A Detailed Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Review!!

Last updated on Jun 18th, 2025 by Neha Sharma

When it comes to long-haul travel, Premium Economy Cathay Pacific offers a compelling middle ground between economy and business class, especially on the A350‑900 and Boeing 777‑300ER fleets. In this comprehensive review, we cover everything – from seats, legroom, and cabin layout to luggage policies, lounge perks, menus, and travel tips – to help you decide if Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Class is for you.

What Is Premium Economy?

Premium Economy is a distinct cabin class offering more space, comfort, and amenities than standard economy, without the premium price tag of business class. Think wider seats, enhanced recline, larger screens, better dining—all designed for thoughtful, long-haul travel.

Cathay Pacific Premium Economy – A350‑900

Cathay Pacific’s Premium Economy on the Airbus A350‑900 is designed for comfort and convenience, offering a quiet and modern cabin environment.

Cabin & Layout

• Configuration: 2-4-2 layout
• Total Seats: 28
• Located in a separate cabin section for more privacy and a peaceful experience.

Seat Comfort

• Pitch: 40 inches (more legroom than Economy)
• Width: Between 18.5 to 20 inches
• Recline: 9 inches, allowing a relaxed seated position
• Extras: Built-in footrest and adjustable calf support
• Headrest: Leather headrest with adjustable side wings
• Armrests: Wide and retractable for easier aisle access

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)

• Screen: 12.1-inch HD touchscreen
• Access to the StudioCX entertainment system
• Features: Movies, TV shows, music, flight map, and live camera views
• Headphones: Noise-cancelling provided

Power & Lighting

• USB-A port and AC power outlet at each seat 
• Individual reading light for personal use

Storage & Other Features

• Bottle holder, seatback pocket, and extra stowage areas
• Dedicated Premium Economy lavatories are available

Suggested – Detailed Singapore Airlines Review

Cathay Pacific Premium Economy – Boeing 777‑300ER

The Premium Economy cabin on the Boeing 777‑300ER has been upgraded with retrofitted seats and enhanced features for extra comfort.

Cabin & Layout

• Configuration: 2-4-2 layout
• Total Seats: 48
• Located in a dedicated Premium Economy cabin for a more relaxed journey

Seat Comfort

• Pitch: 40 inches
• Width: Similar to A350 (around 18.5 to 20 inches), with improved cushioning
• Recline: 9 inches for a more restful seat angle
• Extras: Padded footrest and adjustable calf support
• Headrest: Leather with adjustable side wings
• Armrests: Adjustable and retractable

In-Flight Entertainment 

• Screen: Larger 15.6-inch 4K touchscreen
• Comes with StudioCX system offering movies, shows, music, flight map, and camera views
• Noise-cancelling headphones provided

Power & Lighting

• Each seat has a USB-A port and an AC power outlet
• Reading lights are also individually available.

Storage & Other Features

• Improved storage options from the retrofit, including bottle holder, side compartments, and more organized stowage
• Dedicated lavatories for Premium Economy passengers

Suggested – Review of Cathay Pacific Business Class

Cathay Pacific’s Premium Dining Experience

Cathay Pacific’s Premium Economy offers a noticeably elevated dining experience, featuring multi-course meals served on proper china dinnerware, a significant step up from standard economy. Passengers can enjoy enhanced menu options, including exciting collaborations like the upcoming “Hong Kong Flavours” menu from Michelin-starred Yat Tung Heen on select flights from Hong Kong. 

Baggage & Boarding Perks – Explained

Cathay Pacific offers generous baggage allowances and exclusive boarding benefits, especially for elite members of the Marco Polo Club. Here’s what travelers can expect:

Checked Baggage

• All passengers are allowed to check in up to 35 kg of luggage.
• Marco Polo Club members with Diamond or Emerald status enjoy a higher limit of up to 55 kg.

Carry-On Baggage

• Every passenger can bring 1 main carry-on bag (with total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm) and 1 small personal item (like a handbag or laptop bag).
• The total weight allowance for carry-on items is 7 kg for standard passengers.
• Elite Marco Polo members can carry up to 15 kg on board.

Suggested – Qatar Airways Business Class Review

Boarding & Check-In Benefits

• Dedicated check-in counters for a faster, more seamless airport experience.
• Priority boarding, so you can board the plane ahead of economy class passengers.
• Early deplaning allows you to exit the aircraft sooner upon arrival.
• Priority baggage handling, ensuring your checked bags are among the first to appear at baggage claim.

Suggested – Detailed Qantas 737 Business class review

Lounge Access with Cathay Pacific Premium Economy

Typically, your Cathay Pacific Premium Economy ticket doesn’t include lounge access. However, if you’re an Oneworld elite member (like Sapphire or Emerald) or a Marco Polo Club Gold/Silver member, your status grants you access to Business Class lounges. If you don’t have elite status, purchasing lounge access might be an option at the airport, or check if your credit card offers this benefit.

Suggested – Review of Jetstar 787 Business Class

Which Aircraft Should You Choose?

A350 edges ahead thanks to modern cabin design, comfortable storage, and dedicated facilities.

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Traveler’s Tips

• Choose your seat wisely: Bulkheads provide more legroom, but less storage; aisle seats are ideal for accessing the armrest or lavs.
• Elite status pays off: Marco Polo/OneWorld elites get extra baggage, check‑in priority, and lounge access even in Premium Economy
• Warm towel matters: Not just a token—Cathay brought back complimentary hot towels post‑COVID for a refined touch.
• Use the footrest: It adds a degree of sleep comfort often compared favorably with business‑lite seating.
• Bring snacks: While meals are good, long flights may require extra munchies between services.

Is Premium Economy Worth It?

If your flight is long-haul (8+ hours), Cathay Pacific Premium Economy delivers a substantial upgrade from economy without the steep hike to business class.

• A350 experience: Modern, comfortable, spacious—highly rated by flyers.
• 777 experience: Slightly older but revamped, offering similar comforts.

For a moderate cost upcharge, you enjoy bigger seats, better legroom, superior meals, enhanced entertainment, and priority perks that significantly improve travel comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is in-flight entertainment free on Cathay Pacific?

A: Yes, it’s included in your fare—no extra charge.

Q2. Does Cathay Pacific have Wi-Fi onboard?

A: Yes, Wi-Fi is available on most long-haul flights for a fee.

Q3. Can I use my Bluetooth headphones?

A: Absolutely—especially on A321neo aircraft with Bluetooth support.

Q4. How do I know what movies are available on my flight?

A: Check the airline’s entertainment portal before flying or explore the in-flight screen menu.

Q5. Are there movies for kids?

A: Yes, there’s a dedicated kids’ section with Disney, animated movies, and games.

Ready to Experience Cathay Pacific Premium Economy?

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About Neha | View Posts

Neha Sharma, a passionate travel blogger, captures the beauty of the world through her words. With her adventurous spirit and a keen eye for detail, Neha takes her readers on mesmerizing journeys to exotic destinations. Her vivid descriptions and insightful tips make her the go-to guide for wanderlust seekers. Join Neha as she explores the globe, sharing her love for travel and inspiring others to go on their unforgettable adventures.