Asian airlines got the Premium Economy idea early on: Back in 1992, Taipei-based EVA Air was one of the first two airlines to introduce the cabin. On routes where flights are long and Business Class tickets can cost a lot, it’s the perfect compromise—legroom at a discount. Here’s a rundown of the Asian carriers that now offer Premium Economy.
The Airlines that Offer PremiumEconomy and Destinations They Serve: All Nippon Airways (Star Alliance partner): from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington to Tokyo. EVA Airways (Continental partner): from Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver to Taipei. Japan Airlines (oneworld partner): from New York and San Francisco to Tokyo. Thai Airways (Star Alliance partner): from Los Angeles to Bangkok.
Premium Economy Summer Fares and Booking Codes: Tokyo is the one city served by two airlines offering Premium Economy: Japan Airlines and All Nippon. Both offer comparable fares; the key factor is when you’re traveling (this also holds true for the other airlines offering Premium Economy to Asia). Book LA-Tokyo on All Nippon Airways by August 21 and the fare is $1,850 (plus taxes and fees); the next day it’s $1,550. The booking code for both All Nippon and Japan Airlines is E; for Thai Airways it is U and fares start at $1,380; for EVA Airways it is Q or L and fares start at $1,576.
Best PremiumEconomy Seat: Eva Airways B747, with a 127 degree recline, a 19.5-inch seat width, and 38-inch seat pitch, offers the best recline; EVA’s B777 offers the same recline and pitch, but the width is 18.5 inches. All Nippon offers a 38-inch seat pitch, 120 degree recline, and 18.5-inch seat width on its B777. Japan Airlines also uses a B777 with a 120 degree recline, 38-inch seat pitch, and 18.9-inch seat width. Thai Airways uses an A345, which offers a 122 degree recline, 19-inch seat width (B747 &A345), and 42-inch seat pitch.