Even regular travelers might not get all the terms related to airplane seating. The names can get confusing for economy class, which has many different seating types, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. If you have a trip coming up, don't book your flight without knowing your choices. We've explained all your options so you know what to expect while flying. Here are the main differences among basic economy, standard economy, extra-legroom economy, and premium economy.
Flying on a budget? Which economy class offers the best value?
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Standard vs. basic economy
Economy class, also known as "coach" or "main cabin," is the cheapest seating choice and fills most airplane cabins. Perks can vary by airline, but generally, it's a basic option for getting to your destination affordably.
In 2012, Delta was the first U.S. airline to offer a type of economy ticket called "basic economy," and other airlines quickly jumped on board (although not all have this option). Aimed at budget travelers, basic economy usually saves around $50 on round-trip fares, but comes with some important limitations.
Basic economy passengers may have seats assigned at check-in and typically can't earn reward miles, unlike standard economy fares, which offer free seat selection and rewards. Usually, basic economy tickets can't be changed or refunded (or can only be changed for a fee), and these passengers also board last.
The main perk of both basic and standard economy seating is the low cost, making it perfect for those on a tight budget. However, airlines pack in as many seats as possible, which can make for cramped and uncomfortable journeys. Economy seats usually measure 17 to 18 inches wide, with a seat pitch of 30 to 32 inches (the space between rows). In addition, even standard economy travelers can face extra fees for checked bags and in-flight snacks, adding to the total trip cost.
Extra-legroom economy
In the economy section, many airlines have special seats that give you up to 6 more inches of legroom. These extra-legroom seats have various names: Economy Plus with United, Comfort+ with Delta, Main Cabin Extra for American, Premium Class with Alaska, and Even More Space on JetBlue. No matter what they're called, these seats are a great choice for travelers wanting more comfort without spending too much.
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These economy seats are also usually found near the front of the cabin. They usually cost an extra fee, which can be anywhere from $20 to $300 on domestic flights, depending on the airline and how far you're flying. Paying this extra cost means you have more room to stretch out, but keep in mind that these seats are the same width as regular economy ones. Some might recline more or come with extras like complimentary snacks and drinks. For those who want to board faster and grab overhead space for their carry-ons, Economy Plus and similar options typically offer priority boarding, letting you settle in before the plane takes off.
Premium economy
If you don't want to pay for first- or business-class, premium economy is the best of the "economy" seating options. It might cost around $300 more than a regular economy ticket, but it's still about 65% cheaper than business class, making it a decent choice. However, this option is usually found on wide-body planes for long international flights, where extra space is beneficial, and occasionally on some domestic routes like coast-to-coast or Hawaii.
Premium economy sections feature bigger, more comfortable seats separated by a curtain from the regular economy area. You'll get about 38 inches of legroom and seats that are usually 2 to 3 inches wider. For instance, on United's Boeing 787, there are 9 economy seats per row in a 3-3-3 layout, but only 7 premium economy seats in a 2-3-2 setup.
In premium economy, you typically enjoy better service from flight attendants and more food and drink choices compared to standard economy. Depending on the airline, premium economy may include extra perks like footrests, free Wi-Fi, charging ports, amenity kits with noise-reducing headphones, and 2 free checked bags. So, if you're on a longer flight, the extra cost for premium economy can be worth it.
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