Taiwanese airline EVA Air leads the ranking of airlines with the best Premium Economy class in the world for 2026, according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards, based on passenger surveys.
This category offers more legroom, wider seats and improved service, positioning itself between economy and business class.
In first place, EVA Air is rated for its seat pitch and comfort, while Emirates ranks second, earning high marks for its seats and in-flight dining.
Singapore Airlines takes third place, with wider and more supportive seats, while Cathay Pacific ranks fourth. Virgin Atlantic completes the top five, combining extra space with a richer in-flight experience.
The top five airlines for Premium Economy in 2026:
EVA Air
Emirates
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Virgin Atlantic
However, the upgrade is not always worth it financially. In some cases, a Premium Economy ticket can cost up to twice as much as an economy ticket, so travelers should weigh the comfort benefits against the price difference.