If you have ever booked an Emirates flight, you know the airline sometimes sends those last-minute upgrade offers right before check-in. That is exactly how this trip started for me when the email popped up 48 hours before departure. I had not planned to upgrade, but the option to switch from Economy to Premium Economy made me stop and consider it.
Since my last Economy flight on this route felt tight and tiring, the idea of a little more space sounded appealing. I was also flying with my mom, and we wanted a smoother experience this time. For a 14-hour flight, the upgrade felt like a practical way to feel less drained on arrival.
Walking into Premium Economy
Stepping into the Premium Economy cabin felt noticeably different from walking into regular Economy. The section is smaller, calmer, and separated by curtains, so the space feels more controlled. It was nice to walk in without seeing a packed cabin and rows stretching endlessly to the back.
This collage shows how roomy the Premium Economy cabin felt and how much extra space I had compared to flying in Economy.
(Brenda Chuinkam / TheAnkaraQueen)
The seats stood out right away because they were wider and spaced out more comfortably. Each person gets a full armrest, which means you are not silently fighting for space with a stranger. Even the tray tables are sturdier since they are made from wood instead of plastic.
Getting settled before takeoff
Once we sat down, the crew handed out hot towels to freshen up. They also offered welcome drinks, which made the start of the flight feel relaxed instead of rushed. It was a small gesture, but it set a different tone from what I am used to in Economy.
This photo captures the moment I settled into my Premium Economy seat and enjoyed the welcome drink that made the start of the flight feel special.
(Brenda Chuinkam / TheAnkaraQueen)
I had already noted my lactose-free meal request, and my mom had selected low salt. In the Economy, these requests often lead to very limited substitutes like plain sides or desserts that do not actually match the meal. This time, Premium Economy served full meals that matched the rest of the cabin’s offering, just prepared to meet our needs.
Economy food vs Premium Economy food
On previous Economy flights, my lactose-free request meant skipping the main snack because pizza was the only option. Instead of a replacement meal, I was once given two cupcakes, which did not make sense with my restriction. My mom also received basic low-salt meals in Economy, but they were smaller and not as balanced.
These photos show how Premium Economy meals were more complete and better portioned than what I usually receive in Economy, especially with my dietary requests.
(Brenda Chuinkam / TheAnkaraQueen.)
Premium Economy was a noticeable upgrade. We received full breakfast plates like omelets and pancakes, and they tasted complete instead of pieced together. It felt good to eat what everyone else was eating without feeling like our meals were improvised.
Breakfast and snacks during the flight
Breakfast came early into the flight, and the portions were more satisfying than what we usually get in Economy. I ordered the omelet while my mom had pancakes, and both meals were filling. Since we had skipped eating before the airport, this helped us settle into the long journey comfortably.
This image shows how Premium Economy handled my dietary request with a full meal instead of the limited substitutes I usually receive in Economy.
(Brenda Chuinkam / TheAnkaraQueen)
Snacks and drinks came more often in Premium Economy. We were offered mixed nuts and a variety of beverages throughout the flight. It felt more paced and consistent compared to Economy, where snack service is limited and less frequent.
The seat and comfort level
The recline on the Premium Economy seat was one of the biggest improvements for me. It did not turn into a lie-flat seat like Business Class, but it leaned back enough to feel comfortable. Even when the person in front reclined, I still had enough room to eat without worrying about my tray shifting.
These photos show how much room I actually had to stretch out and how the larger tray tables made it easier to settle in during my Premium Economy flight.
(Brenda Chuinkam / TheAnkaraQueen)
The footrest options helped more than I expected. There is one in front of you and another that folds out from your seat, so you can adjust positions throughout the flight. Since a few seats were empty, the cabin felt open enough for everyone to breathe and stretch.
Small features that make a long flight easier
We received an amenities pouch with travel basics like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and an eye mask. These small items help when you are on a plane for half a day and want to feel refreshed before landing. It felt like everything was thought through just enough to make the long journey smoother.
This photo captures the moment I checked out my amenity kit while enjoying the welcome drinks that made the start of the flight feel more relaxed.
(Brenda Chuinkam / TheAnkaraQueen)
Because the cabin had only 24 seats, the crew had more time to check in with each passenger. They offered drinks more often and made sure everyone was comfortable. It created a calmer environment compared to the busier pace in the Economy.
How it compares to my past economy flights
Having flown the same 14-hour route in Economy, I felt the difference immediately. Even when choosing a two-seat row in the past, we still ended the flight feeling stiff and boxed in. Premium Economy helped avoid that slow build-up of discomfort.
This moment captured how peaceful the Premium Economy cabin felt and how much more relaxed I was settling into my seat compared to flying Economy.
(Brenda Chuinkam / TheAnkaraQueen)
The extra space and better service made the flight feel more manageable. I could stretch, nap, and move without worrying that I was in the way. It made the long hours feel less overwhelming
So, was it worth it?
For me, the answer is yes. Upgrading for around 500 USD felt like a reasonable investment for more comfort, better food, and a calmer atmosphere. I am not sure I would feel the same way if I had paid the full Premium Economy fare, but the upgrade price made the decision easy.
My mom and I both arrived feeling less tired and more ready to start the day. The experience made a noticeable difference on such a long trip, especially since we had flown Economy on the same route before and knew how uncomfortable it could get. I only have good things to say about Premium Economy, and if the upgrade offer appears before checking in, it is something I would choose again.