Eight International Carriers That Offer Premium Economy

I wrote here about North American carriers that offer a premium economy product. Premium economy is a way for travelers to pay more money for amenities like extra legroom and early boarding without shelling out the bucks for business or first class. Below are some international carriers with a premium economy product and the amenities they include.

01 of 08

Air France

Passengers flying on the French flag carrier can pay extra for Premium Economy, which offers between 36 and 38 inches of seat pitch. Other amenities include SkyPriority airport security checkpoint access; two free checked bags; early boarding; headrests and footrests; extra seat storage; a personal, adjustable reading lamp; an electronic PC outlet to charge your laptop computer; and a wide seat-back tray table allowing you to use your laptop computer and a notebook. Passengers also receive an amenity kit, a pure virgin wool blanket, a feather pillow and a bottle of water.

02 of 08

British Airways

World Traveller Plus offers 38-inch seat pitch with greater recline, lumbar support, headrest and footrest in a separate cabin toward the front of the plane. Travelers also get special meals, a full bar service, a personal entertainment system with noise-reducing headphones, a pillow and blanket, an amenity kit, power supply for laptops and other electronic devices and the ability to check two bags.

03 of 08

Turkish Airlines

The carrier offers Comfort Class only on its fleet of Boeing 777-300s. Seat pitch is a generous 46 inches and allows travelers to fully recline. The seat also includes connections in the center console to power electronic devices, individual reading lights, and an upgraded meal service.

04 of 08

Lufthansa

Germany’s flag carrier will start offering Premium Economy on its fleet of Boeing 747-8s in December 2014. The carrier will have the product on all its aircraft by summer 2015. Travelers will be able to check two free bags, receive a welcome drink, seats with 38 inches of pitch along with headrests and footrests; upgraded meals and an amenity kit.

Continue to 5 of 8 below.

05 of 08

Cathay Pacific

Premium Economy customers get dedicated check-in counters and priority boarding at the gate, along with the ability to check two pieces of luggage. The seat features 38 inches of pitch, eight inches of recline and a headrest with four-way movement and a three-position footrest. Travelers receive an amenity kit and an upgraded meal with a welcome drink and a hot towel, a selection of enhanced entrées, complimentary bottled water and a variety of snacks.

06 of 08

Qantas

International Premium Economy begins at the airport, with a separate check-in counter and a dedicated airport security checkpoint lane. Once onboard, passengers get a seat with 38 inches of pitch, a multi-way adjustable headrest, a footrest, a special meal service, an amenity kit, a pillow and blanket, and tray table storage. Fares are based on the city-pairs traveled.

07 of 08

Virgin Atlantic

The carrier was one of the first to offer Premium Economy. It includes seats with 38 inches of pitch, a headrest, a leg rest and lumbar support. Passengers receive a dedicated check-in and bag drop, priority boarding, a welcome glass of champagne, premium dining and an amenity kit.

08 of 08

KLM

The Dutch flag carrier’s Economy Comfort product offers four extra inches of legroom and doubles the recline. The seats are in the front of the plane, but the service in the Economy Comfort zone is the same as in Economy Class.