Middle East Carrier Dominates Premium Economy Rankings

Premium economy has become air travel's middle ground in recent years, offering passengers more comfort and amenities than standard economy but at a lower price point than business class. According to Airlineratings.com's Flyers' Choice Awards 2026 rankings, Emirates took top honors for its premium economy cabin, followed closely by Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand.

Emirates' premium economy was first introduced in 2021 on its new A380 fleet flying between Dubai and London Heathrow. Since then, the airline has expanded its offering to include 10 additional cities at the start of 2026. The growth in demand for premium economy has been driven in part by Emirates' decision to allow passengers to upgrade to the cabin using their Skywards points.

The Flyers' Choice Awards are unique among travel rankings in that they are determined entirely by passenger feedback, rather than expert opinions or awards panels. This means that the results provide a genuine snapshot of what matters most to travelers when it comes to premium economy.