By John Metcalfe
Bay Area News Group

“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 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.

CN Traveler’s Best Economy Cabins for International Flights

1. JetBlue Airbus A321

2. Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000

3. All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

4. Emirates Airbus A380

5. Singapore Airlines Airbus A380

6. Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330

7. Delta Boeing 767-400ER

8. Swiss Airbus A350

9. Qantas Boeing 787-9

10. Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000

Source: cntraveler.com

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