Which European Airlines Offer The Best Premium Economy Seats?

Which European Airlines Offer The Best Premium Economy Seats? As European travelers increasingly seek enhanced comfort and space during their flights, Premium Economy Class has become a popular choice.

Offering more legroom and wider seats than standard Economy, the Premium Economy class provides passengers with an upgraded flying experience.

In this article, we have listed airlines offering some of the best Premium Economy seats, with a technical details explanation.

Some of the European airlines that were known for their premium economy seats and services included:

Lufthansa: Lufthansa is known for its spacious premium economy seats with extra legroom, upgraded meal services, and dedicated cabin sections.
British Airways: British Airways offers a World Traveller Plus class with wider seats, more legroom, and an enhanced dining experience.
Air France: Air France provides a Premium Economy class with comfortable seating, priority boarding, and upgraded dining options.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: KLM offers a comfortable World Business Class seat in its Premium Economy class, with additional legroom and other amenities.
Virgin Atlantic: Virgin Atlantic’s Premium cabin includes spacious seats, priority check-in, and premium dining options.
Austrian Airlines: Austrian Airlines‘ Premium Economy class features wider seats and extra legroom, along with upgraded in-flight services.
Finnair: Finnair offers a Nordic Premium class with comfortable seating and additional services, including priority boarding.
Iberia: Iberia’s Premium Economy class offers extra space, more comfortable seating, and better meal options.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines: SAS provides an upgraded Premium Economy product with comfortable seats and priority services.

Table of Aircraft Details & Contents

Lufthansa

Lufthansa is often regarded as having one of the best premium economy seats for several reasons:

Spacious Seats: Lufthansa’s premium economy seats are known for their generous width and pitch (the distance between seats). This extra space allows passengers to stretch out and enjoy greater comfort during the flight.
Dedicated Cabin: Lufthansa typically provides a separate cabin for its premium economy passengers. This segregated space offers a quieter and more exclusive environment, which can enhance the overall travel experience.
Premium Amenities: Passengers in Lufthansa’s premium economy class often receive a range of premium amenities, including larger screens for in-flight entertainment, noise-canceling headphones, and enhanced meal services. The upgraded dining options often include a choice of meals and complimentary beverages.
Priority Services: Lufthansa premium economy passengers may also enjoy priority boarding and access to dedicated check-in counters. These services help streamline the travel process and reduce waiting times.
Extra Baggage Allowance: Lufthansa usually provides a more generous baggage allowance for premium economy passengers, allowing them to carry more luggage without additional fees.
Upgraded Comfort: The seats in Lufthansa’s premium economy class typically offer better recline and legroom compared to standard economy class, which can make long-haul flights more comfortable.
Amenity Kits: Some airlines, including Lufthansa, offer premium economy passengers amenity kits containing items like toiletries and other travel essentials to enhance their in-flight experience.

Lufthansa’s premium economy seats are designed to offer passengers a comfortable and enhanced travel experience.

Here are some technical details about Lufthansa’s premium economy seats:

Seat Configuration: Lufthansa’s premium economy cabins typically feature a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 seat configuration, depending on the aircraft type. The 2-4-2 configuration means that there are two seats by the windows, four seats in the middle section, and two seats by the other windows. This provides a balance between privacy and easy access to the aisle.
Seat Dimensions: Lufthansa’s premium economy seats vary in size depending on the aircraft, but they generally offer a seat pitch (the distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of or behind it) of around 38 to 42 inches. The seat width is typically around 18 to 20 inches.
Recline: Lufthansa’s premium economy seats are known for their substantial recline. Passengers can usually expect a recline of approximately 9 to 10 inches, which allows for more comfortable rest during long-haul flights.
Legroom: The extra legroom in Lufthansa’s premium economy class is one of its key features. Passengers can stretch their legs and enjoy a more comfortable journey compared to standard economy class.
Amenities: Premium economy passengers on Lufthansa often receive additional amenities, such as larger seatback screens for in-flight entertainment. Noise-canceling headphones are also provided for an enhanced audio experience. You may also receive an amenity kit containing essentials like a blanket, pillow, and toiletries.
Dining: Lufthansa’s premium economy class offers an upgraded dining experience with a choice of meals and complimentary beverages, including wine and beer. Menus can vary depending on the route and time of day.
In-Flight Entertainment: Lufthansa typically offers a comprehensive in-flight entertainment system with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games accessible through personal screens at each seat.
Power Outlets and USB Ports: Many Lufthansa premium economy seats are equipped with power outlets and USB ports to charge your devices during the flight.
Lounge Access: In some cases, premium economy passengers may have access to Lufthansa’s Business Class lounges at select airports, enhancing the pre-flight experience.

British Airways

British Airways is often considered to have one of the best premium economy seats in Europe for several reasons, although it’s important to note that opinions on the “best” airline or class can vary depending on individual preferences and needs.

British Airways’ premium economy class, known as World Traveller Plus, offers several technical features and amenities that enhance the passenger experience.

Here are some reasons why British Airways’ premium economy class is highly regarded:

Seat Configuration: British Airways’ premium economy seats are configured in a 2-4-2 layout on most long-haul aircraft. This layout provides a good balance between aisle access and privacy.
Seat Dimensions: The seat dimensions in World Traveller Plus can vary depending on the aircraft type. However, the seat pitch is typically around 38 inches, offering more legroom than standard economy. The seat width is generally about 18.5 inches, providing extra space for passenger comfort.
Recline: British Airways’ premium economy seats offer a more significant recline compared to standard economy seats, allowing passengers to relax and rest more comfortably during the flight.
Dining: Passengers in World Traveller Plus enjoy an upgraded dining experience with a choice of main courses and complimentary wine, beer, and spirits. Meals are often served on china with full-sized cutlery.
Amenity Kit: British Airways provides premium economy passengers with an amenity kit that typically includes travel essentials like an eye mask, socks, a toothbrush, and toothpaste to enhance the in-flight experience.
In-Flight Entertainment: Passengers have access to larger, personal seatback screens for in-flight entertainment. British Airways offers an extensive selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games to keep passengers entertained during the journey.
Power Outlets and USB Ports: Many World Traveller Plus seats are equipped with power outlets and USB ports to charge electronic devices during the flight.
Lounge Access: Depending on the fare class, route, and frequent flyer status, premium economy passengers may have access to British Airways lounges at select airports. Lounge access provides a comfortable and convenient pre-flight experience.
Extra Baggage Allowance: British Airways typically grants premium economy passengers a more generous baggage allowance compared to economy class, allowing travelers to check in more luggage without extra fees.
Priority Services: World Traveller Plus passengers often benefit from priority check-in and boarding, which helps streamline the travel process.

It’s important to remember that the specifics of World Traveller Plus may vary by aircraft type and route.

Air France

Air France was known for offering high-quality premium economy seats in Europe.

Here are some technical details and reasons why Air France’s premium economy seats were often considered among the best in Europe:

Seat Configuration: Air France’s premium economy class typically features a 2-4-2 or 2-3-2 seat configuration, depending on the aircraft. This layout provides a good balance between aisle access and passenger comfort.
Seat Dimensions: The seat pitch (distance between seat rows) in Air France’s premium economy class is typically around 38 inches, offering more legroom than standard economy. The seat width is often around 19 inches, providing extra space for passenger comfort.
Recline: Premium economy seats on Air France flights often offer a more significant recline compared to standard economy seats. This feature allows passengers to relax and rest more comfortably during long-haul flights.
Amenities: Air France provides premium economy passengers with amenities like noise-canceling headphones for a better in-flight audio experience. Passengers may also receive an amenity kit with travel essentials.
In-Flight Entertainment: Passengers enjoy larger, personal seatback screens with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The entertainment system is often touchscreen and user-friendly.
Dining: Air France typically offers an enhanced dining experience in premium economy, with a choice of meal options and complimentary wine and champagne. Meals are often served on real china with quality cutlery.
Extra Baggage Allowance: Premium economy passengers often benefit from a more generous baggage allowance, allowing them to check in more luggage without additional fees.
Lounge Access: Depending on the fare class, route, and frequent flyer status, premium economy passengers may have access to Air France lounges at select airports. Lounge access provides a comfortable and convenient pre-flight experience.
Priority Services: Air France premium economy passengers may enjoy priority check-in, security screening, and boarding, which helps streamline the travel process.
Cabin Design: Air France’s premium economy cabins are designed to create a more exclusive and comfortable atmosphere. The cabins are often located in a separate section of the plane, offering a quieter and more private space for passengers.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is known for offering quality premium economy seats in Europe.

Here are some key technical details and reasons why KLM’s premium economy seats are often considered among the best:

Seat Configuration: KLM’s premium economy class typically features a 2-3-2 seat configuration, allowing easy aisle access for most passengers while maintaining a comfortable cabin layout.
Seat Dimensions: The seat pitch (distance between seat rows) in KLM’s premium economy class is typically around 35-36 inches, offering more legroom than standard economy. The seat width is generally around 18-19 inches, providing additional space for passenger comfort.
Recline: Premium economy seats on KLM flights often offer a generous recline, allowing passengers to relax and rest more comfortably during long-haul journeys.
Amenities: KLM often provides premium economy passengers with amenities such as a personal amenity kit, which includes travel essentials like an eye mask, socks, and toothbrush.
In-Flight Entertainment: Passengers in KLM’s premium economy class typically enjoy personal seatback screens with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The entertainment system is user-friendly and offers various entertainment options.
Dining: KLM offers an enhanced dining experience in premium economy, with a choice of meal options and complimentary wine and beverages. Meals are often served on real china with quality cutlery.
Extra Baggage Allowance: Premium economy passengers often receive a more generous baggage allowance, allowing them to check in more luggage without additional fees.
Cabin Design: KLM’s premium economy cabins are designed to create an exclusive and comfortable atmosphere. These cabins are often located in a dedicated section of the aircraft, offering a quieter and more private space for passengers.
Priority Services: KLM premium economy passengers may benefit from priority check-in and boarding, which helps expedite the travel process.
Lounge Access: Depending on the fare class, route, and frequent flyer status, premium economy passengers may have access to KLM lounges at select airports, enhancing the pre-flight experience.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is known for offering high-quality premium economy seats, providing passengers with enhanced comfort and amenities.

Here are some technical details and features that contribute to Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy class being well-regarded:

Seat Configuration: Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy class typically features a 2-3-2 seat configuration on most long-haul aircraft. This layout offers a good balance between aisle access and passenger comfort.
Seat Dimensions: The seat dimensions in Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy class are designed to maximize comfort. The seat pitch is typically around 38 inches, providing ample legroom, and the seat width is often around 21 inches, giving passengers extra space to relax.
Recline: Premium economy seats on Virgin Atlantic flights offer a substantial recline, allowing passengers to relax and rest more comfortably during long-haul journeys.
Amenities: Virgin Atlantic provides premium economy passengers with a range of amenities, including a dedicated amenity kit with travel essentials like an eye mask, socks, and toothbrush.
In-Flight Entertainment: Passengers in Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy class enjoy larger, personal seatback screens with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The entertainment system is typically touchscreen and user-friendly.
Dining: Virgin Atlantic offers an upgraded dining experience in premium economy, with a choice of meal options and complimentary wine and beverages. Meals are often served on real china with quality cutlery.
Extra Baggage Allowance: Premium economy passengers often benefit from a more generous baggage allowance, allowing them to check in more luggage without additional fees.
Cabin Design: Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy cabins are designed to create an exclusive and comfortable atmosphere. These cabins are often located in a dedicated section of the aircraft, offering a quieter and more private space for passengers.
Priority Services: Virgin Atlantic premium economy passengers may enjoy priority check-in, security screening, and boarding, which helps expedite the travel process.
Lounge Access: Depending on the fare class, route, and frequent flyer status, premium economy passengers may have access to Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses at select airports, providing an upscale and comfortable pre-flight experience.

Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines is known for offering a comfortable premium economy class with several technical details that contribute to its reputation.

Here are some key technical details and features that have contributed to Austrian Airlines’ premium economy seats being well-regarded:

Seat Configuration: Austrian Airlines’ premium economy class typically features a 2-4-2 seat configuration on long-haul aircraft, providing a balanced layout that offers both easy aisle access and passenger comfort.
Seat Dimensions: The seat pitch (distance between seat rows) in Austrian Airlines’ premium economy class is typically around 38-40 inches, offering more legroom than standard economy seats. The seat width is often around 19-20 inches, providing passengers with additional space for relaxation.
Recline: Premium economy seats on Austrian Airlines typically offer a more significant recline compared to standard economy seats, allowing passengers to relax and rest more comfortably during long-haul journeys.
Amenities: Austrian Airlines provides premium economy passengers with amenities like a dedicated amenity kit containing travel essentials. Noise-canceling headphones may also be offered for an improved in-flight audio experience.
In-Flight Entertainment: Passengers in Austrian Airlines’ premium economy class often enjoy personal seatback screens with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The entertainment system is user-friendly and designed for passenger enjoyment.
Dining: Austrian Airlines offers an enhanced dining experience in premium economy, including a choice of meals and complimentary wine and beverages. Meals are often served on real china with quality cutlery.
Extra Baggage Allowance: Premium economy passengers usually receive a more generous baggage allowance, allowing them to check in more luggage without additional fees.
Cabin Design: Austrian Airlines’ premium economy cabins are designed to create an exclusive and comfortable atmosphere. They are typically located in a dedicated section of the aircraft, offering a quieter and more private space for passengers.
Priority Services: Premium economy passengers on Austrian Airlines may benefit from priority check-in, security screening, and boarding, streamlining the travel process.
Lounge Access: Depending on the fare class, route, and frequent flyer status, premium economy passengers may have access to Austrian Airlines’ lounges at select airports, providing a more comfortable pre-flight experience.

Finnair

Finnair’s premium economy seats have received positive reviews for several reasons, but whether they are the “best” in Europe is subjective and can depend on individual preferences.

However, here are five reasons why Finnair’s premium economy seats are well-regarded, with technical details:

Seat Dimensions: Finnair’s premium economy class offers a comfortable seat configuration. Typically, the seat pitch (distance between seat rows) is around 38-40 inches, providing more legroom than standard economy seats. The seat width is often around 18-19 inches, offering passengers additional space for comfort during the flight.
Recline: Premium economy seats on Finnair flights usually offer a more significant recline compared to standard economy seats, allowing passengers to relax and rest more comfortably. The generous recline enhances the overall in-flight experience.
Dedicated Cabin: Finnair’s premium economy class often has a separate and exclusive cabin section, providing a quieter and more private atmosphere. The dedicated cabin space enhances the comfort and exclusivity of the premium economy experience.
In-Flight Entertainment: Passengers in Finnair’s premium economy class typically enjoy larger personal seatback screens with a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The entertainment system is user-friendly and designed to keep passengers entertained during the flight.
Dining: Finnair offers an upgraded dining experience in premium economy, including a choice of meals and complimentary wine and beverages. The meals are often served on real china with quality cutlery, enhancing the overall dining experience.

While Finnair’s premium economy class offers several advantages, the “best” premium economy seats can be subjective and depend on various factors, including the specific route, aircraft type, and personal preferences.

Iberia

Iberia had a Premium Economy class that offered a more comfortable and enhanced experience compared to standard economy class, but opinions on whether it’s one of the “best” premium economy seats can vary.

Here are some reasons why Iberia’s Premium Economy class may have been regarded positively, with some technical details:

Seat Dimensions: Iberia’s Premium Economy seats typically feature a more generous seat pitch (the distance between seat rows) and width compared to standard economy. The seat pitch can be around 37-38 inches, providing additional legroom, and the seat width is often around 18-19 inches, allowing for more passenger comfort.
Recline: Premium Economy seats on Iberia flights often offer a more significant recline compared to standard economy seats, providing passengers with the ability to relax and rest more comfortably.
Dedicated Cabin Section: Iberia usually offers a separate cabin section for its Premium Economy passengers, creating a quieter and more exclusive environment during the flight.
Amenities: Passengers in Iberia’s Premium Economy class may receive extra amenities, such as an amenity kit with travel essentials, which can enhance the overall in-flight experience.
Dining: Iberia typically offers an upgraded dining experience for Premium Economy passengers, including a choice of meals and complimentary wine and beverages. Meals are often served on real china with quality cutlery.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

SAS Scandinavian Airlines had a well-regarded Premium Economy class in Europe.

Here are some technical details and features that contributed to SAS’s Premium Economy seats being positively reviewed:

Seat Configuration: SAS Scandinavian Airlines’ Premium Economy class typically features a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 seat configuration, depending on the aircraft type. This layout provides a balanced mix of aisle access and passenger comfort.
Seat Dimensions: The seat dimensions in SAS’s Premium Economy class are designed to maximize passenger comfort. The seat pitch (distance between seat rows) is often around 38-40 inches, offering ample legroom, and the seat width is typically around 18-19 inches, providing additional space for relaxation.
Recline: Premium Economy seats on SAS flights usually offer a substantial recline, allowing passengers to relax and rest more comfortably during long-haul flights.
Amenities: SAS often provides Premium Economy passengers with an amenity kit containing travel essentials like an eye mask, socks, and toothbrush, enhancing the in-flight experience.
In-Flight Entertainment: Passengers in SAS’s Premium Economy class typically enjoy larger personal seatback screens with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The entertainment system is user-friendly and designed for passenger enjoyment.
Dining: SAS offers an upgraded dining experience in Premium Economy, with a choice of meal options and complimentary wine and beverages. Meals are often served on real china with quality cutlery.
Extra Baggage Allowance: Premium Economy passengers typically receive a more generous baggage allowance, allowing them to check in more luggage without additional fees.
Cabin Design: SAS Scandinavian Airlines’ Premium Economy cabins are designed to create an exclusive and comfortable atmosphere. These cabins are often located in a separate section of the aircraft, offering a quieter and more private space for passengers.
Priority Services: Premium Economy passengers may enjoy priority check-in, security screening, and boarding, which helps streamline the travel process.
Lounge Access: Depending on the fare class, route, and frequent flyer status, Premium Economy passengers may have access to SAS lounges at select airports, enhancing the pre-flight experience.

Summary

Here’s a summary of the key points regarding the premium economy seats offered by the European airlines mentioned:

Lufthansa:

Spacious seats with extra legroom.
Dedicated premium economy cabin.
Premium amenities, including larger screens and noise-canceling headphones.
Priority services, such as boarding and check-in.
Enhanced dining options and extra baggage allowance.

British Airways:

Wider seats and more legroom in World Traveller Plus.
Priority boarding and enhanced dining.
Access to larger entertainment screens and amenity kits.
Comfortable seating with substantial recline.
Lounge access for eligible passengers.

Air France:

Comfortable premium economy seats with more legroom.
Dedicated premium cabin for an exclusive experience.
Amenities like noise-canceling headphones.
Upgraded dining options and priority services.
Lounge access for eligible passengers.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:

Comfortable premium economy seating.
Priority services and lounge access.
Enhanced in-flight amenities and dining options.
More legroom and recline compared to standard economy.
Dedicated cabin for premium economy passengers.

Virgin Atlantic:

Spacious seats with priority services.
Access to larger seatback screens and noise-canceling headphones.
Premium dining options and lounge access.
Enhanced comfort with wider seats and extra legroom.
Amenity kits and an exclusive cabin environment.

Austrian Airlines:

Comfortable Premium Economy seats with extra legroom.
Priority services and enhanced amenities.
Dedicated cabin section for an exclusive experience.
Amenities such as amenity kits and noise-canceling headphones.
Upgraded dining options and extra baggage allowance.

Finnair:

Comfortable Premium Economy seats with more legroom.
Priority services and dedicated cabin section.
Enhanced dining options and in-flight entertainment.
Personal amenity kits and a quieter cabin environment.
Access to an exclusive and comfortable atmosphere.

Iberia:

Comfortable premium economy seats with extra legroom.
Access to larger personal seatback screens and an upgraded in-flight entertainment system.
Enhanced dining experience with meal options and complimentary beverages.
Amenities, such as an amenity kit with travel essentials.
Priority services for premium economy passengers, including check-in and boarding.
Potential lounge access at select airports, depending on the fare class and route.

For the most up-to-date and detailed information about each airline’s premium economy offerings, it’s advisable to visit the respective airline’s official website or contact the airline directly.