Not everyone is lucky enough to indulge in business and first class when flying long distances. But fortunately for cost-conscious fliers, more-affordable premium economy cabins are not only becoming more prevalent, but they're also offering a more luxurious experience. A growing number of airlines are doubling down on the idea of premium economy, adding the cabin class to more planes or upgrading their current premium economy product with roomier seats and swankier amenities.
Here are the brand new premium economy cabins and seats we can’t wait to fly in.
Finnair's new premium economy cabin features a full leg rest and deeper recline than regular coach.
All-new cabins with more privacy, better dining, and comfier amenities
KLM is introducing a premium economy cabin, “Premium Comfort,” later this year, with wider seats that will have more leg room, greater recline, larger entertainment screens, and a foot rest. The new cabin, which will range between 21 and 28 seats, will also have its own catering concept: hot entrees with a meat, fish, or vegetarian option, followed by dessert service of ice cream and liqueurs, as well as snacks and co*cktails in between. The cabin is set to launch on the airline’s Amsterdam-to-New York JFK route in late July.
Finnair’s recently launched premium economy cabin is part of an overall $203 million investment in its onboard product. The new seats are currently flying from Finland to Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York JFK, and Singapore, and feature a six-way headrest, memory foam cushion, eight more inches of leg space than economy, and a leg rest. While flying in the new cabin, passengers enjoy a three-course meal on bespoke chinaware from Finnish designer Harri Koskinen and Finnish design icon, Iittala. The neck pillow and blanket have attractive patterns from Marimekko, a Finnair signature.
Proving the point that premium vacation travel is booming, German leisure airline Condor is taking delivery of new Airbus A330neo planes this summer with an especially large, 64-seat premium economy cabin. That's more than twice the size of its business class with seats that feature more legroom and greater recline than economy.
