also called coach · economy classic · main cabin · standard economy
The standard, lowest-priced airline cabin.
Economy class is the standard, cheapest cabin on a plane, the back of the aircraft where most people sit. The thing to watch is that inside economy there are sub-fares, and basic economy is the stripped-down one with far fewer rights. Two tickets in the same cabin can carry completely different rules on bags and changes depending on which sub-fare you bought.
You book what looks like a normal economy seat at a great price, then find at the airport it was basic economy. You are charged to bring a carry-on and told the flight cannot be changed, while the passenger beside you in the identical seat paid a little more for a standard fare and has neither restriction.
Within it, sub-fares like basic economy carry very different baggage and change rights.
The difference is the whole point, so here is each one in a line.
These rank from cheapest to most expensive by space and service.
Basic economy is the most restricted fare, often without seat choice, changes or a carry-on; economy is the standard cabin; premium economy adds legroom and better service; business class has lie-flat or reclining seats; and first class sits above it with the most space and service of all.
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