What’s more: the airline unveiled the first of its redesigned 787-9 Dreamliners in May 2025, featuring an upgraded premium economy product with more storage options, side wings for added privacy, and fixed outer shells so reclining passengers don’t encroach on your personal space. That initial aircraft—tail number ZK-NZH—will operate flights between San Francisco (SFO) and Auckland (AKL). Seven of the new aircraft variant are expected to be in service by the end of 2025.
EVA Air
The airline that invented premium economy back in the 90s is still bringing new innovations to the fare class decades later. The Taiwan-based carrier has launched a completely reimagined version of its premium economy cabin on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets, and it’s well worth the splurge. For starters, the refreshed concept offers an industry-leading 42 inches of pitch at every seat, making the seat’s specifications alone worth the price of an upgrade. Passengers can stretch out and use the seat’s ingenious recline function, which has hard-shell backing and offers a cradling motion that slides the seat forward and up for eight inches of recline without disturbing the flier behind. Footrests and privacy panels add even more comfort, and a 15.6-inch entertainment screen and personal device holder will hold your attention for the long-haul journey. The carrier is continually rolling out more of the 787-9 planes with its latest premium economy cabin and plans to deploy a total of nine of the widebody planes by 2029.
Delta Air Lines
Delta’s version of international premium economy—Delta Premium Select—underwent an extensive overhaul in 2022. The result: an even plusher cabin with more comfortable seats, cozier bedding, and food and beverage perks. The latter point may be what passengers are most charmed by. After take-off, Premium Select fliers are now offered a “bubbles and bites” service, with complimentary sparkling wine or sparkling water and savory snacks, like mixed nuts. Other business-class-level touches, like printed menus and an oshibori towel, make meal service an event worth savoring. Seats offer 38 inches of pitch with a leg and foot rest, 19 inches of width, and seven inches of recline—each dimension several inches larger than regular economy. Other upgrades include two free checked bags, priority check-in and boarding, noise-canceling headphones, and a plush memory foam pillow.
Swiss Air
If you’re flying to Zurich or Geneva from the US, consider upgrading from coach to Swiss Air’s new “Swiss Senses” premium economy cabin. The separate premium economy cabin features 38 seats in a 2-3-2 layout, offering an exclusive environment. Each seat is 19 inches wide with 39 inches of pitch with thoughtful features like a hard shell for easy reclining without disturbing surrounding fliers and privacy dividers attached to the headrest. You’ll also find a leg and calf rest and a 15.6-inch entertainment screen with Bluetooth capability to stretch out and watch a new movie. There’s even a wireless charging pad in the armrest (as well as USB A and C ports) to keep your devices juiced up. Premium economy passengers are allowed two free checked bags, and upon boarding, they get a taste of Switzerland’s famous apéro culture with a welcome aperitif and a snack of Sbrinz cheese, as well as Swiss wines to complement their in-flight meal.
Finnair
Finnair
For a sense of Nordic style in the skies, look no further than Finnair’s premium economy product. The Helisinki-based carrier’s upgraded cabin can be found on long-haul flights aboard its Airbus A350 and A330 aircraft and features collaborations with Finnish designers, including Marimekko amenity kits and tableware from Iittala, which is used to serve three-course meals. Aside from its focus on style, the cabin offers substance too, including spacious seats that come with 38 inches of pitch and a leg rest that cradles the entire leg. Each spot is also outfitted with a 13-inch entertainment screen, power outlets, and USB A ports. When it’s time to rest, passengers will notice that the separate cabin of just 26 seats in a 2-4-2 layout cultivates a quiet and calm atmosphere that lends itself to relaxation.
ITA Airways
Book a seat in ITA Airways’ premium economy class and bring a bit of “la dolce vita” lifestyle to your next flight without busting your budget. The dedicated cabin is outfitted with 24 seats in a spacious 2-3-2 layout. Every seat is upholstered in stylish beige and cream-colored textiles and offers seven inches of recline, 40 inches of pitch, and 19 inches of width. A leg and foot rest, plus privacy wings on the headrest, make falling asleep easy, while perks like a 15.6-inch entertainment screen, noise-canceling headphones, and USB A and C ports ensure quality in-flight entertainment options. Each seat even has a separate cocktail table that can hold passengers’ welcome drink of prosecco, or maybe a glass of Italian wine, limoncello, or a freshly made espresso from Illy coffee. Meal time means Italian dishes served on porcelain tableware. The benefits extend to the airport experience, too: premium economy fliers are granted priority check-in, boarding, and baggage claim, as well as two free checked bags.
