Whether you’re stretching your budget in Economy, upgrading to Premium Economy, or flying high in Business Class and Suites, knowing the difference can save you money and hassle.
Air tickets are more than just Economy or Business—they’re organised by 3 key categories: Cabin Classes (your seat section), Fare Types (ticket options within each cabin), and Fare Classes (specific airline codes that impact your price and perks).
Dive in and discover how to choose the perfect flight class and fare for your next trip!
✈️ Flight Class Categories Explained: Cabin Class, Fare Type, and Fare Class
Level | Example | Description |
1. Cabin Class / Travel Class | Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First | Physical seating section and overall service level |
2. Fare Type / Fare Family | Economy Lite, Economy Standard, Economy Flex | Ticket types with varying rules and flexibility |
3. Fare Class / Booking Class | Y, Q, J, Z | Airline-specific letter codes linked to pricing system |
Category Level 1: Cabin Class / Travel Class
- This is the broadest category that distinguishes the physical section and level of service on the plane. Common cabin classes include:
- Economy Class
- Premium Economy Class
- Business Class
- First Class / Suites
Category Level 2: Fare Type / Fare Family
Within each cabin class are various fare types or fare families that represent different ticket types. These differ by refundability, flexibility, baggage allowance, and price.
- Example for Economy Class:
- Economy Lite (strict, cheaper, fewer perks)
- Economy Flex (more flexible, higher price, added benefits)
- The naming of each fare type differs for each airline.
Here is an example of the differences between Economy fare types of Singapore Airlines(SIA):
Economy Lite | Economy Value | Economy Standard | Economy Flexi | |
Check-in baggage allowance (except to/from USA) | 25kg | 25kg | 30kg | 30kg |
Change | Not allowed | Chargeable | Chargeable | Free |
Cancellation | Not allowed | Chargeable | Chargeable | Chargeable |
Earn Krisflyer miles | 50% | 50% | 75% | 100% |
Upgrade with Krisflyer miles | Not allowed | Not allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
Advanced seat selection | Chargeable | Free for Standard Seats | Free for Standard Seats | Free for Forward Zone and Standard Seats |
Category Level 3: Fare Class / Booking Class
- Fare classes are airline-specific letter codes representing detailed booking conditions and inventory controls.
- They correspond to specific seats, price levels, and rules within a fare type.
- These codes are used by airlines and travel agents for reservation and pricing systems, and they vary between different airlines and travel agents.
For example, Singapore Airlines(SIA) categorises Economy fares with different fare classes:
- V and K represent Economy Lite
- Q and N are Economy Value
- M, H, and W indicate Economy Standard
- Y, B, and E stand for Economy Flexi
💺 Economy Class: The Smart & Savvy Choice
What to Expect: The Seat and Space
Economy seats are designed to fit as many passengers as possible, so expect compact legroom and limited recline. While newer aircraft may have slimmer seats with better ergonomics, space can still feel tight on longer flights.
In-Flight Service: Food, Drinks & Entertainment
In most airlines, Economy offers standard meals, basic beverage service, and a decent entertainment system. Don’t expect luxury, but you’ll usually have access to movies, TV shows, and sometimes Wi-Fi, depending on the carrier.
Best For: Budget Travellers & Short Hauls
Economy is the go-to choice for students and budget-conscious travellers prioritising affordability and practicality. It’s perfect for short flights, weekend getaways, and anyone who prefers to save on tickets to spend more on their destination experience.
Save More When Booking Economy
Flying from Singapore? Book your Economy tickets on Trip.com to unlock exclusive promo codes(updated weekly!) and access the best deals on Singapore Airlines cheap flights.
With easy booking and unbeatable prices, Trip.com helps you travel smart without compromising comfort. Don’t miss out—secure your seat today and save more on your next trip!
Plus, be sure to check out our handy guide on Carry-on Baggage Restrictions to pack right and avoid surprises at the airport.
🎩 Premium Economy: The Best of Both Worlds?
Premium Economy Comparison: Top Airlines (updated Sep 2025)
Seat | Food and Drinks | In-Flight Entertainment | Aircraft Type | |
Singapore Airlines | Built-in calf rest and footrest | Enhanced menu, Book The Cook pre-order available, alcoholic drinks | 13.3-inch TV with noise-cancelling headphones | A350, A380 and B777 |
Emirates | Cream leather seats, cushioned leg rest | Multicourse meals, china tableware, stainless cutlery, alcoholic drinks | 13.3 inch TV | A350, A380 and B777 |
All Nippon Airways(ANA) | Wider pitch and seat, extra legroom | Additional alcoholic drinks and snacks | 15.6-inch TV (for A380, B787-10 & B777-300ER) | A380, B787 and B777-300ER |
Cathay Pacific | Full-length calf rest, leather-padded footrest | Hong Kong-inspired menu, alcoholic drinks | 15.6-inch TV | B777-300ER |
Lufthansa | Up to 50% more room on all sides | Non-alcoholic welcome drink, fine china tableware | 11- or 12-inch TV | Unspecified |
Japan Airlines | Motorised legrest, large partitions for extra privacy (for A350) | Alcoholic drinks offered | 16-inch TV (for A350) | A350, B787, and B777-300ER |
The Upgrade Experience: More Legroom, Better Meal
Premium Economy gives you noticeably more legroom, wider seats, and enhanced recline compared to Economy. You’ll also enjoy better food and drink options, making the flight more comfortable without the Business Class price tag.
Is it Worth the Extra Cost?
For travellers seeking extra space and comfort on longer flights, Premium Economy often offers great value. It’s a smart upgrade if you want to avoid cramped Economy seats but don’t want to splurge on Business Class.
Best For: Long-Haul Comfort on a Budget
Premium Economy is ideal for those flying long distances who want to arrive feeling refreshed without breaking the bank. It strikes a balance between affordability and added comfort.
Pro Tip for Finding Premium Economy Deals
Keep an eye on Trip.com for flash sales and exclusive discount codes on Premium Economy tickets. Booking early or during promotions can score big savings on popular airlines like Emirates, ANA, and Cathay Pacific.
Not sure where and how to use Trip.com Promo code? Check out our guide on How to Use Trip.com Promo Code!
🧳 Business Class: Arrive Rested & Ready
Business Class Comparison: Top Airlines (updated Sep 2025)
Seat | Food and Drinks | In-Flight Entertainment | Amenities kit | Lounge Access | Aircraft Type | |
Singapore Airlines | Fully lie-flat bed | Book the Cook service available | 18-inch TV, free wifi | Le Labo amenity kit available upon request for flights above 6 hours | Yes | A350, A380, B737, B777, and B787 |
Emirates | Fully lie-flat bed (A380) | Regional gourmet dishes, preorder available | 23-inch TV (B777) | Bulgari fragrances and amenity kit | Yes | A380 and B777 |
Qatar Airways | Fully lie-flat bed for Qsuite | On-demand à la carte menu | Touchscreen with dual-screen interface, free wifi | The White Company Loungewear and Diptyque amenity kit | Yes | Includes A350, A380, B787, and B777 |
Cathay Pacific | Fully lie-flat bed for long hauls | Choose My Meal service available | Live sports available on Sports 24, free wifi | Bamford amenity kit | Yes | B777-300ER |
Qantas Airways | Fully lie-flat bed | Chef-designed dishes, premium tableware | Personal on-demand inflight entertainment system | Qantas pyjamas and Koskela amenity kit | Yes | A380, A330 and B787 |
From Lie-Flat Beds to Lounge Access
Business Class features lie-flat beds for ultimate rest and exclusive lounge access, setting a new standard in comfort beyond Economy and Premium Economy.
The Service That Sets It Apart
Enjoy personalised service, gourmet meals, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance designed for convenience and indulgence.
Best For: Business Travellers and Special Occasions
Perfect for those travelling for work who need to arrive refreshed, or anyone celebrating special events with extra luxury.
Pro Tip for Booking Affordable Business Class Flights
Looking for affordable business class flights or cheap business class airfare? Book on Trip.com to access the best deals on business and first class tickets across all flight fare classes!
Plus, if you need to submit claims for work, you can quickly get your official e-receipt through Trip.com—making expense reporting hassle-free. Start booking now to enjoy luxury for less!
👑 First Class & Suites: The Ultimate Luxury in the Sky
Defining Features of True Luxury Flying
First Class delivers spacious seats with premium comfort, privacy, and personalised service that elevate air travel.
Suites go further with fully enclosed private rooms, separate beds, and luxury amenities, offering the pinnacle of exclusivity and indulgence in the sky.
For example, Singapore Airlines’ Suites feature large recliners, separate beds, private closets, and advanced entertainment, delivering an unparalleled flying environment with bespoke amenities.
Best For: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey
Perfect for travellers seeking indulgence and celebrating unforgettable milestones with unmatched comfort and elegance.
Lounge Access Beyond First Class: Unlock VIP Perks with Trip.com Membership
Flying First Class means more than an upscale seat — you also get access to exclusive airport lounges. But you don’t need a First Class ticket to enjoy these spaces.
With Trip.com Platinum, Diamond, or Diamond+ membership, you can access VIP lounges and start your journey relaxed and refreshed, regardless of your cabin class.
Now that you understand how cabin classes and fare families work, you’re ready to make smarter, more confident flight choices. Whether you want to save or splurge on travel, the right ticket is just a few clicks away. Don’t miss out on the latest promo deals—check them out today and book your next trip with the perfect class for you!
FAQ: Commonly Asked about Flight classes
What is the main difference between Economy and Premium Economy?
Premium Economy offers wider seats, more legroom, better recline, enhanced meals, and extra perks compared to Economy class.Is Business Class truly worth the high price tag?
Business Class provides greater comfort, priority services, and luxury amenities that many find worth the extra cost, especially on long-haul flights.Do all international flights have a First Class cabin?
No, not all international flights feature First Class; some airlines(e.g., Malaysian Airlines) focus on Business Class instead.Can I use airline miles to upgrade my flight class?
Yes, airline miles can often be used to upgrade your booking one cabin class higher, depending on the airline's policies.What does 'Basic Economy' mean and how is it different from Standard Economy?
Basic Economy is a more restrictive, lower-cost fare type within Economy cabin class. It usually offers limited seat selection, no changes or upgrades allowed, and fewer perks than Standard Economy.