Why premium economy?
Premium economy sits between economy and business class — both in price and experience. On long-haul flights, a wider seat (typically 19–22 inches vs 17–18 in economy), extra legroom (38–42 inches vs 31–34), and better food service make a meaningful difference. The miles cost is typically 50–70% of business class, making it the sweet spot for travelers who want comfort without the full premium cabin cost.
The best premium economy products by airline
Premium economy quality varies enormously. Top-rated products include: Singapore Airlines Premium Economy (78cm pitch, 49.5cm width, ottomans, full meal service — one of the widest premium economy seats in the sky), Cathay Pacific Premium Economy (fully separate cabin from economy, generous meals, 38-inch pitch), Japan Airlines Premium Economy (34.5-inch pitch, noise-canceling headphones, on-demand dining), Air France Premium Economy (38-inch pitch, 3-course meals, dedicated cabin), and United Premium Plus (lie-flat-adjacent recline to 170 degrees on some aircraft, meal service with real glassware). Budget premium economy products on Spirit or Frontier are essentially just economy with extra legroom — the airline makes a big difference.
How to earn enough miles for premium economy
A transatlantic premium economy award typically costs 40,000–70,000 miles. The fastest way to accumulate these miles without flying: (1) a welcome bonus from a travel credit card — most offer 60,000–100,000 points after meeting a spend requirement, enough for a premium economy award in a single bonus; (2) transferring credit card points — a Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3x on dining and travel, making accumulation quick for moderate spenders; (3) flying economy on the same airline and using those base miles toward a future premium award. For a single round-trip in premium economy, one well-timed credit card signup bonus is typically sufficient.