How Many Cabin Classes Are There on a Plane? Differences and How to Choose the Right Seat for You
Gother
25 Apr 2025
Ever fallen asleep in the car and woke up only to realize you’re still stuck in the same spot? If you’re tired of slow, time-consuming travel, hopping on a plane might just be the game-changer you need. In the sky, there are no traffic lights, no traffic jams, and no honking horns to stress you out—just scenic views, drifting clouds, and great service from flight attendants who are ready to take care of you the whole way. Whether you're flying short distances or heading overseas, taking a flight gets you there faster and saves you from backaches and long hours on the road. It’s safe, smooth, and you won’t have to worry about potholes, bad weather, or unexpected breakdowns. Got a trip planned? Going on a work mission? Or just want to make the most of your time? Try flying and see how easy and comfortable travel can be.
For those flying for the first time, you may have questions about aircraft seating: how many types there are, what distinguishes them, and what terms like First Class and Business Class actually mean. Which should you choose? Gother will guide you through everything you need to know about airplane seat classes, their levels, and clarify the differences between First Class and Business Class. Read on, then book your flight ticket!
How Many Classes Are There on an Airplane? Get to Know Each Class Before Choosing the Right One for You
Let’s start by exploring how many classes of airplane seats there are, so you can become fully familiar with each class in detail. This will help you choose tickets and seats that best suit your preferences, ensuring a comfortable flight and budget-friendly planning. Airplane seating is divided into four types, or four classes, as follows:
- Economy Class
- Premium Economy Class
- Business Class
- First Class
Economy Class
Starting with Economy Class (Y Class), also known as the basic economy cabin, it offers the lowest fares and the most seats on the aircraft. Located in the main and rear zones, Economy seats do not recline fully only a slight tilt is possible. The seats offer limited space and standard meal and beverage service. Baggage allowance is typically around 20 kilograms, with additional fees for excess luggage. Economy Class is further divided into two types: Economy Class and Economy Class Discounted.
Ticket codes for Economy Class seats:
- S (Economy Class)
- Y (Economy Class)
- B (Economy Class Discounted)
- II (Economy Class Discounted)
- K (Economy Class Discounted)
- L (Economy Class Discounted)
- M (Economy Class Discounted)
- T (Economy Class Discounted)
- Q (Economy Class Discounted)
- V (Economy Class Discounted)
- X (Economy Class Discounted)
Who is Economy Class suitable for?
- General travelers on domestic or short-haul international flights of up to 6 hours.
Premium Economy Class
Premium Economy Class (W Class) is a premium economy seat similar to Economy but upgraded for added comfort, hence priced higher than standard Economy. These seats offer more space and width but still do not recline fully only a slight tilt is possible. Standard meal and beverage service is provided, and baggage allowance remains around 20 kg, with extra weight available for purchase. Premium Economy is available only on long-haul flights (over 6 hours), such as those to Europe or the Americas.
Ticket code for Premium Economy Class seats:
- W (Premium Economy Class)
Who is Premium Economy Class suitable for?
- General travelers on domestic or international flights lasting 6 hours or more.
Business Class
Next up is Business Class (C Class), known in Thai as ชั้นธุรกิจ. In terms of price, it’s significantly higher than Economy and Premium Economy, but the extra cost is definitely worth it. Business Class is generally located immediately behind First Class and in front of Economy. Some airlines even offer upper- and lower-deck configurations. The seats provide ample space and recline for maximum comfort, and service is elevated with upgraded meals and beverages. Baggage allowance increases to 30 kg per person. Business Class fares are divided into three types: Business Class, Business Class Discounted, and Business Class Premium.
Ticket codes for Business Class seats:
- C (Business Class)
- D (Business Class Discounted)
- I (Business Class Discounted)
- J (Business Class Premium)
Who is Business Class suitable for?
- General travelers on domestic or international routes
- High-income individuals on domestic or international trips
- Business travelers on domestic or international routes
First Class
Finally, the First Class airplane seat (F Class) offers the ultimate in-flight experience—truly the most luxurious and premium, the most comfortable and relaxing. You can check up to 40 kg of baggage per person, which comes at a cost several times higher than other classes. First Class cabins are usually located behind the cockpit, featuring a spacious area with the highest level of privacy for undisturbed rest. In this cabin, you’ll receive exceptional service from attentive flight attendants, high-quality food and beverage options with a wide-ranging menu, and the ability to order champagne. There’s also comprehensive entertainment and many other pre-flight privileges. There are four First Class service types: First Class, First Class Discounted, First Class Premium, and Supersonic.
Ticket codes for First Class seats:
- F (First Class)
- A (First Class Discounted)
- P (First Class Premium)
- R (Supersonic)
Who is the First Class seat suitable for?
- General travelers flying internationally
- High-income individuals flying internationally
- Businesspeople or senior executives flying internationally
What exactly sets First Class apart from Business Class? For those still wondering, Gother breaks it down point by point: beyond the fact that First Class is significantly more expensive, there are several other differences to help you distinguish them clearly. See the comparison table below.
| First Class Seats | Business Class Seats | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat | Spacious, nearly fully flat recline, with partition door for maximum privacy | Spacious, nearly fully flat recline, with private space |
| Service | Dedicated personal attendant throughout the journey | Attentive service throughout the journey |
| Food and Beverages | Wide variety of five-star hotel–level meals and drinks, including champagne | Wide variety of restaurant-level meals and drinks |
| Facilities | Fully equipped: private bathroom, shower room, small meeting room, luxurious pre-flight lounge, 1-hour massage and spa | Fully equipped: private bathroom, small meeting room, pre-flight lounge, 30-minute massage |
| Entertainment | Cutting-edge private entertainment system | Modern private entertainment system |
| Baggage Allowance | 40 kg | 30 kg |
| Supersonic Aircraft | Available | Not available |
Do all airlines have First Class?
Not every airline offers First Class seats. Domestic carriers, in particular, usually only go up to Business Class. If you want to try First Class at least once, you’ll have to seek it out. In 2024, the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards ranked the top 20 best First Class airlines in the world. Which airlines made the list? Let’s find out.
SKYTRAX World Airline Awards: Top 20 Best First Class Airlines in 2024
| Rank | Airline |
|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore Airlines |
| 2 | Air France |
| 3 | Emirates |
| 4 | Swiss International Air Lines |
| 5 | ANA All Nippon Airways |
| 6 | Lufthansa |
| 7 | Japan Airlines |
| 8 | Saudia |
| 9 | Cathay Pacific Airways |
| 10 | Etihad Airways |
| 11 | Qatar Airways |
| 12 | British Airways |
| 13 | Qantas Airways |
| 14 | Oman Air |
| 15 | STARLUX Airlines |
| 16 | Thai Airways |
| 17 | Garuda Indonesia |
| 18 | Korean Air |
| 19 | China Eastern Airlines |
| 20 | Kuwait Airways |
See more rankings at: worldairlineawards.com
Each of these airlines offers unique advantages, but all deliver the highest levels of luxury, comfort, and special treatment from before takeoff until after landing, leaving you with an unforgettable experience. Ticket prices range from tens of thousands to millions, depending on the fare period and airline. Contact your chosen airline for exact pricing and details.
How to Choose the Best Value and Most Comfortable Seat on a Plane
Now that you know how many seat classes there are on an airplane and how each differs to help you determine which suits you best, the next topic Gother will cover is how to choose seats in each class to get the best value and maximum comfort. Here are a few simple tips for picking seats on a typical flight to ensure you can travel comfortably and arrive at your destination with peace of mind. Before we dive into the seat selection details, there are a few basics you need to know:
- Flight number and airline: Each airline configures seating differently. Knowing this information lets you check which classes and specific seat locations are available on your flight.
- Number of fellow travelers: Once you know the seat map and have a definite headcount, you can plan your seats better. It is natural to want to sit near friends or family to avoid the risk of sitting next to strangers whose behavior might make you uncomfortable.
- Seat selection availability: In most cases you can choose your seat, but some low-cost or short-haul airlines impose conditions. Always review the seat selection policy before booking.
Now that you’ve covered the essentials, let’s move on to the detailed seat selection strategies to ensure you get great value and maximum comfort throughout your flight.
Rows 1, 12, and 14 Are the Best Choices
If you want to sit comfortably and stretch your legs freely, the front zone offers extra space to move. These include rows 1, 12, and 14. Also, remember that seat width is another key factor for comfort, and most aircraft seats average about 16.5–18.5 inches wide.Avoid the Middle Seats
Choosing a seat on either the aisle or window side is more comfortable because you won’t be squeezed on both sides by other passengers. So if you’re not sitting with someone you know, the one position to avoid is the middle seat.Why Choose a Window or Aisle Seat
Rows 1, 12, and 14 Are the Best Choices
If you want to sit comfortably and stretch your legs freely, the front zone offers extra room to move. These include rows 1, 12, and 14. And don’t forget that seat width is another key factor for comfort; most aircraft seats average about 16.5-18.5 inches wide.Avoid the Middle Seats
Choosing a seat by the window or aisle is more comfortable because you won’t be squeezed on both sides by other passengers. So if you’re not seated with someone you know, the middle seat is the one you should avoid.Why Choose a Window or Aisle Seat
Beyond avoiding being squeezed, your choice between a window and aisle seat depends on your travel needs. If you love looking out at the sky or scenery, a window seat will create a memorable experience. But if you need frequent access to the restroom, an aisle seat makes getting up much easier.Best Seats for Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can make flying unpleasant, especially if you feel queasy mid-flight. The best seats for those prone to motion sickness are over the wings. This area offers greater balance and smoother motion, with the least vibration as the plane moves.Seats to Avoid
If you want a quiet journey without loud noises, avoid seats at the rear of the plane. These are closest to the engines, where noise and vibration are constant.Upper Deck Seats Are Always Peaceful
On double-decker aircraft, choosing an upper deck seat provides tranquility and privacy. Fewer seats mean less crowding and a more open feel. If you book early and select an upper deck seat, you’ll enjoy the calm you’re looking for.Seats Near the Galley: Pros and Cons
Seats near the galley have both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, flight attendants are nearby, making it easy to ask for help quickly. On the downside, it’s a busy work area where crew members move around constantly, which may disrupt your rest.Emergency Exit Rows Are Open to All
There’s a misconception that only large, strong men should sit in emergency exit rows to assist in emergencies. In reality, if you book early, anyone regardless of gender or size can sit here. In an emergency, just stay calm, follow crew instructions, and help others exit safely through the emergency door.And that’s a full guide to airplane seat classes—how they differ and which is right for you—compiled by Gother. Now it’s time to book your flight through https://www.gother.com/en-us/flights, where Gother offers tickets from all airlines, great prices, and seat selection all in one place. Then just count down to your departure and enjoy your in-flight experience!
