Your ultimate guide to booking premium economy with points and miles

In summary of recent airline seating trends: International first class has faded while premium economy is gaining popularity. Despite many airlines rushing to add premium economy to their long-haul services, securing an award ticket in this class remains complicated.

Notably, many premium economy seats are still unavailable for booking with partner miles.

Here’s a list of airlines that provide premium economy and tips on booking these seats using points and miles.

What exactly is premium economy?

As business class evolved from simple reclining seats to fully lie-flat options, a significant gap emerged between the basic economy seats at the rear—some with added legroom known as "economy plus"—and the plush business-class seats at the front. Premium economy was introduced to bridge this gap, providing more comfort than standard coach but at a price lower than business class.

However, similar to business class, there are no universal standards for premium economy seats, leading to substantial variation in quality between airlines. For some carriers, it's essentially "economy plus," offering minimal extra benefits, while others present a "business light" experience that can be a smart choice.

At its finest, a premium economy cabin can compete with domestic first-class sections. Conversely, some airlines might label their economy seats with extra legroom as "premium economy," often with only slightly increased recline on long-haul journeys.

Many passengers might prefer not to be "upgraded" from their window or aisle seat in economy to a middle seat with extra legroom. Fortunately, few airlines market these extra-legroom economy seats as a distinct class of service.

When should you think about using premium economy awards?

There are various situations where opting for premium economy awards is sensible. For instance, if you're lacking the miles needed for a business-class ticket, premium economy could be the ideal compromise over flying in coach.

A premium economy award might offer better value than business class on shorter daytime flights, where a fully-flat seat isn’t necessary. While premium economy cash prices can be double that of standard economy (and sometimes even more), the mileage difference is typically just 5,000-20,000 more per flight, making it a much more manageable upgrade compared to business class.

Lastly, there are occasions when business or first-class awards are not available, making premium economy the best remaining choice.

Fortunately, several well-known airline loyalty programs allow members to redeem premium economy awards. Additionally, many of these programs collaborate with at least one of the major credit card companies offering transferable currencies. This means you might have access to these points and miles without even being aware of it.

Here’s a summary of some of the most popular frequent flyer programs that include premium economy award options.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Aeroplan was among the pioneers in offering premium economy awards. The pricing typically varies from slightly above economy rates to nearly matching business class. For instance, premium economy awards to Europe can start at just 15,000 points more than economy, yet remain 10,000 points short of business class rates.

That said, since Air Canada flights feature a range of prices based on distance bands, the price difference can vary widely.

While Aeroplan is typically excellent for booking Star Alliance partner awards, premium economy redemptions are not offered on partner airlines.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Although Alaska does not provide a true premium economy service on its own flights (only Premium Class, which is extra-legroom economy), you can use Alaska Mileage Plan miles to book premium economy seats on select partner airlines, including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Condor, and Qantas.

Premium economy awards to Europe require 42,500 miles (plus substantial taxes and fees) on British Airways and Condor. For Cathay Pacific, premium economy awards to Asia cost just 40,000 Alaska miles each way — a reasonable 10,000-mile increase over standard economy class.

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines features a genuine premium cabin on all of its wide-body aircraft. The seats resemble domestic first-class seating but come with extendable footrests, adjustable headrests, seatback entertainment, enhanced dining options, a complimentary amenity kit, along with a pillow, blanket, and two free checked bags.

The optimal way to book American Airlines premium economy awards is generally through American's AAdvantage program directly.

With dynamic pricing, rates begin at 40,000 miles to Hawaii or Asia, 49,000 miles to Europe or South America, and 54,000 miles to the South Pacific. However, expect to pay significantly more during peak travel times.

Alternatively, you can use British Airways Avios to book American Airlines premium economy awards. While the rates are usually higher than the lowest AAdvantage prices, they remain fixed regardless of demand — there’s one price for all available dates.

American also allows you to redeem miles for premium economy awards with select partners. Specifically, you can use American miles for premium economy awards on Air Tahiti Nui, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, and Qantas. Notably, American is one of the few airlines that still maintains an award chart for partner awards, which can be booked directly at aa.com.

British Airways Executive Club

British Airways' premium economy offering — World Traveler Plus — provides wider seats, an enhanced entertainment system, premium meal options, and increased baggage allowance.

Similar to other awards, British Airways Executive Club determines premium economy award prices based on the distance traveled and whether the date falls during peak or off-peak times.

That said, these awards are always priced at double the cost of economy class and slightly more than half the price of business class. For instance, award flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) on off-peak dates are priced at 26,000 Avios in premium economy. Economy class is 13,000 Avios each way, while business class is 50,000 Avios. Fortunately, the difference in taxes and fuel surcharges between economy and premium economy is not too substantial.

You can also book premium economy awards on British Airways flights through partners like Alaska, American, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, and Qantas. You can redeem British Airways Avios for premium economy awards with any of these partners, except for Alaska.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

Cathay Pacific's premium economy class features a roomier seat with 6 additional inches of legroom and 8 inches of recline. It also includes a larger baggage allowance, enhanced entertainment options, and an amenity kit.

Cathay Pacific's Asia Miles program provides premium economy awards based on its distance-based pricing chart. These awards are priced closer to economy than to business class. For example, award flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) require 40,000 miles each way for premium economy, 30,000 miles for economy, and 65,000 miles for business.

As noted, you can also redeem miles from partners like Alaska, American, British Airways, Iberia, and Qantas for Cathay Pacific premium economy awards.

Asia Miles also offers premium economy awards for Oneworld partners including American, British Airways, and Qantas.

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Delta now features Premium Select on the majority of its wide-body aircraft, including all A330s, select A350s, and Boeing 767s. This class includes adjustable headrests and footrests, along with larger screens compared to standard economy seats. Additionally, you benefit from Sky Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery.

Premium Select awards can only be booked directly through the Delta SkyMiles program. While these awards are generally priced lower than business class, they often exceed what other airlines charge for their business offerings. For example, a one-way Premium Select award from the U.S. to Japan might cost you 130,000 SkyMiles one-way.

Emirates Skywards

In 2021, Emirates introduced a new premium economy offering on its latest A380 deliveries. This product will also be featured on the upcoming Boeing 777X aircraft. Additionally, Emirates is retrofitting some of its existing A380s with these upgraded seats.

The product is highly competitive, boasting 19.5-inch-wide leather seats with 8 inches of recline and 40 inches of pitch. Each seat includes an adjustable headrest, calfrest, and footrest, complemented by a 13.3-inch entertainment screen.

Currently, there is no method to book these seats using Skywards or partner miles, meaning cash is the only option to access this product.

Flying Blue (Air France and KLM)

Both KLM and Air France provide a genuine premium economy cabin featuring extra legroom, enhanced recline, a footrest, and an amenity kit. KLM's offering, launched just last year, is now among the finest premium economy products available, boasting an exceptional dining experience and service that competes with some business-class offerings.

With dynamic pricing, premium economy award rates can vary significantly. At the lowest tier, you can fly from North America to Europe for just 30,000 miles—a fantastic deal, particularly for KLM's new product. However, during peak travel times, expect costs to exceed 200,000 miles for a single transatlantic flight, which isn’t worth it.

Keep in mind that Flying Blue frequently offers premium economy seats through its Promo Rewards, and it partners with several programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Iberia Plus

Iberia's premium economy product is available on long-haul flights operated by the Airbus A340-600, A330-300, and A350. These seats offer a minimum of 37 inches of pitch, provide a good amount of recline, footrests, and clear seatback entertainment screens. Passengers are given a small amenity kit, noise-canceling headphones, and enhanced meal options.

The most effective way to book Iberia premium economy awards is usually through the Iberia Plus program, although British Airways now offers similar pricing for these awards. Redemption rates fluctuate depending on the time of year and distance traveled; for instance, peak-season premium economy awards start at 35,000 Avios, while off-peak awards begin at just 25,500 miles each way from U.S. East Coast cities. You can transfer points to Iberia from programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Additionally, you can redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles for Iberia premium economy awards. A one-way award from the U.S. to Europe costs a flat rate of 40,000 miles.

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

JAL offers its premium economy on select wide-body aircraft, featuring slightly wider seats, ample legroom, and an amenity kit. While the meals are the same as in economy, you enjoy superior snacks and beverages. What truly sets JAL's premium economy apart is the inclusion of lounge access, a perk that many premium economy offerings lack.

You can only utilize JAL Mileage Bank miles for premium economy on flights operated by the airline itself. One-way awards from North America to Japan are a great deal at 32,500 miles, compared to 25,000 for economy and 50,000 for business class.

JAL premium economy awards can also be booked through partners like British Airways and Qantas, although Alaska is not included.

Miles & More (Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss, and others)

Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Austrian Airlines provide premium economy seating on all their long-haul aircraft. These seats are slightly wider than standard economy seats, comparable to domestic first-class in both width and legroom. Passengers in premium economy, except on Brussels, also enjoy added benefits like amenity kits, enhanced bedding, and superior dining options.

Swiss introduced its premium economy offering in 2021, featuring a fixed-shell design available on its Boeing 777-300s and Airbus A340-300s.

Miles & More requires a flat rate of 40,000 miles each way for premium economy awards from the U.S. to Europe, irrespective of the airline. This rate sits approximately between economy and business class awards, although the fuel surcharges on these redemptions can be quite steep.

Currently, premium economy awards on these airlines cannot be booked through other Star Alliance partners or vice versa. Additionally, accumulating Miles & More miles is significantly more challenging than earning miles with other airlines.

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Qantas features premium economy sections on its Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft, providing slightly wider seats and increased legroom compared to standard economy. Additional benefits include dedicated check-in, priority boarding, an amenity kit, and enhanced dining options.

You can book Qantas premium economy through the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, which partners with Citi ThankYou Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One. However, Qantas points are not highly valued, as the program requires 81,300 points for a one-way premium economy ticket from Los Angeles to Sydney.

It may be more advantageous to book Qantas awards through partners like American Airlines, which charges a flat rate of 65,000 miles one-way for premium economy awards between the U.S. and the South Pacific.

Other partners for booking Qantas premium economy awards include Alaska Mileage Plan, British Airways Executive Club, and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Singapore's premium economy seats provide 8 inches of recline, and passengers can take advantage of the Book the Cook program to pre-order premium meals up to 48 hours before departure. Additional benefits include priority check-in and an amenity kit.

A passenger on a flight aboard the A350-900ULR — which also operates the world's longest nonstop flight from Singapore to New York — was heard by a TPG reviewer describing the seat as the "closest I've ever experienced to business class."

Similar to other premium cabins, Singapore does not offer premium economy awards to partners. However, they can be booked directly through Singapore KrisFlyer. One-way premium economy awards from the U.S. to Singapore range from 80,500 to 111,500 miles, while the carrier's fifth-freedom flight from New York to Frankfurt costs 52,000 miles.

The airline collaborates with five major transferable-points programs — American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One, and Marriott Bonvoy — although the transfers are not instantaneous.

United Airlines MileagePlus

United's Premium Plus seats resemble those found in domestic first class but come with a larger recliner and an HD seatback entertainment system. Passengers also enjoy a Saks-branded pillow and throw blanket, headphones, an amenity kit, upscale dining, and an increased baggage allowance.

United exclusively offers premium economy awards through its MileagePlus program. Pricing can vary greatly from flight to flight due to dynamic pricing in the program. At times, premium economy awards may only cost 10,000 more miles than economy, while at other times, they can be nearly equivalent to a saver business-class award.

Unfortunately, you cannot currently use United miles to redeem for partner premium economy awards.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin provides premium economy seating across its entire fleet, featuring enhanced seating, entertainment, and dining options, alongside an amenity kit, two complimentary checked bags, and free seat selections.

You can secure Virgin Atlantic premium economy awards directly through Virgin's Flying Club program or via Delta SkyMiles.

Virgin charges between 17,500 to 27,500 points one-way for premium economy awards between the U.S. and U.K. during peak season, making it the most affordable way to fly across the Atlantic in this class. Additionally, Virgin points are easily accumulated as the program partners 1:1 with American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards.

A downside to booking with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is that the taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges on these awards can be significant, ranging from $250 to $500 each way. Booking through Delta might reduce these fees, but you'll need a minimum of 70,000 miles for the award.

Conclusion

While many Oneworld airlines are enabling premium economy awards to be booked through partners, unfortunately, the same cannot be said for those in the Star Alliance and SkyTeam.

In many instances, your experience in premium economy may resemble that of economy class more than business class. Therefore, it's wise not to spend excessively on these seats, especially when the mileage difference between premium economy and business class is minimal. In such cases, opting for business class with the extra miles may be the better choice.