Economy Class - Airlines

Airlines

Economy class seats usually recline and include a fold-down table. The seats pitch range from 29 to 36 inches (74 to 91 cm), usually 30–32 in (76–81 cm), and 30 to 36 in (76 to 91 cm) for international economy class seats. Domestic economy classes range from 17 to 18.25 in (43 to 46.4 cm). Full economy class is usually denoted 'Y' with schedule flexibility, but can be many other letters depending on circumstances.

A pocket attached to the seat in front will contain an airsickness bag, inflight magazine, Duty-Free catalogue and a safety and evacuation card. Depending on the airline, extras might include a blanket, an amenities bag (e.g. ear plugs, toothpaste, eye mask) and headphones. In-flight entertainment in economy class is either a "mainscreen" mounted to the aircraft bulkhead providing the same viewing for all cabin passengers or individual screens for each seat that may show Video on demand. Some low-cost carriers can charge a fee for headphones. But economy standards vary between carriers. Qantas and Cathay Pacific offer in-flight audio and visual entertainment and meals on both international and selected domestic routes to all passengers, including those in economy.

Availability of food depends on the airline. Some major carriers no longer serve meals in economy for short haul flights. Meals are now only generally provided on international flights. Some airport vendors have started to offer packaged meals to economy travellers that can be carried on to flights. Low-cost carriers, such as EasyJet and Ryanair, now charge for food and drinks on flights under two hours long. In addition, many carriers also make economy passengers pay for airport check-in, checked bags, pillows, blankets and headphones.

Some airlines have remarketed economy class because of its poor reputation with customers. Economy has been referred to as 'cattle class', 'sardine class' or 'baggage class' Examples of its rebranding include World Traveller from British Airways, the Kingfisher Class from Kingfisher Airlines, Hospitality/Hospitalité from Air Canada, Fiesta Class by Philippine Airlines, Tourist class at LAN, Classica by Alitalia, and Air France's Voyageur.