ANA, Japan Airlines, LATAM & SAS Redefine Premium Economy in 2025 with Lounge Access Perks
In a bold move to elevate the premium economy experience in 2025, several global airlines—including Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), Europe’s Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and South America’s LATAM Airlines—are now offering exclusive lounge access to premium economy passengers. Once a luxury reserved strictly for business and first-class travelers, this upgrade signals a growing trend toward value-driven comfort for mid-tier flyers.
ANA Leads with One of the World’s Best Premium Economy Perks
Tokyo-based ANA (All Nippon Airways) is setting the gold standard for premium economy travel. As of 2025, passengers flying in ANA’s premium economy class on long-haul routes gain complimentary access to ANA Lounges at Tokyo Haneda, Narita International, and Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye airports. Additionally, ANA extends lounge access to partner lounges in major global hubs, including EVA Air Lounges, Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounges, and Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounges, reinforcing its Star Alliance ties.
This move is part of ANA’s broader strategy to redefine the premium economy space as a premium-lite experience—offering business-class comforts at more accessible prices. Whether traveling from North America, Southeast Asia, or Europe, ANA ensures premium economy passengers receive lounge access, further enhancing their long-haul journey.
Japan Airlines Adds Value with Sakura Lounge Access
Japan Airlines (JAL), ANA’s primary domestic competitor, is also enhancing its premium economy offering. JAL premium economy passengers can now access Sakura Lounges in Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, Osaka Kansai, and Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airports. Additionally, JAL grants lounge privileges at select international airports, including Frankfurt, Bangkok, and Manila, offering a seamless pre-flight experience.
JAL, a oneworld alliance member, also allows premium economy customers to use partner lounges. However, for codeshare flights and cross-alliance bookings, access policies may vary. This added value cements JAL’s positioning as a competitive choice for discerning international travelers.
SAS Plus: Europe’s Smart Take on Premium Economy
In Europe, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is pioneering a similar initiative. The airline’s SAS Plus fares—classified as premium economy on long-haul flights—now include complimentary access to SAS Lounges in Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Gothenburg. This benefit extends to SkyTeam partner lounges in certain destinations, delivering an elevated experience across the network.
While SAS Plus is commonly viewed as premium economy on intercontinental routes, it often mimics a short-haul business class service within Europe. With added perks such as lounge access, early boarding, and complimentary meals, SAS is aligning its premium economy strategy with evolving passenger expectations.
LATAM Offers Lounge Access in South American Hubs
LATAM Airlines, Latin America’s largest carrier, is also making strides in improving premium economy value. In 2025, LATAM premium economy passengers on long-haul routes receive access to LATAM VIP Lounges in Santiago (Chile), Bogotá (Colombia), São Paulo (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Miami (USA).
Although LATAM operates a unique premium economy model—largely based on economy-class seats with enhanced services and blocked middle seats on A320 family aircraft—its lounge access policy makes the product stand out. While not a full-fledged premium economy offering like on ANA or JAL, LATAM’s move to include lounge access indicates a strong focus on enhancing customer satisfaction in a highly competitive region.
Why Lounge Access Is Changing the Premium Economy Game
The expansion of lounge access to premium economy passengers marks a shift in the airline industry’s approach to mid-tier travelers. Lounges offer travelers perks like complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, private seating, and quiet workspaces, turning the airport experience from chaotic to relaxing.
This benefit is especially valuable on long-haul flights where travelers appreciate rest and productivity opportunities before boarding. As passenger demand for comfort without exorbitant business class fares grows, airlines are reshaping the premium economy space to be more attractive and experience-driven.
Will Other Airlines Follow?
Despite the momentum, major carriers like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and British Airways have yet to offer complimentary lounge access to premium economy passengers. However, with competition intensifying and travelers increasingly seeking elevated experiences without business-class prices, more airlines may adopt similar strategies in the near future.
According to IATA, global premium economy traffic grew by more than 10% year-on-year in 2024, driven by post-pandemic shifts in travel preferences. The trend is also influencing aircraft retrofitting strategies, with many carriers now reconfiguring cabins to expand premium economy sections.
Final Thoughts: Premium Economy Lounge Perks Are Here to Stay
As we progress through 2025, premium economy lounge access is no longer a niche offering, but an emerging global standard spearheaded by airlines like ANA, JAL, LATAM, and SAS. These carriers are leading the charge in redefining mid-tier travel with added perks that resonate with modern travelers seeking affordability and comfort.
The rising popularity of premium economy and increased competition among airlines may prompt more carriers to roll out lounge access in coming years. For now, if you’re booking a long-haul flight in premium economy and value pre-flight relaxation, these four airlines are your top contenders.
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