PIA 777-200ER

This configuration carries two: a premium economy cabin at the front and a large economy cabin behind it. There is no separate business class on this particular fit, so premium economy is the most spacious option on board and the one to consider paying up for on the longest routes.

On a long sector it can be. Premium economy gives you meaningfully more pitch and recline than the nine-abreast economy behind it, which is the difference between resting and enduring on a flight of many hours. On a shorter leg the gap matters less and standard economy may be the sensible call.

The middle seats in each three-seat block are the least flexible, and rows pressed against the galleys or lavatories at the cabin ends get the most noise and passing traffic. A window or aisle set a little back from those service areas is the more comfortable pick on a long flight.

Aim for an aisle if you like getting up on a long haul, or a window if you would rather settle in and lean against the wall. Either way, a row clear of the cabin boundaries keeps you away from the busiest, brightest parts of the aircraft when the lights go down.