The Complete Guide to Flying Economy: How Do Different Airlines Compare?

• What is economy class?
• Six Major airline economy classes compared
• Which seats are the best in economy class cabins

Flying economy class – or “coach” as it was once known – can mean different things on different airlines and routes. A ten-hour flight to Asia can feel drastically different depending on whether you're in a new Airbus A350 with 18 inch seats or an older Boeing 777 with 17 inch seats. This guide breaks down what you'll actually experience across major airlines and aircraft types.

What is economy class?

Economy class started as a way to make air travel accessible to more people. Today, it makes up about 80% of aircraft seating and varies significantly in comfort and service. The base experience includes a seat, seatbelt and access to bathrooms. Beyond that, each airline makes its own choices about space, service and amenities.

Economy tickets cost anywhere from 30 to 50% less than premium economy and up to 80% less than business class. The trade-off comes in space: economy passengers get between 30–34 inches of legroom (called "pitch" in airline terms) and seat widths from 17-18.5 inches. On international flights, you'll get meals and entertainment. On domestic flights, you can get a small snack and Wi-Fi access for purchase.

Major airline economy classes – how do they compare?

Airlines approach economy class differently, too – particularly on long-haul routes. Here's what you'll actually experience on some major carriers, from seats and in-flight meals:

Delta Air Lines

Delta focuses on consistency of the economy flight experience across their fleet. Their economy seats measure 17.2-18.1 inches wide with 31-33 inches of pitch. Every seat has a power outlet and entertainment screen. You'll get free snacks even on short flights and the food quality ranks high in passenger surveys. Delta's newer A350s and A330neos offer better air pressure and humidity control, which helps reduce jet lag on long flights.

United Airlines

With a large fleet, economy class on United flights varies more by aircraft type. Their newest planes offer power outlets and fast Wi-Fi, but older aircraft might have neither. Seat width ranges from 17-17.5 inches and legroom from 30-32 inches. United Economy Plus seats (which can be reserved for an extra fee or for those with MileagePlus status) have an additional pitch of 34 inches. The airline's strength lies in its extensive route network, but comfort levels depend heavily on which plane you get. Long-haul flights often have the newer Dreamliner aircraft, which offer a more comfortable economy flight experience.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines sets high standards for economy travel. Their seats measure 18-19 inches wide with 32-34 inches of pitch. Each seat includes a large entertainment screen, an adjustable headrest with side panels and both USB and power outlets. The food stands out as exceptional and you can even pre-order specific meals online. Their new aircraft feature better air filtration and pressure control systems.

Emirates

Emirates economy class offers a step above when it comes to long-haul flights: every passenger gets an amenity kit on long flights. Something most airlines reserve for premium cabins. Seats range from 17.5-18.5 inches wide with 32-34 inches of pitch. The entertainment system includes over 6,500 channels and each seat has a USB port. Food quality varies by route but generally includes multiple meal services on long flights.

American Airlines

American Airlines operates a vast fleet, which means significant variation in the economy class flight experience. Their newer Boeing 787s and Airbus A321neos offer seats measuring 17-17.8 inches wide, while older aircraft have tighter configurations. Legroom ranges from 30 to 32 inches. Entertainment varies by aircraft; some planes feature seat-back screens, while others rely on streaming to personal devices. Power outlets appear on most mainline aircraft but remain rare on regional jets. The airline serves complimentary drinks and snacks on flights over 250 miles, with meals available for purchase on longer routes.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest takes a unique approach to economy class. It offers only one class of seating, with all planes featuring the same seat type for all passengers – meaning no business or first class sections. Southwest's seats typically have a seat width between 17 and 18 inches and a pitch of 31-32 inches.

The airline's open seating policy means there are no assigned seats in economy class. Instead, your boarding position determines seat choice, with A being the highest and C being the lowest. Your groups are assigned based on the time of check-in. However, Southwest’s longtime open seating policy is set to change in 2026, so keep that in mind when booking future economy flights. The changes also may include options to book seats with more extended legroom.

Their newer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft include USB power ports, but most of their fleet lacks power outlets. Instead of seat-back screens, Southwest provides free streaming entertainment to personal devices. The airline includes two free checked bags, a notable difference from other US carriers who charge for checked luggage, especially in economy class. All passengers get free snacks and beverages, regardless of flight length.

How does aircraft type impact the economy flight experience?

The plane matters as much as the airline. Wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner transform economy travel through better air pressure, higher humidity, and larger windows. These planes maintain air pressure equivalent to a lower altitude, reducing headaches and fatigue. Their bins hold more bags and two aisles mean less waiting for bathrooms.

Narrow-body planes like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 dominate short routes. A single aisle means more waiting and the lower ceiling can feel cramped. However, newer models like the A321neo offer better air systems and quieter engines than their predecessors, which can make them feel more comfortable.

Which seats are the best in economy class cabins?

Choosing the best economy seats is an art in and of itself. Exit row seats offer the most legroom but come with responsibilities and often extra fees. They can't recline and on long flights, the emergency door can make the area cold. Some airlines charge extra fees to book these economy class seats because of the extra legroom, but if you have status with the airline, you might be able to book them at no charge.

The forward economy cabin usually means faster meal service and deplaning. These seats also experience less bumping from other passengers who are trying to get to the bathroom (usually located in the back for economy class customers).

Window seats provide views and a wall to lean against, but they also mean climbing over others for bathroom breaks. Consider this when you’re booking longer flights, as it can always be awkward to wake up the stranger in the middle and aisle to crawl out to use the restroom.

Aisle seats offer easy access to get up and down as needed, but you risk getting bumped by passing carts and passengers. You’ll also need to watch out for passengers trying to get their baggage in the overhead bins, as they can easily accidentally fall.

Middle seats may have fewer advantages, but some airlines, like Emirates and JAL, make their middle seats slightly wider on newer planes.

Flying economy internationally vs. domestically

International economy provides more amenities simply because flights last longer. A 12-hour economy flight to Asia includes multiple meals, snacks and amenity kits. In contrast, a 3-hour domestic economy flight might offer only water and a small snack for purchase.

International flights use larger aircraft with more space between seats. A typical international economy seat offers 32-34 inches of pitch versus 30-31 inches on domestic flights. The entertainment systems also differ - international flights include seat-back screens, while domestic flights often rely on streaming to personal devices.

FAQs

How much bigger are premium economy seats?

Premium economy seats add additional width and a few more inches of pitch when it comes to seat reclining. The extra recline and leg rests make sleeping easier, but tickets can cost up to 30–50% more than regular economy.

Do economy seats have Wi-Fi?

Most new aircraft offer Wi-Fi, but speed and pricing vary widely. Long-haul flights sometimes include free messaging. Full internet access typically costs $8-30 per flight, but coverage can drop over oceans.

How can you stay comfortable in an economy seat?

Feeling comfortable in economy class comes down to preparation. Compression socks prevent swelling on long flights. A good neck pillow makes sleeping possible even in narrow seats. Downloading entertainment before the flight prevents frustration with slow Wi-Fi.

For overnight flights, pick a window seat in the middle of the cabin, which keeps you away from galley noise but close to bathrooms. The window provides something to lean against and mid-cabin locations experience less turbulence.

Layers help manage temperature changes. Aircraft can go from hot during boarding to cold at cruise altitude. A light jacket or sweater, plus warm socks, makes a big difference in comfort.

Flying economy doesn't have to be uncomfortable. Choose newer aircraft when possible, pick seats based on your priorities and come prepared. The right combination of airline, aircraft and seat location can make economy class feel surprisingly manageable, even on long flights.