Everyone loves a clever travel hack and we’re here to share one of the best-kept secrets in the sky – Premium Economy - the ultimate way to elevate your next international journey.
Premium Economy, the class between Economy and Business Class, strikes the perfect balance between affordability and luxury and will leave you with the unbeatable feeling of rejuvenation at your final destination.
Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, Premium Economy offers a significant upgrade in comfort and experience from standard Economy without the steep price tag of Business Class.
With spacious seats, upgraded dining and luxurious extras that make all the difference, Premium Economy is the smartest way to hack your next international flight. Here’s how from Brisbane Airport.
Brisbane to Europe
Multiple cities via Dubai with Emirates
Whether it’s sightseeing in London, dining in Paris or island-hopping through the Greek Islands, Emirates has a Premium Economy experience to start your holiday on the right note.
For a 14-hour journey from Brisbane to Dubai, this longer flight is worth investing in Premium Economy. From Dubai to Europe, choose from 40+ cities on their route.
Settle into wider, cream-leather seats featuring extra pitch and recline and spend the journey watching all your favourite films on the larger entertainment screens. Enjoy a welcome drink served in fine glassware, enhanced dining with Royal Doulton china and vintage wines and relax in the refined and quiet atmosphere.
Brisbane to North America
Dallas Fort Worth with American Airlines
For sports fans, culture lovers and foodies, Dallas offers big-city sophistication with cowboy spirit, all served with the quintessential southern charm it’s famous for.
American Airlines out of Brisbane offer 32 Premium Economy seats with more space, a large entertainment screen and enhanced inflight offers like the limited-edition amenity kits, over-ear headphones, and a plush blanket. USB and AC power outlets and a wireless charging pad will keep your tech charged or help if you’re working on the go.
Dine on a chef-designed hot menu served on china plates with metal cutlery.
Vancouver with Air Canada
Set to a backdrop of striking natural vistas, Vancouver is a buzzing multicultural city that has endless outdoor activities for the active holidaymaker.
Air Canada’s Premium Economy on this route provides extra legroom, a wider seat with more recline, a larger touchscreen and greater baggage allowance compared to Economy Class – excellent if you’re packing for a hiking or ski trip.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner offers features like ambient mood lighting to help with jetlag and all meals are served on china plates.
Los Angeles with Delta Air Lines
Get ready for the star-studded streets of Hollywood, where glamour meets sunshine and famous vibrancy of culture and creativity that melds together to bring you California cool.
Who knows, you could end up sitting next to an A-Lister in Delta Air Lines’s Premium Economy, where the wider seats, more legroom and adjustable footrests will have you noticeably relaxed.
The enhanced dining with premium meal selections, welcome drink and SkyPriority baggage handling at the final destination, mean you’ll be fuelled and ready to hit downtown sooner.
Los Angeles with Qantas
Feel like a mega-star the moment you board your Qantas flight, as you’re directed into the exclusive Premium Economy cabin.
Your seat is the place to unwind with extra legroom, noise-cancelling headphones, a complimentary amenity kit and a 100% wool blanket. You’ll only wake to enjoy your premium service gourmet meals and wines, or catch up on the latest TV and movie release from your extra-large screen.
Dedicated check-in counters, a priority boarding lane and exclusive cabin crew will all add to the ease of travel.
San Francisco with United Airlines
A city that never fails to inspire, San Fran is home to iconic architecture like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, cable cars and diverse neighbourhoods brimming with culture. It’s also the gateway to nearby wine country in Napa and the tech hub of Silicon Valley.
United Airlines offers Premium Plus on the 13-hour direct flights from Brisbane to San Francisco. This service provides a separate, more comfortable cabin with roomier recliner seats, larger pillows and Saks Fifth Avenue blankets.
The upgraded meal service featuring chef-curated dishes, snacks and desserts, plus complimentary alcoholic beverages, are elegantly presented.
Pack in more (literally) with two free checked bags in addition to carry-on items.
Brisbane to Asia
Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific
East meets West in dynamic Hong Kong, blending a rich cultural heritage with modern cosmopolitan vibe. Known for its towering skyline, bustling harbours, street food and dim sum right through to Michelin-starred restaurants, exploring this city of contrasts is full of wonder.
Before you descend on the fast-paced streets of Hong Kong, indulge in some rest and relaxation aboard Cathay Pacific’s Premium Economy.
The first difference you’ll notice is the seat, with additional legroom and the capacity to recline further. Then there’s their award-winning in-flight entertainment options, all watchable on the 16 inch screen and Bluetooth audio.
The specialised menu, with dishes from Asia and around the world is a passenger favourite, along with their freshly brewed coffee at 35,000 feet.
Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines
Embrace both tradition and modernity in the city of Guangzhou, where temples, colonial-era heritage and traditional eateries (this is the undisputed birthplace of dim sum after all) can be found next to 21st century architectural landmarks rising over Pearl River and a buzzing commercial scene.
China Southern’s Premium Economy experience offers by far the most innovative design when it comes to seating. The seat moves forward and a 123°reclined angle is provided, allowing you to fully enjoy a snooze in the sky.
When it’s time to wake from your slumber, enjoy the delicious multi-course dining options featuring authentic Chinese flavours with international options. When you need to, tap into an easily-reachable power outlet and USB port for your tech needs.
Taipei with China Airlines
Taiwan’s bustling food-loving capital has something for everyone. After dark, its popular night markets burst into life with streets lined with neon lights and fragrant aromas of tofu, noodles and more. Beyond the market scene is a doorway to history, culture and natural beauty.
China Airlines' Premium Economy offers a comfortable experience with more legroom, a sliding seat-shell recline, larger meals served on crockery with metal cutlery, an amenity kit, 12-inch HD monitor, power outlets and Wi-Fi.
Taipei with EVA Air
Combining contemporary aesthetics with functionality, EVA Air can get you to Taipei in style in their exclusive Premium Economy cabin. Fun fact – EVA Air invented ‘Premium Economy’, so you know you’re in good hands.
Catch some quality shut eye in the ergonomically engineered chair with a seat pitch of 42 inches and mood lighting or experience the state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system with a library of movies, TV shows, music and games at your fingertips.
Indulge in a gastronomic feast at 30,000 feet with a curated menu of international cuisine crafted for your enjoyment.
Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines
While Shanghai is China’s largest city and global financial hub, it’s not just business you’ll find here – there’s plenty of fun to be had. Steeped in Art Deco history, the buzzy French Concession area has cool boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants and charming laneways. Top attractions include futuristic skyscrapers, zen temples and gardens and eateries serving famous local dishes like xiao long bao (soup dumplings).
China Eastern Airline’s Premium Economy will have you travelling in style for the 10-hour flight. Slip on your complimentary slippers, recline in the extra-wide seat and let your handheld remote guide you through the range of entertainment options. The enhanced dining experience, with larger portions and higher-quality ingredients are elegantly paired with a selection of beverages, including wine.
Singapore with Singapore Airlines
Singapore more than makes up for its small land size with an incredible tourism offering that punches well above its weight. From extravagant hotels and a thriving food culture to stunning public gardens, world-class museums, and mega-malls, this city packs a lot into every square kilometre.
From late 2026, travellers flying with Singapore Airlines can level up their journey with all-new Premium Economy seats. Enjoy premium dining, extra room to stretch out in wider, more spacious seating, and the perk of priority check-in.
Brisbane to New Zealand
Auckland with Air New Zealand
Just three hours fly time from Brisbane, the capital of New Zealand combines popular dining, arts and city life with easy access to nature. Indulge in farm-to-table dining in the city, or explore wineries and beaches at nearby Waiheke Island. Adventure lovers will also appreciate the myriad of hiking, sailing and mountain biking activities within easy reach.
The convenient fly time is no excuse not to treat yourself, as Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy is a memorable experience.
Firstly, there are celebrated New Zealand wines on the menu, superior dining with premium meals served on china plates, complimentary baggage upgrades, larger leather seats and priority check-in and boarding.
The cabin includes a personal entertainment system on a touchscreen, complimentary noise-cancelling headphones and amenity kits, all designed to elevate the flying experience.
Auckland with Qantas
Passengers flying Premium Economy with Qantas can expect a private cabin designed for the ultimate comfort.
There are limited seats available for this exclusive experience and a dedicated cabin crew on hand with improved amenity kits, noise-cancelling headphones and other small touches to improve your comfort.
Dine on premium chef-curated Australian cuisine and a premium beer, wine and sparkling list on this three hour flight.
Wherever your travels take you – near or far - upgrading to Premium Economy ensures a more comfortable, enjoyable and elevated journey that will have you refreshed and recharged to enjoy the journey beyond.
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