In this review, we’ll go down the list of seven of the best Premium Economy airlines that fly the busy transatlantic routes between North America and Europe. The service and cabin product options offered by airlines that offer these upgraded “coach” airfares vary, with a lot of common overlap but many nuanced features that set each carrier apart.

According to the 2025 Skytrax Awards, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways offer the best premium economy products, ranking first and seventh. Delta Air Lines, Air France, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Lufthansa follow. While they are ranked competitively, subtle differences separate the top from the bottom, and each of these airlines offers unique value.

8

American Airlines

3.5 Star Rating

American Airlines’ premium economy is a dependable, affordable service that is consistent across its widebody fleet. It has consistently received lower scores than its European and Asian competitors in international SkyTrax awards due to service quality outside the cabin.

AA didn’t make the cut for the global ranked list of premium economy cabin but is still one of the top transatlantic services. The service is frequently described as more of an enhanced economy experience than a « business class lite » experience, with some instances lacking the polish and attentiveness found on some of the world’s top international carriers.

The seats offer a comfortable 38 inches of pitch (legroom), compared to the main cabin’s maximum of 32. The premium economy seats are also 19 inches wide. The recliner-style seats have adjustable headrests, leg rests, and footrests. Passengers receive a Shinola-branded amenity kit, Casper-branded blankets and pillows, as well as noise-canceling headphones.

Upgraded, « chef-inspired » meals are served on china with metal cutlery, which is a significant improvement over economy fare. The complimentary alcoholic beverages are a feature that distinguishes it from the main cabin. While generally efficient and friendly,

7

United Airlines

Rank #18 Worldwide

United Airlines’ premium economy package, « United Premium Plus, » provides a significant comfort upgrade over the economy section on transatlantic flights. It offers several practical advantages, but its « soft product » (service and dining) keeps it from being among the top ranking when compared to top-tier international carriers.

Premium Plus is a semi-private cabin located between business class (Polaris) and economy, available on all United widebody aircraft. The seat itself is a larger, more cushioned recliner-style seat with up to a 38-inch pitch and 19 inches of width, much like the previous entries on our list.

Metal cutlery and china tableware for meals is a step up from what’s featured in economy, like the others. Free alcoholic drinks are also offered during cabin service. Passengers receive a pillow and blanket bearing the Saks Fifth Avenue brand in addition to noise-canceling headphones and a basic amenity kit that includes essentials like an eye mask, socks, and a toothbrush. Each seat has a large (13-inch) seatback touchscreen with an impressive selection of movies, shows, and music, plus power outlets and USB ports.

Priority check-in, priority boarding, priority baggage handling, and exclusive security lanes at select airports are included in Premium Plus tickets. Two complimentary checked bags are also provided.

6

Lufthansa

Rank #14 Worldwide

Lufthansa’s Premium Economy class provides a comfortable and spacious in-flight experience that is a significant upgrade over economy. Lufthansa is ranked fifteenth overall on the 2025 SkyTrax World’s Top Airlines list, which evaluates the carrier as a whole. With some exciting updates from the new « Allegris » cabin design, Lufthansa’s premium economy product is a reliable, consistent offering across its long-haul fleet.

The centerpiece of the product is the seat, which offers about 50% more personal space than economy, with dimensions similar to those on AA. Depending on the row or aircraft, each seat will have an individual armrest, an adjustable headrest, and a footrest or leg rest.

Meals are served on china tableware and include a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage upon boarding, which is an improvement over economy. Although the food is good, it usually falls short of some competitors’ presentation and selection. A personal bottle of water and an amenity kit are provided for each passenger at their seat.

Lufthansa Premium Economy passengers follow the same check-in and boarding procedures as economy class, unless they have a separate frequent flyer status. Lounge access is not included but can be purchased. Lufthansa’s primary benefit is the seat itself.

5

4

Delta Air Lines

Rank #11 Worldwide

Delta Air Lines calls its premium economy service « Delta Premium Select. » It is available on the majority of their long-haul international routes, including transatlantic flights, and is intended to fill the gap between the standard economy cabin and Delta One (business class).

More space is the primary attraction. Typically, seats are wider than economy seats, measuring about 19 inches with a deeper recline, and have a pitch as long as 38 inches. For added comfort, they also feature adjustable footrests and leg rests. An eye mask, socks, toiletries, and earplugs are included in the amenity kit. Large seatback entertainment screens (up to 13.3 inches), noise-canceling headphones, and blankets and pillows are also provided.

A dedicated flight attendant will provide more personalized and attentive service in the smaller, separate cabin. Meals are infused with regional flavors and served on proper plates with silverware and linen napkins. Prior to meals, passengers are treated to a hot towel service and complimentary premium beverages such as wine, beer, and spirits.

Delta Premium Select flyers receive SkyPriority service, which includes expedited baggage handling, express security, and check-in. As a result, the airport experience has become more efficient. Lounge access is not automatically included, but can be obtained through elite status or a co-branded credit card.

3

Air France

Rank #8 Worldwide

Air France’s premium economy, rebranded as « Premium » cabin, on transatlantic flights, offers a good balance of enhanced comfort and affordability, ranking ninth in the world by SkyTrax in 2025. The experience is considered a noticeable upgrade from economy, although some passengers note it is closer to « economy plus » than « business light ».

The newer A350 and refurbished 777 aircraft feature deep recline seats with ergonomic cushions in a 2-4-2 configuration. On some older Boeing 777 aircraft, the seat slides forward and down rather than tilting, which still provides privacy, but some travel reviewers remark that the comfort and storage are inferior.

The soft product, which combines improved comfort items with French flair, is a strong point. The dining experience, which includes multi-course French-inspired meals created by Michelin-starred chefs, curates the menu on some routes, and meals are typically accompanied by a glass of champagne.

Every seat has a sizable, 13-inch 4K touchscreen with a large library of films, TV series, and music. You can use your own wireless headphones in more recent cabins that have Bluetooth connectivity. Premium passengers receive SkyPriority services such as dedicated check-in counters, priority boarding, and expedited baggage delivery.

2

British Airways

Rank #7 Worldwide

British Airways’ premium economy, branded as « World Traveller Plus, » is a popular choice for transatlantic travel, and SkyTrax ranks it as the world’s seventh-best premium economy product in 2025. The ranking reflects its strong hard product and dependable, if understated, soft product. World Traveller Plus is seated in a smaller, dedicated cabin between Club World (business) and World Traveller (economy), which provides a quieter environment than the main economy cabin.

There is a lot more space to stretch out because the seats are wider than any previous entry on this list, at 18.5 to 19.5 inches. They also have a roomy 38-inch pitch. Finding a comfortable sleeping position on lengthy flights is made easier by the seats’ movable headrests, footrests, and calf rests.

Passengers enjoy an enhanced dining experience, which includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine, two meals on transatlantic flights, and complimentary bar service. An amenity kit made of recycled materials is provided, along with a larger pillow and blanket. The in-flight entertainment system includes large screens and noise-canceling headphones, as well as a diverse selection of movies and shows.

Some older aircraft in the fleet can feel outdated, resulting in inconsistent customer experiences, while newer aircraft (the A350 and refurbished 777s) have modern cabins, seats, and amenities. Although the food is widely praised as very good, it doesn’t always live up to the « haute cuisine » reputation of Air France, which is world-renowned.

1

Virgin Atlantic

Rank #1 Worldwide

Virgin Atlantic’s “Premium” economy class is widely regarded as the industry standard for transatlantic travel. SkyTrax cited several key differentiators where Virgin Atlantic outperformed other global leaders like Japan Airlines and Emirates to claim the top spot for the year. First and foremost were the seats.

Leather seats on older Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s are 21 inches wide, which is the same measurement as business class on some airlines. They are about 18.5 inches wide on the more recent A350. Compared to standard economy, every seat has a deeper seven to eight-inch recline and a 38-inch pitch. On newer aircraft, seats come equipped with a 13.3-inch personal screen, USB and universal power ports, and an amenity kit for night flights.

A standout feature is the « Mile High Tea » on daytime flights, which includes warm scones and sandwiches. Passengers are also given a glass of champagne or prosecco upon boarding. A standout feature of the premium cabin is a self-service snack area in the galley, where passengers can help themselves to premium treats, snacks, and drinks throughout the flight.

Virgin’s cabin crew consistently receives high marks from Skytrax for being more personable and attentive than the more formal service of rival airlines like British Airways. Compared to most cabin products in the segment, the airline’s lighting and stylized spaces truly bridge the gap between economy and business class, creating a unique and exclusive cabin feel.