comfortable, but you also get premium food and beverage options, including foods like Japanese soba noodles, ume-shu (plum wine), and sake, as well as on-demand snacks. From the flight attendants, expect the service to be as good as economy class can be expected from a Japanese airline.
Insider tip: For the best experience, fly on Japan Airlines’ Boeing 787.
Dozens of airlines around the world fly the Boeing 787 (also known as the Dreamliner). While this plane has larger, auto-dimming windows (better for outside views) and a lower cabin altitude (better for jet lag), there’s one element of the Boeing 787 experience in business that’s not talked about as much: narrower seats.
But Japan Airlines is bucking this trend. It is the only airline to offer economy seating eight abreast in a 2-4-2 configuration (as opposed to a 3-3-3 configuration on other airlines). That means the seat width – for your shoulders and hips – is significantly better than any other airline that operates the Boeing 787.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines flies non-stop to six US cities (including some unique routes like New York to Frankfurt). On these long-haul flights, expect business-class-like extras in economy class, such as: B. A hot towel service and an amenity kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye protection and socks. Passengers in all cabins can even order a (pre-mixed) cocktail with their meals, such as B. A typical Singapore Sling made with Dry Gin, DOM Benedictine, Cointreau, Cherry Brandy, Angosture Bitter, Grenadine, Lime and Pineapple Juice. Singapore also gets top marks for service, even for those seated in the back of the plane.
Eve
Eve
EVA flies to six US destinations with non-stop service to Taipei. While economy passengers may not receive Salvatore Ferragamo’s business class amenity kits and pajamas, they will find a pair of slippers and an eye mask in their seats. Legroom is better than the industry norm, and there’s also a large screen in the seatback – up to 12 inches wide – that will keep passengers entertained. Food and drink also stand out, and there are small touches that improve the Economy experience, like metal cutlery instead of plastic.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways
The airline of Qatar flies non-stop to Doha from 12 US destinations. The airline is known for having one of the best business class seats in the sky (Qsuites), but its economy offering also ranks with the industry leaders. There are high-end details in Economy Class, like a physical menu card listing the three meals, a fleece-lined duvet and pillow, and the menu of amenities like Institut Karite Paris lip balm, socks, and an eye mask. Passengers also receive an unlimited supply of snacks and beverages throughout the flight.
Emirates
Emirates
Emirates serves 12 cities in the US with non-stop flights to Dubai (and some unique routes like New York to Milan). At Emirates, the economy seats in the Airbus A380 double-decker measure 18 inches wide, one of the widest economy seats ever. No, economy passengers do not have access to the legendary onboard bar, but there are still plenty of luxurious touches.
You’ll receive a reusable amenity kit that includes socks, a sleep mask, a toothbrush, and a bookmark (rejoice readers). There are more than 5,000 entertainment channels on the seatback screens. And if you really want to make the flight extra special, Emirates passengers traveling in Economy can pre-order a chocolate cake and a bottle of Moët (for a fee) to mark a special occasion on board.
Ana
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Tokyo-based All Nippon Airways flies to Japan from eight US cities. Seat comfort, while not quite as good as its main competitor Japan Airlines, is still well above the industry norm. You’ll find generous seat pitch (distance between rows) of up to 34 inches. Expect Japanese sake and quality wines on offer, as well as entrées like grilled red scorpionfish teriyaki or boiling udon noodles. For a small additional charge, economy passengers departing from Japan can even pre-order a gourmet meal (as one would expect in business class, for example). For the highest quality experience, passengers flying between Tokyo and Honolulu on an Airbus A380 can combine three or four seats into a single couch seat.
Turkish Airlines
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The Turkish airline flies non-stop from 12 US cities to Istanbul. Not only does Turkish offer one of the best inflight entertainment systems in the sky, the catering is also among the best in the world – even in economy class. The airline has a strong national identity, which is reflected in its food. Salads are served with extra virgin olive oil and lemon dressing. There are options for hummus or baba ghanoush, cheesecake is served for breakfast, and Turkish cheese and dried apricot mousse are on offer.
Insider Tip: Choose your plane wisely
A critical distinction that can significantly alter the flight experience, regardless of airline, is aircraft type. Here’s a real-life example: Let’s say you’re flying Economy Class with Qatar Airways on a route with multiple flights per day, all on different aircraft: Boeing 787, Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.
While the “soft product” (industry slang for food and beverage, inflight service and amenities) may be similar, your physical well-being may differ depending on the aircraft type. Among these three aircraft – Boeing 787, Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 – the Airbus A350 has the widest seats. When looking for the most luxurious economy class seat in the sky, the airplane can make all the difference.
Chris is a Los Angeles-based writer focusing on current travel trends, points and miles, hot new hotels, and all the things going (he’s a proud AvGeek and transit nerd). Formerly at The Points Guy, his work can now be found at Travel + Leisure, The Washington Post, AFAR and Lonely Planet, among others. Follow his travels on Instagram and Twitter.
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