Flying some of the world’s longest non-stop routes is bucket-list material for frequent flyers and aviation enthusiasts alike. As airlines continue to innovate with fuel-efficient aircraft and expanded in-flight services, Premium Economy has become an increasingly popular choice for passengers seeking a balance of comfort and value.

Offering wider seats, extra legroom, enhanced dining, and a more generous baggage allowance than standard economy, premium economy has carved out its own niche in the market, particularly on routes that stretch for up to 18 hours across the globe. But with demand rising and networks evolving, how much does it cost to fly in this middle ground on some of the longest non-stop flights in the world this year?

Why Has Premium Economy Become So Popular?

Credit: EVA Air

Firstly, it is important to understand why premium economy has become so popular with passengers around the world. The concept has evolved from a niche experiment into one of the most strategically important cabins in commercial aviation. First introduced by Taiwan’s EVA Air in the early 1990s, the concept was designed to bridge the gap between economy class and business class, offering more space and enhanced service at a fraction of the price of a premium flatbed. At the time, it was a novel idea, but today, it is a core part of long-haul fleet planning and revenue strategy for many of the world’s leading airlines.

Several factors have driven its rapid rise in popularity. Over the past decade, business class fares have climbed on many routes, while corporate travel policies have tightened, leaving fewer travelers able to justify the expense of a lie-flat seat. At the same time, ultra-long-haul flying has become more common, with flights regularly exceeding 15 hours. For these journeys, standard economy class can feel increasingly challenging, particularly for leisure passengers willing to pay more for additional comfort. Premium economy offers wider seats, greater recline, improved catering, and priority services – benefits that make a tangible difference on the world’s longest routes.

Airlines have also refined their premium economy products, and what was once closer to an economy seat with extra legroom has matured into a distinct cabin with dedicated service flows and upgraded soft products. Modern aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 have further enabled carriers to install luxurious premium economy cabins, maximizing revenue per square foot. As a result, premium economy has become an attractive compromise that is accessible enough for leisure travelers, yet comfortable enough to appeal to small business owners and corporate flyers alike.

Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy For Ultra-Long-Haul

Credit: Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines’ premium economy product has long stood out as one of the stronger offerings in the sky, and its role on the carrier’s ultra-long-haul Airbus A350-900ULR services to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is particularly noteworthy. On these two routes, Singapore Airlines operates a unique two-class configuration with only business class and premium economy seats found on its specially configured A350-900ULRs. This streamlined layout removes standard economy entirely, allowing the airline to focus on delivering a more comfortable experience throughout the ultra-long flight.

In premium economy aboard these flights, passengers benefit from wider seats with greater recline and legroom than typical economy, along with dedicated service and upgraded meal options. The cabin features a 2-4-2 layout and generous in-flight entertainment via the carrier’s award-winning KrisWorld system, helping pass the 17-plus hours in the air. Many flights also offer Singapore Airlines’ unique Book the Cook service, allowing passengers to pre-select their main course from an expanded menu. Singapore Airlines has also rolled out additional enhancements, including complimentary unlimited WiFi for premium economy passengers and eco-friendly amenity kits that elevate the onboard experience.

A dummy booking for a return flight between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and JFK from June 6, 2026, to June 20, 2026, shows that a standard premium economy ticket costs 3,185 SGD ($2,525). To fly in and out of EWR on the same days, the cost rises to 3,810 SGD ($3,021).

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Onboard Qatar Airways

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Qatar Airways’ approach to premium economy on its longest flights is a bit different to what many other global carriers offer. While the airline does not operate a traditional, separate premium economy cabin, it does offer enhanced seating options within the economy cabin that are frequently marketed as a premium economy-style experience on certain aircraft.

On select long-haul aircraft, primarily a limited number of 777-300ER aircraft, Qatar Airways sells Comfort+ seats, which are essentially former premium economy seats from the aircraft’s previous operators (namely Cathay Pacific and Virgin Australia). These seats are arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, and provide passengers with noticeably more legroom, broader seats, and deeper recline compared with standard economy class.

Destinations typically served by Qatar Airways’ 777-300ERs equipped with Comfort+ from its hub at Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) include Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Zurich Airport (ZRH), and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). As none of these routes are among the world’s longest, they will not be included in this comparison.

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Qantas’ Premium Economy Offering

Credit: Qantas

Qantas’ premium economy on its 787-9 and A380, and A330-300 aircraft has become a key part of the airline’s long-haul strategy, especially on flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). These routes see Qantas lean into what many passengers consider a meaningful step up from standard economy without the premium of business class. On the 787-9, the carrier’s dedicated premium economy cabin sits forward of economy, offering a more intimate experience with just 28 seats in a 2-3-2 layout, designed to give passengers extra space and comfort on such long flights.

Qantas’ premium economy seats feature a 38-inch pitch, greater width than in economy class, and built-in leg and foot rests that help ease long-haul fatigue. Ergonomically designed headrests, which are paired with specially tailored pillows, and generous recline make it easier to rest compared with economy class, while large high-definition seatback screens and multiple charging points keep entertainment and devices powered throughout the flight.

Passengers also enjoy priority check-in and boarding, a multi-course meal service with sparkling wine on departure. However, perhaps unsurprisingly, such comforts do not come cheap, and a standard premium economy ticket for a return trip between Perth Airport (PER) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) from June 6, 2026, to June 20, 2026, currently costs a total of 7,894 AUD ($5,621).

Emirates’ Late Entry To The Game

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Emirates was a relatively late entrant to the premium economy market, introducing the cabin in 2022. Initially rolled out on a handful of routes operated by a limited number of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs, Emirates’ premium economy gives long-haul passengers more space, recline and comfort, making for a meaningful step-up on flights that can stretch well over 10 hours.

Behind this expansion is one of the largest retrofit programs in aviation history. Emirates is currently refreshing its widebody fleet, including dozens of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs, with updated cabins that incorporate premium economy alongside refreshed business class and economy class products.

Emirates’ longest nonstop flight is the eighth-longest in the world, at 8,810 miles. The carrier’s service between its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Auckland Airport in New Zealand (AKL) is operated by the Airbus A380. A return ticket on this route from June 6, 2026, to June 20, 2026 currently costs 13,250 AED ($3,607) in premium economy.

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The World’s Longest Nonstop Flights

Credit: Singapore Airlines

According to 2026 data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, the world’s longest nonstop route is flown by Singapore Airlines between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This route covers a staggering 9,487 miles, putting it just ahead of the Star Alliance carrier’s other ultra-long-haul service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

The world’s longest routes are outlined in the table below: