Things To Do

Here are 10 of the best economy cabins for international flights

“Economy airfare” — did your spine reflexively cramp up hearing that? But it doesn’t have to be this way: There are some budget flights that are quite comfortable, relatively speaking, if you know how to find them. And here to help is Conde Nast Traveler with its guide to “13 Airlines With the Best Economy […]

admin July 23, 2026 2 minutes read

And here to help is Conde Nast Traveler with its guide to “13 Airlines With the Best Economy Cabins for International Flights.” We’re talking third-class accommodations that nevertheless include built-in footrests, thick cushioning and 4K entertainment screens. One plane even has a “secret” economy cabin on the upper deck of a plane.

Providing better economy service on certain flights seems to be a trend, according to the magazine. “A growing number of airlines are beginning to rethink economy seats on their longest routes to better accommodate fliers with roomier legroom pitch, wider seats and inventive design features that maximize every square inch of space,” writes travel journalist Jessica Puckett.

Several of these airlines service the San Francisco Bay Area, such as with the Emirates Airbus A380 and Qantas Boeing 787-9. Here are the first 10 primo economy cabins; for the full list check out the Conde Nast Traveler story.