Emirates Is Bringing Its Popular Premium Economy Seats to 6 US Cities
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Emirates is one of the world's most beloved airlines, consistently voted by our readers as one of the top international carriers. A big reason for that is the quality and comfort of their seats—no matter which cabin you're flying in.
While its indulgent first class (home to some of the only showers in the sky) can sometimes get all the attention, one of Emirates' most popular offerings is actually its premium economy category. First introduced in 2021 onboard select Airbus A280 planes, the class is a happy medium for travelers seeking greater comfort than economy at a lower price point than business class.
In good news for American travelers, Emirates has just announced that it will be introducing refurbished Boeing 777s on 6 new US routes starting in October, meaning passengers will have access to premium economy seats and the latest business class cabins on the airline.
Emirates' premium economy is a step above comparable offerings on most US carriers. The 19.5-inch-wide cream leather seats have a pitch of up to 40 inches and a recline of 8 inches, as well as calf rests and footrests, plus a 6-way adjustable headrest. Additional perks include exclusive Chandon Vintage Brut and an elevated dining experience—served on Royal Doulton tableware—with a menu featuring regionally-inspired meals updated on a monthly basis. In June, the product was awarded the “Best Premium Economy Class Airline in the Middle East” and the “Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering” by UK-based aviation consultancy Skytrax.
“With the success and popularity of Premium Economy on routes like New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston served by our refurbished A380, we look forward to bringing a new level of comfort and privacy to more cities with refreshed cabins on our Boeing 777s," Adnan Kazim, deputy president and chief commercial officer at Emirates, said in a statement accompanying the announcement.
The newly retrofitted planes will fly direct routes from Emirates' Dubai hub to Chicago, Boston, Dallas Fort Worth, and Seattle, and indirect routes to Newark (via Athens). And in an extra boon for US travelers who can't make it to Dubai but still want to fly in style with the UAE-based airline, the refreshed aircraft will also operate on Emirates' recently launched fifth freedom flight between Bogotá and Miami.
Below, see the list of the six new routes where you can fly in Emirates premium economy, when exactly the service on board the newly-retrofitted Boeing 777 will roll out, and how often the flights will operate:
Chicago: Three times weekly on aircraft EK 235 and EK 236 starting from November 1, 2024, increasing to daily flights from November 22, 2024.
Boston: Three times weekly on aircraft EK 237 and EK 238 from December 10, 2024, increasing to daily flights from December 18, 2024.
Dallas Fort Worth: Three times weekly on aircraft EK 221 and EK 222 from January 9, 2025, increasing to daily flights starting from January 15, 2025.
Seattle: Daily flights on aircraft EK 229 and EK 230 from January 24, 2025.
Newark/Athens: Daily flights on aircraft EK 209 and EK 210 starting from From February 10, 2025
Miami/Bogotá: Four weekly flights on aircraft EK 213 and EK 214 starting from February 19, 2025, increasing to daily flights from March 1, 2025.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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