Airlines worldwide are throwing their weight and capital behind premium cabins. One area where this is prominent is within the economy and premium economy cabins. As travelers look for an improved and more comfortable travel experience for a smaller upgrade cost, this area of the cabin presents a clear opportunity, when done correctly and effectively, for airlines to increase revenue and passenger satisfaction.

Asian carriers have long held a reputation for high standards of service and comfort, and this continues with the development and improvement of their premium economy cabins. So this begs the question: if you were booking a flight between Japan and the United States and wanted to sit in premium economy, which carrier should you pick? Join us as we explore the most comfortable Premium Economy seats for transpacific travel.

Japan Airlines Sky Premium: The Gold Standard Of Premium Economy Comfort

The flagship carrier of Japan, established in 1951, Japan Airlines (JAL), offers its Sky Premium cabin across its fleet. The cabin features industry-leading legroom and seat pitch (at 42″), which outperforms most competitors worldwide. The seats themselves are fixed-shell seats, designed to further protect personal space during reclining. USB ports, AV inputs, and laptop power ports are also present, ideal for long-haul flights.

The Airbus A350-1000 features a slightly upgraded version of the product, featuring 16″ 4K screens, center dividers for greater privacy, and enhanced leg rests. Another significant advantage of premium economy with JAL is pre- and post-flight, while on the ground. Dedicated check-in counters at several airports, and access to business class check-in areas in airports without dedicated counters. Access to Japan Airlines airport lounges, as well as priority boarding and baggage service, all enhance the travel experience.

Japan Airlines’ Sky Premium is ideal for travelers prioritizing space and privacy on long-haul routes, as well as a smoother travel experience. The standard set by this cabin was further proven when the airline received the « Best Premium Economy Class » award at the SKYTRAX 2024 World Airline Awards.

Singapore Airlines: A Lounge-Like Experience At 35,000 Feet

Singapore Changi Airport based Singapore Airlines (SIA) offers a premium economy experience with a « spacious cabin where your comfort and convenience are our priority. » The airline offers 19.5″ wide seats, 38″ pitch, deeper recline (125°) with calf/footrests, noise-cancelling headphones, large screens, dedicated storage, USB/power ports, and priority check-in/boarding.

A key focus on board is the enhanced dining options. The airline offers a wide selection of in-flight meals with an enhanced premium economy class menu. Meals comprise a main course accompanied by a seasonal appetizer, bread, dessert, and cheese and crackers. Champagne, wines, and a wide selection of drinks, as well as a range of snacks between meals.

Off the aircraft, priority check-in and boarding are offered. However, lounge access is not offered as standard, something passengers may find disappointing, particularly on non-stop flights or between flights. Singapore Airlines does offer strong consistency across its long-haul A380 and 777 fleet, giving passengers some familiarity and reassurance when booking.

ANA Premium Economy: Balanced Comfort With Japanese Precision

Another Japan-based airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), is the second largest in the country and a 12-time winner of SKYTRAX World’s Best Airport Services and a multiple-time winner of Air Transport World Airline of the Year. The carrier continues the premium experience with spacious, ergonomically designed seats offering wide cushions and a good recline. Footrests and leg rests are standard on most aircraft.

A regular feature of the ANA premium economy service is an enhanced ground and in-flight experience designed to bridge the gap between standard economy and business class. This includes priority check-in counters, expedited security lanes where available, priority boarding, and, in many cases, access to designated airport lounges, allowing passengers to relax or work comfortably before their flight.

Onboard, the cabin features a clean, polished aesthetic that reflects ANA’s reputation for meticulous attention to detail and excellent operational reliability. Premium economy seats typically offer increased width, generous pitch, and deeper recline, contributing to a noticeably more comfortable long-haul journey.

While not the most premium offering on this list, ANA is ideal for travelers who want comfort without flashiness. The airline is known for its consistently attentive service, clean cabins, and reliable operations. It strikes a balance between value and quality, making it a dependable choice for long-haul journeys.

Cathay Pacific: Spacious Seating And Quiet Cabins

Cathay Pacific (CPA) is the flag carrier of Hong Kong and was established in 1946, beginning operations with a single Douglas DC-3. Over the decades, the airline has grown into one of Asia’s most prominent international carriers, steadily expanding its route network and service offerings. Today, Cathay Pacific operates a diverse fleet of roughly 180 aircraft, ranging from narrowbody Airbus A321neo jets to large long-haul and cargo aircraft such as the Boeing 747-8F, supporting both extensive passenger services and a major global cargo operation.

Cathay Pacific’s premium economy offers a clear step up from economy, with a spacious 40″ pitch, 8″ recline, and enhanced comfort features like full-length leg rests. In a similar fashion to Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific offers an upgraded dining experience, providing passengers with Michelin-partnered menus.

Similar to its competitors, the airline offers priority boarding, larger entertainment screens with Bluetooth, and dedicated lavatories, providing a « business-lite » feel with more privacy and elevated amenities for an enhanced journey. The airline is also rolling out complimentary Wi-Fi across its fleet, usually a fee-based product on most airlines.

How Seat Design And Aircraft Type Shape Your Comfort

Seat design is heavily influenced by the aircraft type, and this affects comfort in several noticeable ways. Seat pitch, width, and recline can vary widely, not only between airlines but also between different models within the same fleet. Some aircraft types support more generous cabin layouts, which can translate into wider seats or additional legroom, while others are more space-constrained. A major differentiator is the use of fixed-shell premium-economy designs versus traditional reclining seats; fixed shells maintain the passenger’s personal space even when the person in front reclines, while traditional seats can feel more intrusive depending on how far they lean back.

The aircraft model also shapes the overall cabin experience beyond the seat itself. Newer jets like the Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and refreshed 777 cabins tend to offer quieter interiors, improved humidity, and better pressurization levels, reducing fatigue on long flights. These modern cabins also often feature larger, higher-resolution entertainment screens, though the exact size and responsiveness still depend on the airline’s chosen configuration. Because airlines retrofit their fleets at different times, two planes of the same type can feel dramatically different in entertainment quality.

Finally, comfort details, such as footrests, leg rests, and cushioning, vary with both aircraft type and seat generation. Premium-economy cabins often include more structured leg support or softer padding, but the presence and quality of these features differ widely. Within the same aircraft, bulkhead and exit-row premium-economy seats can feel significantly more spacious due to the open area in front, though they sometimes trade storage or foot-rest options. Overall, aircraft type sets the envelope for what’s possible, but the airline’s specific seating choices determine how comfortable the experience feels.

Which Premium Economy Cabin Is Best For Your Next Transpacific Trip?

Japan Airlines stands out for passengers who prioritize personal space, privacy, and overall seat comfort, particularly in its premium cabins. Its cabin layouts tend to be roomier and more thoughtfully designed, with an emphasis on quiet refinement and ergonomic seating, making it a strong choice for long-haul travelers seeking a calm, spacious environment. Singapore Airlines, by contrast, excels in upscale dining and service quality, consistently delivering some of the most polished and detail-oriented in-flight experiences in the industry.

ANA is often chosen for its reliability and consistent comfort, offering dependable service standards across routes and aircraft types, which appeals to travelers who value predictability and efficiency. Cathay Pacific provides a balanced middle ground, pairing modern cabin aesthetics with generous seating to create an experience that feels both comfortable and contemporary without leaning too far in any single direction. Together, these airlines represent a broad spectrum of strengths that cater well to differing traveler priorities and expectations.

Frequent flyers should also factor in loyalty programs and alliance partnerships, as these can significantly enhance overall value through benefits such as upgrades, lounge access, priority services, and mileage earning opportunities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific route, the aircraft assigned, and the amenities you personally value most, whether that’s seat space, meal quality, service consistency, cabin design, or long-term loyalty benefits.