SingSaver's Guide to Flying on Emirates Premium Economy

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.

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.

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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. 

• Wines: Premium sparkling wine, crisp white wine selections, and robust red wine options.

• Breakfast: A hot omelet with sautéed mushrooms, roasted potatoes, spinach, fresh seasonal fruit, and a variety of breads.

• Snacks: Vegetarian pizza slices, a selection of fresh fruits, and assorted snack bars.

• 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.

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.

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

Currently, Emirates Premium Economy is available on flights between Dubai and the following destinations, which are relevant for Singaporean travellers planning their international journeys:

• Auckland, New Zealand

• Boston

• London

• Los Angeles

• Melbourne, Australia

• New York

• Singapore

• Sydney

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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.

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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.

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