Premium Economy has emerged as the ideal choice for long-haul travelers seeking comfort without the steep price of business class. This article delves into the top five premium economy products offered by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, focusing on which cabins provide the most spacious and comfortable experience. Seat pitch serves as the primary metric for this comparison, offering a straightforward measure of personal space and legroom across North Atlantic flights.
In addition to seat pitch, we evaluate seat width and aircraft coverage to provide a comprehensive comparison across these five carriers. Data is sourced from airline specification pages and recent product briefings, emphasizing standard long-haul configurations. Variations in aircraft layouts are noted, highlighting the typical comfort levels passengers can expect. This analysis strictly focuses on hard-product elements, excluding soft-product factors like food and service, which can vary by route or season.
Virgin Atlantic’s Premium: A Benchmark in Comfort
Virgin Atlantic’s Premium cabin has become a benchmark in the premium economy market, offering a generous seat pitch of approximately 38 inches (96 cm) across its fleet. With a recline of seven to eight inches and leather upholstery, the cabin rivals domestic first-class legroom in the United States. Seat width varies by aircraft, with the Airbus A330 and Boeing 787-9 providing over 20 inches of width, while the Airbus A350-1000 offers slightly less. Despite this, the cabin remains a significant upgrade over standard economy class.
Features such as power outlets, USB ports, and large seatback screens, some up to 13.3 inches, enhance the experience, making it feel akin to a scaled-down business class. The dedicated Premium cabin, seating between 35 and 56 passengers, adds a sense of separation and tranquility. Virgin Atlantic’s soft product is also noteworthy, having won Skytrax’s 2025 award for Best Premium Economy Class Cabin. However, inconsistencies in seat width and the absence of legrests are noted drawbacks.
United Airlines’ Premium Plus: Practical Comfort
United Airlines’ Premium Plus cabin offers a practical and comfortable upgrade from standard economy, with a seat pitch of approximately 38 inches (96 cm). The cabin’s impressive pitch and elevated seat width provide a meaningful improvement over United’s standard and extra-legroom economy products. On aircraft like the Boeing 787-9, the Collins MiQ seats in a 2-3-2 layout offer up to six inches of recline, alongside legrests, footrests, and large high-definition screens.
United’s Premium Plus is available on most long-haul Boeing 767, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 services, as well as premium transcontinental routes. The cabin stands out for its bundled extras, including two checked bags, Premium Access check-in, and priority boarding. Enhanced meals, complimentary beverages, and upgraded bedding further enhance the experience. However, inconsistencies across aircraft and pricing close to discounted business class seats are noted concerns.
American Airlines’ Premium Economy: Consistency and Coverage
American Airlines’ Premium Economy offers a reliable and widely available product across its network, with a seat pitch of 38 inches (96 cm). The cabin provides competitive comfort, particularly on the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleets, with layouts of 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 depending on the aircraft. Large seatback entertainment screens and ample personal storage are standard features.
The airline enhances the experience with soft-product upgrades, including two checked bags, priority check-in, and better meals served on porcelain. Complimentary beverages and upgraded amenities further elevate the experience. American Airlines’ extensive coverage of premium economy on its long-haul fleet, including plans for the Airbus A321XLR, underscores its commitment to this cabin class.
British Airways’ World Traveller Plus: A Mature Offering
British Airways’ World Traveller Plus is a well-established premium economy product, offering a seat pitch of 38 inches (96 cm). The cabin is designed as a clear step-up from the main cabin, with generous pitch and width providing more room for passengers. A deeper recline, adjustable headrests, footrests, and larger high-definition screens enhance comfort.
The cabin’s smaller size, situated between Club World and World Traveller, reduces noise and traffic, creating a more exclusive experience. British Airways continues to improve its soft product, offering meals closer to business class and complimentary bar service. However, older aircraft interiors and fluctuating pricing are noted drawbacks.
Delta Premium Select: A Textbook Example
Delta Air Lines’ Premium Select exemplifies premium economy, offering industry-leading pitch and width with up to seven inches of recline. Adjustable legrests and footrests are standard on most widebody models, significantly improving long-haul comfort compared to Delta Comfort+.
Available on key long-haul models like the Airbus A350-900 and Airbus A330-900neo, Delta’s Premium Select also offers SkyPriority check-in and boarding, upgraded meals, and branded amenity kits. While cabin inconsistency and a 2-4-2 layout on some aircraft are drawbacks, the product remains a strong premium economy option.
In conclusion, each airline’s premium economy offering provides unique advantages, catering to different passenger preferences and needs. As airlines continue to refine their products, travelers can expect even greater comfort and amenities in this increasingly popular cabin class.
