Classes on an airplane - how do they differ?

Most regular airlines offering longer international and intercontinental routes provide a choice of class on board. This is a standard that we decide on when purchasing a ticket from a particular carrier. It can have a significant impact on the comfort of our journey.

What are the different classes of service on a plane? What are their characteristics? Find out in our article!

Types of classes on a plane offered by airlines

Airlines usually offer three main classes of service. Tickets can be booked in:

• economy class,
• business class,
• first class.

Some airlines may also have an intermediate class, known as premium economy class. This option offers more amenities than traditional economy class, at a significantly lower price than business class.

Each of the above classes is designed to meet different passenger travel requirements.

Economy class

Economy class is the basic booking class on airline flights. It offers only basic amenities during the flight, such as a limited meal selection.

The main advantage of this class is the low, bargain price of airline tickets. This makes them accessible to most passengers. In addition, there are usually plenty of empty seats in the economy class cabin.

Unfortunately, seats in economy class are often very tightly spaced. For this reason, legroom and seat width are very limited. What's more, the travel experience is less comfortable than in higher classes, as this is where most passengers are located.

Economy class and premium economy class

Premium economy class, as the name suggests, offers a better standard of travel than regular economy class. Premium class offers wider and more comfortable seats, more legroom, and a greater number of meals and drinks. What's more, passengers often have the option of taking more carry-on luggage with them at no extra cost. In addition, in many cases, premium class seats are located in a separate section of the aircraft.

Premium economy class therefore differs from regular economy class in that it offers greater comfort, but is cheaper than business class.

Business class

Business class is the “high-end” standard of air travel. It offers significantly more comfort than regular economy class.

Legroom and privacy are much greater, as there are fewer seats in business class and they are arranged in a more comfortable layout. As part of their business class ticket, travelers can enjoy priority check-in, faster security checks, and priority boarding. Some airlines also provide access to airport lounges, known as Business Lounges. Passengers can eat, relax, or work there before their flight.

Importantly, the price of business class tickets is significantly higher than economy class and premium class tickets.

First class

First class is the highest standard of air travel. It is an excellent option for those who value complete privacy and top-notch service.

First class passengers have spacious, often private cabins or mini-suites at their disposal. They are equipped with wide seats that recline into full-size beds. In addition, travelers enjoy personalized service on board, luxurious meals, and a wide selection of premium beverages. Added to this are exclusive amenity kits and an extensive in-flight entertainment system.

First class tickets are the most expensive and are only available to a limited group of passengers.

Compensation for a flight regardless of the class on the plane

Experts from AirCashBack remind us that compensation for a disrupted flight is due regardless of the booking class: economy, premium economy, business, or first class. This is due to Regulation EU 261/2004. In addition, the ticket class does not change the amount of compensation.

The only differences related to the class purchased may concern on-site services (e.g., the quality of meals, drinks, accommodation) and the possible amount of the ticket price refund.

If your flight was delayed, canceled, or you experienced overbooking, contact us and join the thousands of satisfied passengers we have helped. Get compensation of up to €600. Submit your claim on our website or click the button below.