Travellers seeking comfort on transatlantic flights have a variety of options in the premium economy class offered by major airlines. This article highlights the seven most spacious premium economy seats available today among leading carriers, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, and American Airlines. As airlines adapt to the growing popularity of premium economy, features like seat space and additional amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the flying experience.
British Airways: World Traveler Plus
British Airways offers its premium economy class, known as World Traveler Plus, on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. With a configuration that includes 39 Recaro PL3530 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 pattern, the airline prioritizes passenger comfort. The seat pitch measures a generous 38 inches, and the width is 18.7 inches, allowing for a comfortable experience. The recline of 10 inches adds to the overall comfort. Passengers in this class enjoy increased baggage allowances, quieter cabins, and other perks, making it a strong contender on transatlantic routes.
Virgin Atlantic: Premium Experience
Competing closely with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic features its premium economy seating simply called “Premium.” On their Boeing 787-9, the airline provides 35 Sixty Aerospace Reverb seats, also arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. With a 38-inch pitch and 18.7-inch width, the seats allow ample space. The recline is slightly less at eight inches, but Virgin Atlantic compensates with enhanced services like a welcome drink and meals served on china crockery.
The airline highlights the “little touches” that elevate the flying experience, such as increased luggage allowances and a focus on customer service.
Delta Air Lines: Premium Select
Delta Air Lines offers its premium economy class known as Delta Premium Select. Available on A350-900 aircraft, the seats are configured 2-4-2 and feature Collins MiQ premium economy seats. The row pitch is 38 inches, with a seat width of 18.5 inches and a maximum recline of seven inches. Delta distinguishes itself by allowing passengers to choose between Classic and Extra fare options, which provide varying benefits, including earning more points and added flexibility.
United Airlines: Premium Plus
With United Airlines’ Premium Plus class, passengers can expect a similar level of service. The Collins Aerospace MiQ seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, offering a 38-inch seat pitch and an 18.7-inch width. The seat recline reaches up to six inches. Premium Plus passengers enjoy priority check-in, exclusive security lanes, and upgraded meal service, reflecting United’s intent to enhance the travel experience for premium passengers.
Lufthansa: New Allegris Cabin
Lufthansa, Germany’s flag carrier, is in the process of rolling out its new Allegris cabin, which includes refreshed premium economy seats. The existing seats, configured in a 2-3-2 layout with a 38-inch pitch and 18.7-inch width, provide a recline of seven inches. The upcoming Allegris Premium Economy is expected to offer a pitch of 39 inches, enhancing personal space further. Passengers benefit from a 50 percent increase in personal space compared to economy class and a generous baggage allowance.
Air France: A Unique Offering
Air France sets itself apart with its premium economy seats, known as Safran Airgo FX. These fixed-shell seats provide an impressive 40-inch pitch and 19-inch width, boasting a generous recline of 130 degrees. While the airline does not offer complimentary lounge access, passengers enjoy priority service, enhanced in-flight experiences, and additional baggage allowances, making Air France a notable option for transatlantic travel.
American Airlines: Premium Comfort
Lastly, American Airlines features its Premium Economy class, available on select international routes with a configuration of 32 Safran Z535i recliner seats. Positioned in a 2-3-2 layout, the seats come with a 38-inch pitch and a width of 19 inches, offering a recline of eight inches. The airline is currently introducing a refreshed cabin experience, enhancing its premium economy class to attract more travellers.
As airlines continue to enhance their premium economy offerings, passengers have a variety of options to consider when booking transatlantic flights. With similar configurations and amenities, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific services each airline provides.
