Which Airline Has the Best Premium Economy – SWISS, Lufthansa or Austrian Airlines?

Looking to arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed than when travelling in Economy? With many airlines now offering a Premium Economy service, you can solve the common problems of travelling; limited space, legroom and baggage allowances, by upgrading your travel plans.

SWISS recently launched their new Premium Economy service in 2022 onboard all Boeing 777 routes, with Lufthansa set to upgrade their Boeing 747-800 aircraft to the same seat and design as SWISS in 2023, although branded to their needs. Lufthansa will continue to operate the existing Premium Economy service on their Airbus range of long haul aircraft, with new Boeing 787 and Boeing 777-9 aircraft to come in 2023/2024. 

The new seats are an innovative hard shell design that allows you to adjust and recline without disturbing fellow passengers or having your leg room affected by the passenger in front reclining. They are a comfortable 19” wide with a 39” seat pitch, considerably more space than economy with a 17” width and 31” seat pitch. The Lufthansa flights operating with the current design have standard recline functions with an 18” seat width and 38” seat pitch. While the cabin layout may vary depending on the aircraft with future Lufthansa upgrades, SWISS has a 24 seat cabin with a 2-4-2 layout. 

Austrian Airlines provide their Premium Economy service on all long-haul routes. They have a more intimate cabin with only 18 seats and with a seat width of 18.5” and 38” seat pitch, it’s only marginally smaller than SWISS and Lufthansa. The layout is 2-2-2 on their 767s, allowing all middle seats aisle access, whilst the 777 aircraft follows the traditional 2-4-2 layout. 

All 3 airlines offer a non-alcoholic beverage upon arrival, personal reading lamp, power outlets and amenity kit with socks, eyeshades and toothbrush to make your journey more comfortable with SWISS and Lufthansa also offering a separate cocktail table. 

SWISS prides themselves on offering more meal selections than economy with a selection from their Taste of Switzerland program, showcasing regional Swiss cuisines served on chinawear. Lufthansa and Austrian provide options the same or similar to economy however you are treated to servings on chinawear with alcoholic beverages offered throughout. 

On all SWISS, and the forthcoming upgraded Lufthansa services, relax during your journey with an extensive entertainment selection to watch on an 15.6” screen, much larger than 11” in economy. Whilst Austrian Airlines and the older Lufthansa product, still operate a 12” screen. All airlines offer noise canceling headphones, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own if you have them. 

You’ll find the on ground experience is no different to economy with no priority check-in, boarding or lounge access. Although you can purchase lounge access for a reduced fee, or if you have Lufthansa Miles or Star Alliance points, this can afford you different benefits. If you have plans to travel heavy, you can save the excess baggage costs you would pay in economy by booking a Premium Economy fare with 2 x 23kg bags included. 

Premium Economy is a cost effective option to upgrade from economy and get the extra space to stretch out in the sky. With great options that are more premium than economy, you can ensure you’ll arrive feeling refreshed with either a SWISS Premium Economy Global Fare, Lufthansa Premium Economy Global Fare or Austrian Airlines Premium Economy Global Fare. 

Contact our airline specialists today to discuss which airline will best suit your route and dates, we can even mix and match these airlines based on the best availability.