Travelers seeking comfort on transatlantic flights can find a range of spacious premium economy seats offered by major airlines. This article reviews the top seven premium economy options available on flights between North America and Europe, focusing on airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, and American Airlines. While these routes are generally classified as long-haul flights, they offer a variety of seating configurations and amenities that cater to passenger needs.
1. British Airways: World Traveler Plus
British Airways provides a premium economy experience known as World Traveler Plus. The airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft are configured with 39 Recaro PL3530 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 layout. Passengers enjoy a generous 38-inch row pitch, an 18.7-inch seat width, and a recline of 10 inches. The quieter cabin features lumbar support and a footrest, enhancing passenger comfort. British Airways also offers priority check-in and baggage allowances that double those of economy class.
2. Virgin Atlantic: Premium Experience
In close competition with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic offers a premium economy class simply called “Premium.” Their Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature 35 Sixty Aerospace Reverb seats, also arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. These seats provide a 38-inch row pitch and a width of 18.7 inches, with a recline of 8 inches. Virgin Atlantic’s service includes additional amenities such as a glass of bubbly upon boarding and meals served on china, setting a distinct tone for the travel experience.
3. Delta Air Lines: Delta Premium Select
Delta Air Lines presents its premium economy service called Delta Premium Select. On the A350-900, the seating is configured in a 2-4-2 layout with Collins MiQ seats. These offer a 38-inch row pitch and a seat width of 18.5 inches, with a maximum recline of 7 inches. Premium Select passengers benefit from added comforts, including a leg rest and an option for earning additional points.
4. United Airlines: United Premium Plus
United Airlines offers its Premium Plus service, featuring Collins Aerospace MiQ seats arranged in a 2-3-2 format. With a row pitch of 38 inches and a width of 18.7 inches, these seats recline up to 6 inches. Premium Plus passengers enjoy priority boarding, upgraded meal service, and complimentary beverages, enhancing their travel experience.
5. Lufthansa: Allegris Premium Economy
Recognized as Germany’s flag carrier, Lufthansa is rolling out its new Allegris cabin featuring upgraded premium economy seats. The current configuration includes Collins Aerospace MiQ seats, arranged in a 2-3-2 layout with a row pitch of 38 inches and a width of 18.7 inches. The new Allegris seats promise an improved pitch of 39 inches. Passengers also benefit from a welcome drink and additional baggage allowances.
6. Air France: Unique Comfort Features
Air France’s premium economy class consists of Safran Airgo FX seats with a unique fixed-shell design. Configured in a 2-3-2 layout, these seats have a row pitch of 40 inches and a width of 19 inches, offering a generous recline of 130 degrees. Although passengers do not receive complimentary lounge access, they enjoy enhanced in-flight services, including priority boarding and special meal service.
7. American Airlines: Premium Economy
American Airlines features its Premium Economy class on certain international routes, available on its Boeing 777-300ER and 787-9 aircraft. The refreshed seating configuration includes 32 Safran Z535i recliner seats, arranged in a 2-3-2 layout, with a 38-inch row pitch and a width of 19 inches. Passengers benefit from a recline of 8 inches, alongside priority boarding and an upgraded meal service.
In summary, as transatlantic travel continues to evolve, airlines are increasingly focusing on enhancing the premium economy experience. With features like spacious seating, increased baggage allowances, and improved services, travelers have more options than ever to enjoy their journeys across the Atlantic.
