Seats in Premium are roomy: They're up to 21 inches wide (four inches wider than economy), have seven to eight inches of recline, and up to 38 inches of pitch.

In 2026, the seat pitch in Premium Economy—which is the distance from a point on one seat to the same point on the seat in front—typically ranges from 38 to 41 inches. This is a significant upgrade from the 30 to 32 inches found in standard Economy. Major international carriers like Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are currently leaders in this space, often offering a generous 42-inch pitch on their long-haul fleets. Beyond just the "raw legroom," Premium Economy seats in 2026 are often 2 to 3 inches wider than standard seats and feature dedicated leg rests, deeper recline (up to 8 inches), and larger seatback entertainment screens. For travelers on ultra-long-haul routes, such as London to Sydney or New York to Singapore, this extra 6 to 10 inches of pitch is the primary differentiator that justifies the higher ticket price, as it allows for significantly better circulation and the ability to stretch one's legs without the knees pressing into the seat ahead.