SingSaver's Guide to Flying on Emirates Premium Economy
Updated: 29 Jul 2025

Written bySingSaver Team
Team
Emirates Premium Economy offers a compelling travel option for Singaporean travellers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable long-haul flight experience without the hefty price tag of business class.
Positioned between standard economy and the airline's renowned first and business class suites, Emirates Premium Economy provides a significant upgrade in terms of comfort, service, and amenities.
This cabin class was recently introduced and is now available on select routes from Singapore, including popular destinations like Dubai, London, Melbourne, and New York. This allows Singapore-based travellers to experience this enhanced travel option on key international journeys.
Seating quality at Emirates Premium Economy
One of the most noticeable upgrades in Emirates Premium Economy is the enhanced seating experience. Passengers enjoy wider, cream-coloured leather seats with elegant wood-grain accents, providing a more refined feel than the standard economy cabin. Compared to economy, which offers 32 to 34 inches of seat pitch, Premium Economy boasts 38 to 40 inches. While not fully lie-flat like business class, the seats offer a generous recline of 8 inches, along with adjustable leg rests and calf support, significantly improving comfort, especially on long-haul flights from Singapore.
How Emirates Premium Economy looks on the Airbus A380
On the double-decker Airbus A380, the Premium Economy cabin is typically located at the front of the lower deck, featuring a 2-4-2 seating configuration. For optimal comfort, window seats offer added privacy, while aisle seats provide easier access. Passengers may also find unique features on the A380, such as extra storage compartments near the windows.
How Emirates Premium Economy looks on the Boeing 777
The Boeing 777 Premium Economy layout differs slightly from the A380, but still maintains the 2-4-2 configuration. While legroom and recline remain comparable, passengers should note that screen sizes and in-seat storage may vary. It's worth remembering that routes from Singapore to certain destinations, like some long-haul flights to Europe or the US, are more likely to feature the 777 Premium Economy cabin.
» Read more: SingSaver’s guide to KrisFlyer Miles redemption
Dining options at Emirates Premium Economy: Food and drinks
The dining experience in Emirates Premium Economy is a significant step up from standard economy, offering a more refined meal service.
Passengers are treated to three-course meals served on elegant china tableware, with stainless steel cutlery and linen napkins.
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Wines: Premium sparkling wine, crisp white wine selections, and robust red wine options.
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Breakfast: A hot omelet with sautéed mushrooms, roasted potatoes, spinach, fresh seasonal fruit, and a variety of breads.
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Snacks: Vegetarian pizza slices, a selection of fresh fruits, and assorted snack bars.
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Dinner: Choices of Thai pepper beef or grilled chicken, served with an antipasti salad and coconut sago pudding for dessert.
For Singaporean travellers, meal options often include familiar Asian cuisine choices, and halal options are readily available.
The beverage menu is also enhanced, featuring selections like Chandon sparkling wine, alongside a variety of other wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks.
In-flight entertainment with premium economy treatment
Emirates' award-winning ICE entertainment system elevates your journey with a vast library of movies, TV shows, music, and games, all displayed on 13.3-inch seat-back screens.
For Singaporean travellers, the system often features subtitles and audio options in multiple languages, including Mandarin and Malay. Select A380 aircraft also offer high-speed Wi-Fi, though pricing varies based on usage.
Emirates premium economy bathroom aesthetic
While Premium Economy passengers share bathroom facilities with Economy, these spaces are slightly more spacious and feature enhanced amenities. Think scented lotions and upgraded toiletries, adding a touch of comfort to your long-haul flight.
More luggage space overhead, less to fight over
Premium Economy passengers enjoy a more generous baggage allowance compared to Economy. This means you can pack more without the added stress. Compared to Business Class, however, the baggage policy is still more restrictive.
Here are the Emirates bag policies, by region, and compared across fare classes:
Routes |
Economy Class |
Premium Economy |
Business & First Class |
General |
7kg carry-on |
10kg carry-on |
7kg carry-on 7kg briefcase or garment bag |
Boarding from India |
1 carry-on baggage, no more than 115cm (L x W x H) |
||
Travel from Brazil |
10kg cabin baggage |
Are there other benefits to Emirates' Premium Economy?
Beyond the enhanced seating and dining, Emirates Premium Economy offers several additional perks that elevate the travel experience. Passengers enjoy priority boarding and check-in, reducing wait times at the airport—a significant advantage for those with tight connections or who prefer to settle in quickly.
Seat reservation policies in Premium Economy often allow for complimentary selection within the cabin, offering more flexibility compared to standard Economy. This allows Singaporean travellers to secure their preferred spots in advance.
Service levels in Premium Economy also differ noticeably from Economy. Passengers can expect more attentive service from cabin crew, with a higher staff-to-passenger ratio. This results in quicker responses to requests and a generally more personalised experience.
» Read more: How to upgrade your Singapore Airlines tickets at a discount
Frequently asked questions
Emirates Premium Economy is available on select Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Singaporean travellers should check their specific flight details to confirm availability.
The cabin typically features a 2-4-2 seating configuration, with two seats by the windows and four in the centre. On the A380's lower deck, Premium Economy is situated at the front. A four-class A380 accommodates 56 Premium Economy seats. The four-class Boeing 777 configuration includes 24 Premium Economy seats.
Yes, you'll accumulate more Emirates Skywards miles compared to flying in standard Economy. For instance, a Skywards Blue member flying from Dubai to London earns 3,300 miles in Premium Economy versus 3,000 miles in Economy. This allows Singaporean travellers to accrue miles faster, enhancing their rewards.
Emirates Premium Economy routes
Currently, Emirates Premium Economy is available on flights between Dubai and the following destinations, which are relevant for Singaporean travellers planning their international journeys:
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Auckland, New Zealand
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Boston
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London
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Los Angeles
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Melbourne, Australia
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New York
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Singapore
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Sydney
» Read more: SingSaver’s guide to flying first class
How much does it cost to fly premium economy on Emirates?
The cost of an Emirates Premium Economy ticket from Singapore can vary significantly depending on the destination and travel dates. However, expect to pay roughly double the price of an Economy ticket. For example, a round-trip ticket from Singapore to London in Premium Economy might range from S$3,000 to S$4,500, compared to S$1,500 to S$2,250 in Economy.
While not as luxurious as Business Class, which can cost upwards of S$7,000, Premium Economy offers a noticeable upgrade in comfort and service at a more accessible price point for Singaporean travellers.
» Read more: The best credit cards in Singapore for air miles
Should I use my points to book Emirates Premium Economy flights?
Singaporean travellers can redeem Emirates Skywards Miles for Premium Economy flights, providing an opportunity to experience the enhanced cabin without paying the full cash fare.
While Business Class upgrades often offer better value per mile, using miles for Premium Economy can still be a worthwhile option, especially if you prefer to save your cash for other travel expenses.
To book with miles, select the "Classic Rewards" option on the Emirates website.
The value of Skywards Miles can fluctuate based on routes and travel periods. Generally, miles tend to offer better value during peak travel seasons. Singaporean travellers can also transfer miles from various rewards programs, including those from major credit cards in Singapore, to their Skywards account.
Cards for earning Emirates miles
» Read more: Are you making the most of your air miles?
How did Emirates begin introducing premium economy?
Emirates introduced its Premium Economy cabin in 2021, initially on select Airbus A380 aircraft, to cater to passengers seeking enhanced comfort and service without the steep price of Business Class.
Since its launch, the cabin class has gained significant popularity, leading Emirates to expand its availability.
The airline has also retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft to include Premium Economy, demonstrating its commitment to meeting passenger demand for this mid-tier option.
Is flying under Emirates Premium Economy worth the money?
Emirates Premium Economy offers a noticeable upgrade from standard Economy, providing spacious seats, enhanced dining, and additional amenities.
However, it comes at roughly double the cost of an Economy ticket. For Singaporean travellers, upgrading to Premium Economy can be particularly beneficial on long-haul flights, where the added comfort and service can make a significant difference.
While not as luxurious as Business Class, Premium Economy provides a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience at a more accessible price point. The enhanced seat recline, leg rests, and improved service levels contribute to a more restful journey. For those seeking a balance between comfort and value, Emirates Premium Economy is generally worth the investment.
Maximise your travel rewards with a Saver-savvy travel credit card
Unlock the full potential of your Emirates Premium Economy experience by choosing the best travel credit cards in Singapore, designed to amplify your miles and perks.
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Business travellers: Citi PremierMiles Card
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Bonus rewards and high-end perks: Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card (Annual Fee Paying)
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Bonus rewards and no annual fee: HSBC Advance Credit Card
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Luxury travel perks: Citi Prestige Card
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Max flexibility and big bonus: UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card
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Best portal benefits: DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card
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SingSaver Team
At SingSaver, we make personal finance accessible with easy to understand personal finance reads, tools and money hacks that simplify all of life’s financial decisions for you.