Whenever a discussion of which airline has the best business class surfaces, the same names have long dominated the conversation. Emirates, the Middle East’s largest airline, undoubtedly comes to mind. With luxurious, lie-flat seats offered even on the airline’s shortest routes, an onboard bar experience on the Airbus A380, and culinary experiences that compete toe-to-toe with its competitors, it’s easy to see just why.

For most travellers, these premium experiences are reserved only for the top-end of airline classes. But what if there was an option that emanates a premium experience without needing to splurge on a business class ticket? With the introduction of premium economy onboard Emirates’ refurbished Airbus A380s and now Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, travelling in a class beyond standard economy is no longer too far-fetched of an idea — especially when it costs just a fraction of business for the upgrade.

Emirates hopes to offer something different with its take on premium economy. It promises a whole new cabin class that borrows — and even mirrors — several business class touch points instead of delivering an “economy-plus” product, as most airlines are inclined toward.

This might reassure anyone booked in this travel class, but I had my initial doubts. In fact, I quickly adjusted my expectations before embarking on a 20-hour journey (with a short layover in Dubai) to New York City from Singapore, worried that I may very well be sat in a seat that doesn’t differ that much from that of economy’s.

However, the airline got it right from the start, before I had even boarded the plane. Premium economy passengers are entitled to either 35kg of checked baggage or two pieces of checked baggage on flights to the United States and other destinations that follow the per-piece concept. With an allowance just 5kg shy of what most airlines would offer to their business class passengers, that alone allayed any pre-flight packing stresses.

Most Emirates flight routes, especially those where the A380s are deployed, would naturally incur long lines at the airport for check-in and baggage drop. Thankfully, there were dedicated counters catered for premium economy passengers, and it wasn’t long before my bags were checked in worry-free. The same priority was also offered during the boarding phase. Premium economy class passengers are allowed to board the plane before economy class passengers using the forward door of the aircraft. With shorter queues and fewer passengers to hurdle over, this is another win for the books.

Yet, it’s onboard where the real magic happens. White leather recliners greet premium economy class passengers in the 2-4-2 configuration on the A380. They spark uncanny resemblances to the airline’s new business class seats, measuring 20 inches in width and featuring 42 inches of pitch. These extra inches may not sound like a lot of difference if you’re of a smaller frame like me, but I assure you that you’d immediately notice the excess space in person. I could slumber lazily on my back and stretch out my legs without my knees touching the seat in front of me.

While the seats aren’t flatbed style, the added space allows for a calf and footrest that extends almost 90 degrees. Couple that with a seat that reclines 10cm more than an economy seat; there was no issue getting comfortable in the seats, which, frankly, feels a lot softer than it looks. There is also a soft, six-way adjustable headrest that cushions your head while seated and acts as a decently firm pillow during sleep. Between each seat is a divider cum console where you’d find storage for a bottle of water and a woodgrain tray table that folds in half.

It wasn’t long after I settled into my seat that the crew greeted me and offered a welcome drink and a hot towel. This time, I noticed woodgrain panels on the plane’s walls surrounding the electronic shade windows. The premium economy section on the A380 is located in the forward cabin of the plane’s lower deck, which makes a real difference considering the large aisle space that eases any feeling of constriction. Being at the front of the plane also makes for a quieter travelling experience. Three lavatories are generously made available for the 56 premium economy seats on the A380, and the decently-sized cabin also means more than adequate storage space for each passenger. All of which add to, and don’t replace, the in-flight experience.

In addition to upgraded seats, premium economy passengers can take advantage of an equally upgraded menu of food and beverage options throughout the flight. They’re both very noticeable — I hadn’t seen a menu card for premium economy as extensive as this before, with multiple pages folding out.

Most premium economy flights on Emirates offer three choices of mains, complete with appetisers and desserts, along with an array of snacks, liquors and chocolates on offer anytime you’d like. Some wines are even identical to the vintage on Emirates’ business class, and expect larger portion sizes than you would if you were in economy. Meals are served on Royal Doulton china tableware with stainless steel cutlery wrapped in linen, just as you would find in business class. Even if the flight was full, the crew didn’t take long to serve and clear all 56 meals during service. At this point, it was clear that there was nothing “economy” about this at all.

For now, key long-haul cities like Singapore, London, Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, and Sao Paolo all feature one or more flights with an aircraft equipped with Emirates’ new premium economy offering.

However, the litmus test for the upgrade from economy class is whether the seats were comfortable enough, as it is in business class, to clock in some snooze. It’s certainly subjective for most, but I did manage to sleep from Dubai to New York (I even missed a meal service) and landed without feeling queasy or disoriented.

The seat reclined well enough to evoke a sense of being cradled. I didn’t experience as much of a constant need to adjust my position as I would in economy class; plus, the leg rest helps with that. It’s important to note where you’re seated: as the leg rest adjusts all the way out, coupled with a recline that’s deeper than average, chances are your sleep might be disturbed by your in-flight neighbours. With that said, having spent 20 hours in a truly comfortable seat, and with all the extra luxuries, makes for, in my opinion, a perfect flight.

Is premium economy on Emirates worth it? Yes, if one knows not to expect to be in business class. Having experienced business class on my return trip from New York, the onboard bar and lounge, airport lounge access and complimentary chauffeur services that make up for the allure of Emirates’ business class are add-ons that can’t be replaced. Yet, this is perfect for those seeking a premium experience who can’t swing business. And it’s well worth the upgrade — I wouldn’t be surprised if other airlines have set their eyes on offering similar configurations and amenities.

This article first appeared in Men’s Folio.

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