From window seat to private suite.
A no-jargon breakdown of the four cabin classes you'll see in our search, what they cost relative to Economy, and how they actually feel in the air.
Economy
The standard cabin on every long-haul flight. Pitch typically 30–32 inches. Carry-on plus a personal item; checked bags usually paid separately on US carriers. A meal and complimentary drinks on most international flights.
Premium Economy
A separate cabin with more pitch (36–38 inches), wider seat, larger screen, dedicated meal, and priority boarding. Same airport experience as Economy, but a measurable upgrade in the air.
Business
Lie-flat seats on most wide-body international routes, lounge access, priority everything, multi-course meals, premium beverages, amenity kit. The biggest jump in onboard product.
First
Private suites on a handful of carriers (Emirates, Singapore, ANA, BA, Qatar, JAL). A separate cabin, often a dedicated chef, premium spirits, and ground products like chauffeur transfer and dedicated check-in.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitch (inches) | 30–32 | 36–38 | lie-flat | lie-flat suite |
| Recline | shallow | medium | fully flat | fully flat + door |
| Meals | 1 hot meal | 1 hot + snack | multi-course | à la carte |
| Checked baggage | 1 (often paid) | 2 included | 2–3 included | 3 included |
| Lounge access | no | no | yes | yes (premium) |
| Priority boarding | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Typical price vs Economy | 1× | 1.6–1.9× | 2.8–3.4× | 4–6× |