Emirates Bringing Premium Economy to New York and San Francisco

Emirates’ long-awaited premium economy product is finally making its way to U.S. flights.

The Dubai-based carrier announced this week that it will introduce retrofitted Airbus A380s equipped with the brand-new premium economy product on its routes to New York (JFK) and San Francisco (SFO), starting this winter.

Here’s a look at the details of Emirates’ initial U.S. routes with premium economy and a little more of what you can expect from the product itself.

Emirates’ Premium Economy Will Soon Land in the U.S.

Emirates is currently the only carrier of the 3 major players in the Middle East to offer premium economy to its passengers — and now the product is coming to the United States.

Beginning December 1, 2022, Emirates will fly premium economy-equipped A380s between its Dubai (DXB) hub and New York on flights EK203 and EK204.

San Francisco will be the next U.S. city to see Emirates’ premium economy product when it launches on the route on February 15, 2023, on flights EK225 and EK226.

After the San Francisco rollout, the airline will increase premium economy capacity to New York when it brings the product to flights EK201 and EK202 on March 15, 2023.

While just 2 U.S. cities will see premium economy, Emirates says a total of 42 destinations across its network will feature premium economy seats by the end of March 2023. And by the end of 2023, the airline claims premium economy will be offered on flights to a third of a network, and specifically mentions Houston (IAH) as one of the cities that would be included in a 2023 expansion.

The Emirates Premium Economy Experience

As the only major Middle Eastern carrier offering premium economy, Emirates will have an advantage over the competition as it will be better suited to capture the business of travelers who are transiting in the region but want to have a more luxurious experience than they would in standard economy.

The premium economy experience begins before you even get on the plane. On the ground, passengers holding premium economy tickets — along with Emirates Skywards Silver members — will be eligible to use brand-new dedicated check-in desks at Dubai International Airport.

And once on board, you’ll find seats that boast up to 40 inches of pitch and 8 inches of recline — the airline refers to this as the “cradle position.” Passengers will also be able to make use of an extendable footrest that features calf support.

The inflight dining experience will be a considerable upgrade compared to what you’d get in economy. Passengers can expect a welcome drink and a business class-inspired meal served on proper china. To finish off the meal, there will be a choice of liqueurs and chocolates.

On A380s equipped with 4 cabins, premium economy will be found in a prime position at the front of the lower deck, offering superb views over the wings and engines of the superjumbo jet.

Hot Tip: Find out how you can earn lots of Emirates Skywards miles so you can try the legendary Emirates experience for yourself without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Emirates’ long-awaited premium economy will soon come to flights between Dubai and New York and San Francisco.

And with the airline planning a robust rollout of the product throughout 2023, it shouldn’t be too much longer until more U.S. flyers have the chance to fly this all-new product.