Premium-economy seats are growing in popularity. These in-between seats appeal to travelers who don’t want to pay for business-class seats but want a more comfortable experience than flying economy. To meet growing demand, airlines are adding premium-economy seats to their planes, upgrading premium-economy features to make these seats more appealing, and introducing premium- economy seats on new routes. Although premium economy goes by different names on different airlines, it’s worth taking a look at this mid-range option when you book your next flight.

Here’s what’s new in premium economy.

KOREAN AIR
In 2025 Korean Air introduced Premium Class on newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER planes. Korean Air’s Premium Class seats feature extra legroom, a deeper recline, ergonomic headrests, larger seatback screens, leg rests, footrests and wing-shaped sides to provide greater privacy. On international routes, Korean Air’s premium-economy passengers also enjoy elevated meal service served on china. Premium Class passengers can also access enhanced ground services including priority boarding, priority baggage handling and access to dedicated check-in counters. The airline also significantly upgraded its WiFi and entertainment systems on all planes, including in Premium Class cabins.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Although Etihad Airways does not have a traditional premium economy cabin, the airline recently introduced Economy Space seats. Economy Space, an upgraded seating option within Economy Class, offers approximately 5 inches more legroom than standard seats. Etihad’s Economy Space seats feature large 4K touchscreens for in- flight entertainment, USB charging ports and Bluetooth headphone pairing. Passengers can book Economy Space when they purchase their tickets or upgrade later using cash or Etihad Guest Miles.

UGANDA AIRLINES
Uganda Airlines recently introduced 28 state-of-the-art premium- economy seats on its Airbus A330-800 planes. This year Uganda Airlines launched new direct service with premium-economy seats from London, England, (LGW) to Entebbe, Uganda (EBB). This route takes premium-economy passengers directly from Gatwick to the gorillas in comfort. The airline’s premium economy class features more legroom, wider seats and a greater recline compared to standard economy seats. In 2024 Uganda Airlines’ premium-economy amenity kits won the Gold Award for the Travel Plus Readers Award by Ferents. The kit features a bag made from natural fabrics, inspired by Uganda’s traditional textures; and a variety of eco-friendly items, including a bamboo toothbrush, earplugs in a craft flow pack, natural moisturizing face and hand creams, an eye mask, and cozy socks. Premium-economy passengers also have access to priority check-in and boarding.

AIR NEW ZEALAND
In May of this year Air New Zealand debuted the world’s first retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring a redesigned premium economy cabin. The airline created its new premium-economy seats to maximize comfort and privacy on long-haul flights. In these state-of-the-art seats, the outer shell remains fixed, so when the seat reclines, it doesn’t move into the space of the person behind you. When it’s time to rest, Air New Zealand’s premium-economy seats move forward in a cradle motion, with a recline that’s one of the deepest in the industry. These seats also feature side wings for additional privacy. Other features include integrated lighting to prevent light from spilling onto your neighbor, extra storage to keep personal items within easy reach, and adjustable leg rests and footrests. Additionally, Air New Zealand recently launched its own wine label, Thirteen Forty Five, to showcase the best of New Zealand’s wine regions. It makes these wines available to premium-economy passengers on international flights.

EVA AIR
Taiwan-based EVA Air was the first airline to introduce premium- economy seats, and it hasn’t stopped innovating since. This year EVA Air unveiled the fourth iteration of its premium-economy seats, which now recline further, feature larger high-resolution monitors for in-flight entertainment, offer various types of power outlets and incorporate side panels to enhance privacy. EVA Air’s new premium- economy seats also feature headrests, armrests and footrests upholstered in premium leather. Other thoughtful features include a dedicated bottle holder, large storage compartments in armrests and on seatbacks, and device-friendly trays to enhance comfort during flights.

PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES

UNITED AIRLINES
In May 2025 United Airlines announced a nose-to-tail transformation of its Boeing 787-9 planes, including the addition of premium-economy seats. United Airlines expects delivery of these planes by the end of 2025. The aircraft will have a brighter and warmer feel throughout, with significant upgrades. Once complete, planes will feature a total of 99 premium seats, the highest percentage among U.S. carriers. That number includes 33 Premium Plus seats, which will feature privacy dividers, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and the largest economy-class seatback screens in the world.

PHOTO: © VIRGIN ATLANTIC

VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Virgin Atlantic won Skytrax’s coveted award for World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airline in 2025. Despite snagging this prestigious distinction with its current fleet, Virgin Atlantic announced several upgrades to its premium-economy seats, rolling out over the next few years. Starting in 2026, Virgin Atlantic passengers will be able to enjoy new Airbus A330neo aircraft. These planes will feature 56 premium seats. Additionally, the airline’s Boeing 787-9 fleet is undergoing a comprehensive cabin refurbishment, adding more premium seating to the planes. Virgin Atlantic is also rolling out free, unlimited WiFi using Starlink across its fleet. The airline introduced new signature food and beverage offerings to premium- class passengers, including the Clubhouse Burger, Red Head cocktail, Mile High Tea, Virgin Atlantic Bloody Mary and Cherry Pie in the Sky ice cream.

AMERICAN AIRLINES
In October 2025 American Airlines added premium economy on transcontinental routes between Los Angeles (LAX) and New York ( JFK). Premium-economy passengers on select flights on this popular route will fly in comfort with wider seats with more legroom, an Ostrichpillow lumbar pillow, a crepe weave blanket, and an amenity kit featuring premium skincare products and travel essentials. Passengers will also enjoy elevated dining, including a hot entrée, salad and dessert all served on fine china, along with complimentary beverages. Premium-economy seats also feature in-seat power outlets and larger monitors accompanied by noise- reducing headphones.

PHOTO: © DELTA AIR LINES

DELTA AIR LINES
Delta Air Lines’ Premium Select seats feature larger seats and a deeper recline than standard economy seats. On long-haul flights, passengers also receive a premium amenity kit from Someone Somewhere, which includes an eye mask and lip balm from Grown Alchemist, a memory-foam pillow, a plush blanket, and noise-cancelling headphones. This year Delta Air Lines launched a new feature that allows international premium-economy passengers to order meals from an exclusive menu in advance. The airline also introduced new canned still wines from Une Femme, available to premium-economy passengers on select routes. Another benefit of flying Premium Select with Delta Air Lines is access to Sky Priority service, including accelerated check- in, security and baggage service.

ALASKA AIRLINES
Alaska Airlines currently offers Premium Class on most flights. However, in 2025 the carrier announced plans to make substantial improvements to its fleet, including the addition of a new premium economy cabin on select planes. These seats offer 4 inches of extra legroom compared to standard economy seats; priority boarding; and complimentary beer, wine and cocktails on most flights exceeding 350 miles.

PHOTO: © FINNAIR

FINNAIR
Premium economy remains a popular choice for Finnair passengers, and the airline is responding by continually improving its premium-economy experience. Finnair premium-economy passengers continue to enjoy an elevated main meal service, served on Iittala chinaware. However, the airline recently upgraded its food service for passengers in this class on select routes and launched a new brunch concept on late-night departures from Helsinki Airport to select destinations. Additionally, premium-economy passengers can now pre-select their main course. Finnair also recently expanded its onboard entertainment selection by adding Disney content for all passengers, including those in premium-economy seats.