The term Premium Economy has been floating around the aviation industry for decades, promising a middle-ground experience between Economy and Business Class. Emirates, renowned for its luxury offerings, has crafted a premium economy product that raises the bar, blending affordability with comfort in a way that challenges traditional perceptions of this class.
Introduced in 2020, Emirates’ premium economy was initially available on select Airbus A380 routes before expanding across its Boeing 777 and upcoming A350 fleet. The airline’s attention to detail ensures that premium economy is more than just a slightly upgraded economy experience—it’s a distinct class of service offering meaningful enhancements without the steep business-class price tag.
What You Get: The Emirates Premium Economy Experience
Enhanced Seating for Long-Haul Comfort
A defining feature of Emirates Premium Economy is its spacious seating, which significantly improves upon standard economy. Passengers benefit from up to 40 inches (102 cm) of seat pitch, compared to economy’s 31–34 inches, along with a 19.5-inch seat width (50 cm) for added comfort.
Additional features include adjustable calf rests, footrests, and headrests, which provide greater ergonomic support. The cream leather upholstery and woodgrain finishes reflect Emirates’ commitment to premium aesthetics, setting it apart from competitors.
Dining: A Culinary Step Above Economy
While premium economy across airlines often features slightly enhanced meals, Emirates has taken its dining experience a step further. Meals are served on Royal Doulton china with real cutlery and linen napkins, giving passengers a taste of business class refinement.
The menu features multi-course meal options, including gourmet selections such as grilled meats, seafood, and premium vegetarian dishes, complemented by a curated list of wines and spirits. For breakfast, passengers enjoy freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, and barista-style coffee.
In-Flight Entertainment That Rivals the Best
Emirates’ ICE entertainment system is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, and premium economy passengers enjoy a 13.3-inch HD touchscreen, among the largest in its class. With over 6,500 channels of content and noise-cancelling headphones, passengers have a truly immersive experience.
A Quiet, Refined Cabin Ambience
One of the biggest selling points of premium economy is the quieter, more intimate environment compared to standard economy. Emirates has designed the premium economy cabin with mood lighting, which adapts to different phases of the flight to help reduce jet lag.
Additionally, the smaller seating configuration fosters an exclusive feel, while a dedicated cabin crew provides a more personalised level of service.
How Emirates Premium Economy Compares to Competitors
Many airlines, including British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa, have long offered premium economy. However, Emirates positions itself at the premium end of the segment, incorporating elements that push it closer to business class than economy.
While competitors focus primarily on extra legroom and meal enhancements, Emirates integrates business-class-inspired amenities, such as plush blankets made from recycled plastic bottles, sustainable amenity kits, and a refined cabin aesthetic. This ensures that the experience feels elevated rather than just an add-on to economy.
The Future of Emirates Premium Economy
Premium economy has become a key revenue driver for airlines, catering to passengers who seek better comfort but aren’t prepared to pay for business class. Emirates’ investment in premium economy aligns with broader industry trends, where demand for mid-tier comfort has surged post-pandemic.
With the strategic rollout across long-haul routes such as London, New York, Sydney, and Singapore, Emirates has focused on routes where comfort matters most. Flights exceeding 10 hours particularly highlight the value proposition of premium economy.
Emirates has announced plans to expand its premium economy footprint, with new routes to Dallas, Seattle, Newark, and Miami in 2025. Additionally, the airline is incorporating the product across its entire long-haul fleet, including the upcoming A350s.
This move signifies an industry-wide shift, where premium economy is no longer a niche add-on but a core component of airline strategy. By infusing its hallmark luxury into this class, Emirates is not just keeping pace with competitors—it’s setting a new standard for premium economy travel.
Final Verdict: Is Emirates Premium Economy Worth It?
For travellers who prioritise extra space, enhanced dining, and a quieter cabin, Emirates Premium Economy is a worthwhile investment. With its blend of comfort, elevated service, and premium amenities, it offers an experience far superior to economy without the steep costs of business class.
As more airlines refine their premium economy offerings, Emirates has firmly established itself at the top of the category. This is not just a minor upgrade—it’s a meaningful enhancement that makes long-haul travel significantly more enjoyable.
