Skytrax 2026: EVA Air tops premium economy, but is the upgrade worth it?
Skytrax named EVA Air, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Virgin Atlantic as the top five premium economy carriers for 2026. While EVA Air leads for space and value, Emirates introduces new privacy dividers on A350s. Experts note that strong economy cabins on Singapore and Cathay make upgrades less critical for short flights, though long-haul comfort justifies the cost.
Key points
- EVA Air won the top spot for 2026, offering 42-inch pitch on 787-9s and 38-inch on 777s, significantly more than its economy cabin.
- Emirates ranked second, introducing new A350 seats with full-height privacy dividers and 4K screens, though older cabins are considered modest upgrades.
- Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific have strong economy products, making premium economy upgrades most worthwhile for flights over eight hours or overnight.
- Virgin Atlantic offers the widest seats on 787-9s (21 inches) and superior dining, but narrower seats on newer A350-1000s and A330neos.
- Post-booking upgrades can be cheaper than buying premium economy upfront, with one expert citing a $238 transatlantic upgrade versus a much higher fare difference.
Background
The rise of premium economy reflects a broader industry shift toward high-margin premium products, as seen in Alaska Air Group's 2028 cabin overhaul and Frontier Airlines' introduction of first-class seats. These moves aim to offset rising fuel costs and competition from legacy carriers adopting similar fee structures. While budget carriers are adding premium options, the focus remains on maximizing revenue per passenger through enhanced comfort and service in intermediate cabins.
Why it matters
Premium economy is becoming a key revenue driver for airlines, offering a middle ground between economy and business class. As carriers like Alaska Air Group target 60% of revenue from premium products by 2030, the quality and value of these cabins will influence passenger choices and airline profitability. Understanding which upgrades offer the best value helps travelers make informed decisions, especially as fare differences can be substantial.
What to watch
Airlines will continue to refine premium economy offerings, with Emirates rolling out new A350 seats and other carriers potentially introducing similar privacy and comfort features. The focus will likely shift to maximizing the value proposition of premium economy, especially for long-haul flights, while balancing the cost of upgrades against the already strong economy products offered by some carriers.
- When is premium economy worth the extra cost? We compare five of the world's best-rated airlines BBC
- Extra-Legroom Economy Is Now The Highest-Margin Real Estate On A US Narrowbody Simple Flying
- What Premium Economy Really Costs On U.S. Airlines: $1,200 To $2,000 Across The Atlantic TheTravel
- What Makes Premium Economy Worth Paying More For? Simple Flying
- 5 Premium Economy Seats So Good That Passengers Feel They Are In Business Class Simple Flying
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