World's best premium economy seats

So, you're thinking of taking a long-haul trip and don't fancy spending 14 hours squeezed into an economy seat but can't justify forking out hundreds more for the pleasure of business class? Fly premium economy! The middle ground between business class and standard economy is the airlines' answer to affordable luxury in the skies and could be your ticket to extra comfort, service and space without the price tag.

While premium economy has been around since the '90s when EVA Air became the first carrier to introduce the class, more airlines are introducing the roomier seats so that travellers can pay a little extra to enjoy benefits such as extra leg room, better in-flight entertainment and bigger baggage allowance.

Lufthansa and Finnair recently added premium economy seats to their aircrafts, and Singapore Airlines has announced that it will launch the new class in late 2015.

The best of the perks has to be the extra legroom when you're on a flight for more than a few hours, but with airlines forever competing with each other to offer the most luxurious services, premium economy passengers can also take advantage of social spaces to mingle with other travellers, power supply for their electronic devices and seats made for couples to dine together.

Even the budget airlines are in on the action, with Monarch offering an Extras Pack for you to add more legroom, choose your seat and carry more kilos, and Norwegian's premium cabin on the 787 Dreamliner claiming to be the best value premium cabin in the skies, providing passengers with wide 46-inch leather seats, blankets and a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, as well as meals and drinks included, and access to an airport lounge.

Take a look at some of the world's best premium economy seats that make long-haul travel more bearable for passengers on a budget.

Have you flown premium economy before? Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience.