Economy / Coach
Economy class, also called coach class is the lowest class of seating in air travel. International flights typically feature a seat pitch (distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of it) of 31 in (79 cm) and seat width of 17 in (43 cm). Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, KLM, Singapore Airlines, etc., offer up to 3 more inches of legroom, which can make a big difference on long flights. In-flight entertainment is typically available on demand with a video screen mounted on the back of the seat in front of you with international flights and newer aircraft. Older aircraft tend to have screens mounted on the ceiling of the aircraft or on a bulkhead so that all passengers in the cabin watch the same film.
Meals are usually provided on longer flights, although, due to drastic cost-cutting, even some mainline airlines have ceased to serve meals except on very long international flights. It is worth noting that most European and Asian carriers provide free alcoholic drinks on long international flights, including wine, beer and spirits.
Premium Economy
Premium economy is an excellent choice for budget minded travelers who want to arrive at their destination rested. Premium Economy seats typically feature a seat pitch (distance between seats) of 38 in (96 cm) and seat width between 18.5-21 in (47-53 cm). Such seats also feature greater recline and leg rest, and might also include lumbar support and an adjustable headrest.
Premium economy usually permits one additional free check-in bag when compared to regular economy.
It is worth spending up to 40 percent more on premium economy seats for very long flights when compared to standard economy, especially when comparing standard economy fares under US$1000. Moderately priced Premium Economy fares might be offered by Air New Zealand, British Airways, Delta, Qantas and Virgin Australia. The extra cost is an investment into your overall well-being, since you will arrive at the destination more rested.
Consider that Premium Economy can sometimes be unreasonably expensive, as it may cost upward of US$2500 per round trip. In such cases business class can present a good alternative and you should check out our up-to-date discounted business class deals to your destination.
Premium economy is currently offered by the following airlines: Air New Zealand, British Airways, Delta, Qantas, Air France, Air Canada, Eva Air, SAS, United Airlines, Virgin Blue and Virgin Atlantic.
Business Class
Long haul business class seats are substantially different from economy class seats and many airlines have installed "lie flat" seats into business class, a feature previously available only in first class.
- Cradle seats are seats with around 160 degrees of recline. The seat pitch of long haul business class seats typically range from 55–62 in (140–160 cm), and the seat size of business class seats typically range from 20–22 in (51–56 cm).
- Angled lie flat seats recline 180 degrees to provide a flat sleeping surface, but are not parallel to the floor of the aircraft when reclined, making them less comfortable than a bed. Seat pitch typically ranges from 55 to 65 in (140 to 170 cm), and seat width usually varies between 18.0 to 23.0 in (46 to 58 cm). Such seats are available on the majority of international long haul flights.
- Fully flat seats recline into a flat sleeping surface which is parallel to the floor. Many airlines offer such seats in international first class but retain inferior seating in business class to differentiate the two products and fares.
It is worth noting that European domestic business class and economy class seats are almost always identical making the extra cost often unreasonable.
Meals are usually provided on all flights, including a wide assortment of free alcoholic beverages.
Business class usually permits two free check-in bags on domestic flights and three check-in bags on long haul flights. Some airlines feature Priority baggage service that ensures your check-in bags are offloaded first at the destination, allowing you to spend less time at the baggage carousel.
We offer many discount business class fares starting as low as $1300 round trip for transatlantic flights. If you are willing to spend a little more this could be a great choice.
First Class
First class is a luxury travel class on some airliners that exceeds business class, premium economy, and economy class. Such aircraft feature a limited number (rarely more than 16) of seats located in the front of the aircraft which are notable for their comfort, service and privacy. First class seats typically recline or convert into a lie flat bed. Some airlines feature so-called Suites with a seat and a separate bed, privacy blinds, windows and more. The most acclaimed first class airlines are Singapore, Emirates, Etihad, and others.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The provided cabin/class descriptions are of general nature and are intended for informative purpose only. Actual cabin configuration and service may vary substantially. We suggest you consult individual airline websites for accurate and most up-to-date information.
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