The journey is often as good as the destination they say, and the airline seating options you choose can make a huge difference. While we offer great value airfares across all air travel classes, it's important to know what level of service and comfort you can expect from each one. Our guide to air travel classes below offers you a flight class comparison to better inform your decision.
Understand Every Flight Class Option
Class of Travel frequently asked questions
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How do flight classes affect ticket prices?
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What amenities are included in each flight class?
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Can I upgrade my flight class after booking?
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What is the best flight class for long-haul flights?
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How do baggage allowances differ by flight class?
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Is there a significant difference in service between flight classes?
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How do I choose the right flight class for my trip?
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What are the benefits of premium flight classes?
You can choose from four different air travel classes: economy class, premium economy, business class and first class. As you move up from economy to first class, the price of the ticket increases significanly with enhanced comfort, service and exclusivity provided.
The amenities provided in each air travel class vary significantly (and vary depending on the airline), enhancing comfort and convenience based on the class you're flying in.
Economy class offers standard seats with basic recline and limited legroom, a single in-flight meal or snack and basic in-flight entertainment with a selection of movies/TV/games. You're allowed one carry-on bag and a personal item (such as a laptop). Checked baggage might incur an additional fee.
Premium economy offers more spacious seating with extra legroom and greater recline than economy, more substantial meals and often with complimentary alcoholic drinks and larger screens for in-flight entertainment. Typically you also get move generous baggage allowances for carry-on and checked bags.
Business class offers lie-flat or angled seats with ample legroom and greater privacy, multi-course meals with a wider selection and complimentary premium alcoholic beverages. Entertainment system screens are larger and you get a wider choice of movies and TV shows. Enhanced baggage allowances include multiple/weightier checked bags and larger carry-on items. You'll enjoy priority check-in, security screening, boarding and access to business class airport lounges.
First class offers luxurious seating often in private suites with fully flat beds, gourmet dining with broad menu options, fine wines and spirits and personalised service. You'll enjoy state-of-the-art entertainment systems including larger screens and a wide selection of media, an extensive baggage allowance with generous carry-on limits. You can often expect a chauffeur service to and from the airport and priority check-in, security screening and boarding.
Yes, upgrading your airline seating option is possible after you make your booking but not guaranteed. If you've booked your economy ticket with Flight Centre, we can assist with your upgrade. Airlines allow upgrades based on certain fare conditions and especially if you're part of their frequent flyer program. Be sure to let your Luxury Travel Expert know you're looking to upgrade prior to booking your economy flight to ensure your ticket is eligible.
Without doubt, the longer the flight the more you'll enjoy the greater class of service and comfort of a business class or first class ticket. With opportunities for complete relaxation, business class and first class are best fo long-houal flights. These days, the best business classes of many airlines are as good, or even better, than first class once was. Many airlines now have many more seats in business than first, with some having foregone first class altogether.
As you move up from economy to first class you'll enjoy enhanced allowances for the amount (or the total weight) of checked bags and carry-on you can travel with. For example, in economy class you're allowed one carry-on bag and a personal item and in first class you'll enjoy an extensive baggage allowance with generous carry-on limits.
Yes, the level of comfort and service and the selection of meals, drinks and the amount of baggage you can take is all the more generous as you move up from economy to first class.
This very much depends on how much you're willing to spend on the improved comfort and service you receive in each air travel class. Our guide to air travel classes offers you tips and a good flight class comparison to help you choose the right flight class for your trip. Better still, talk to a Flight Centre Luxury Travel Expert today on 1300 503 658.