If the luxury of flying in the front of the plane is beyond reach, don’t worry. Several international airlines enhance the travel experience for economy passengers. While you won’t get lie-flat seats or endless Dom Perignon, these carriers offer top-notch economy cabins. Featuring perks reminiscent of first class, such as premium liquor and reusable amenity kits, these seven airlines provide a remarkably elevated premium economy-class experience.
Japan Airlines
Japan’s flagship airline serves 10 U.S. cities from coast to coast, providing unparalleled comfort on long-haul flights. Japan Airlines boasts some of the industry’s widest seats and most generous pitch, ensuring a comfortable experience. Beyond comfort, passengers enjoy exquisite food and beverage options, including Japanese Soba noodles, Ume-shu (plum wine), sake, and on-demand snacks. The airline’s service in economy rivals that of premium classes. For an optimal experience, opt for Japan Airlines’ Boeing 787, which stands out with larger windows and lower cabin altitude. Importantly, Japan Airlines uniquely offers eight-abreast economy seating, providing superior seat width compared to other Boeing 787 operators.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines operates nonstop flights to six U.S. cities, including unique routes like New York to Frankfurt. These extended journeys offer economy passengers luxurious amenities reminiscent of business class, featuring hot towel service and an amenity kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye shades, and socks. In a unique touch, passengers across all cabins can indulge in a selection of premixed cocktails, including the iconic Singapore Sling. The airline excels in service quality, ensuring a premium experience for passengers, even those seated towards the rear of the aircraft.
EVA Air
EVA Air serves six U.S. destinations with direct flights to Taipei. While economy travelers may not receive the exclusive Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits and pajamas reserved for business class, they can enjoy complimentary slippers and an eye mask at their seats. The airline offers above-average legroom and a spacious seatback screen, measuring up to 12 inches wide, for enhanced entertainment. Standout features include excellent food and beverage options, with thoughtful touches like the use of metal cutlery instead of plastic, contributing to an elevated economy class experience.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, the national carrier, operates nonstop flights from 12 U.S. cities to Doha. Renowned for its exceptional business-class seats, including the innovative Qsuites, the airline’s economy class is equally impressive. Economy passengers enjoy premium features, including a detailed physical menu card outlining three meal options, a plush fleece-lined blanket and pillow, and a selection of amenities such as Institut Karite Paris lip balm, socks, and an eye mask. The airline goes above and beyond by offering an unlimited supply of snacks and drinks throughout the entire flight, ensuring a top-tier experience for economy travelers.
Emirates
Emirates operates nonstop flights to Dubai from 12 U.S. cities, including unique routes like New York to Milan. On the double-decker Airbus A380, Emirates offers economy seats that are among the widest at 18 inches. While economy passengers can’t access the iconic onboard bar, they still enjoy luxurious touches, including a reusable amenity kit with socks, a sleep mask, a toothbrush, and a bookmark. The seatback screens provide access to over 5,000 entertainment channels. To enhance the experience further, Emirates allows economy passengers to preorder (for a fee) a chocolate cake and a bottle of Moët to celebrate special occasions on board.
ANA
All Nippon Airways, based in Tokyo, operates flights from eight U.S. cities to Japan. Although seat comfort falls slightly below its main competitor, Japan Airlines, it still surpasses industry standards. Passengers can enjoy a generous seat pitch of up to 34 inches. The airline offers Japanese sake, premium wines, and delectable main courses like grilled red rockfish teriyaki or simmering Udon noodles. For a nominal fee, economy passengers departing from Japan can pre-order gourmet meals akin to business class. Optimal luxury awaits passengers flying between Tokyo and Honolulu on an Airbus A380, where three or four seats can be combined to create a single couch seat.
Turkish Airlines
The national airline of Turkey operates nonstop flights from 12 U.S. cities to Istanbul. Turkish Airlines not only provides one of the premier in-flight entertainment systems but also boasts exceptional catering, even in economy class. The airline, reflecting a robust national identity, showcases its culinary excellence. Salads are accompanied by virgin olive oil and lemon dressing, and passengers can choose from options like hummus or baba ghanoush. Breakfast features cheese pies, and Turkish cheese with dried apricot mousse is among the delightful offerings, establishing Turkish Airlines as a standout in providing quality cuisine throughout its cabins.
A crucial factor that can significantly impact the flying experience, irrespective of the airline, is the type of aircraft. Consider a practical scenario: Imagine flying Qatar Airways in economy on a route with multiple daily flights, each operated by different aircraft—Boeing 787, Boeing 777, and Airbus A350. While the “soft product” (referring to food, beverage, in-flight service, and amenities) may be similar, your physical comfort level can vary based on the aircraft type. Among these planes, the Airbus A350 stands out with the widest seats. When seeking the most luxurious economy-class seat, the choice of aircraft becomes a decisive factor in enhancing the overall experience.
