How American Airlines’ New Premium Economy Seat Stacks Up Against Delta Premium Select In 2026

In 2026, premium economy is ultimately where the major US network carriers are fighting as hard as possible. It is the cabin that lets airlines monetize long-haul demand without the sticker shock of flying business class, and it is increasingly the product that frequent flyers notice when they set foot on an aircraft. American’s latest move is its new Boeing 787-9 premium configuration, which has been built around a higher-density premium section and a redesigned Premium Economy seat with privacy-oriented headrest wings, calf and footrests, wireless charging, and modern power options. Delta Air Lines, on the other hand, has spent years refining its Premium Select product.