A guide to business travel: economy classes explained. 

It’s important to know what’s what. In Canada, we have only a handful of national carriers. For the purpose of this article, we’ll compare Air Canada and Westjet and their various economy classes. Each airline labels the tiers of economy class differently, but if you’re looking at Air Canada, you’re probably seeing Basic, Economy Standard, Economy Flex, and Comfort Economy.

What’s the deal? If you’re travelling in economy class, aren’t you getting the same seats? Sure. The seat might be the same among some of the rate categories, but you’re paying for convenience, freedom, and flexibility. Let’s dive a little deeper:

Basic as it comes.

If you’re looking for savings over flexibility, then a basic economy fare is for you. Be warned, you basically get just the seat. Refunds, changes, baggage allowance and even earning miles will likely be off the table, although some can be bought for a higher fee than normal. When you’re comparing apples to apples, Basic Economy for both Westjet and Air Canada looks like this:

*SQM = Status Qualifying Miles

A word to the wise? Only book a basic fare if there’s no other choice.

Standard is better.

The grass is ‘a bit greener’ on the Economy Standard side. You might be eligible for credits, higher change fees, and some loyalty point eligibility, but you’ll still be missing out on flexibility and included perks. Let’s compare Economy Standard for Air Canada and Westjet:

What is the difference between economy standard vs economy flex?

Air Canada’s Economy Standard class is their second most restrictive fare. Economy Standard is non-refundable, has the highest change fee, and you’ll pay extra for baggage and seat selection. If you collect Aeroplan miles, you’ll only benefit from 25% of status-qualifying miles. Economy Flex delivers a more flexible class of service with included seat selection, one free checked bag, and lower change fees; however, Economy Flex is still non-refundable.

FLEXibility

If basic economy is all about savings, then flex fares are all about comfort and getting bang for your buck. You can forget the dreaded middle seat with seat selection included in your fare. Changes usually have a reduced fee, and standby is usually free. You’ll generally have checked bags included, and you’ll score 100% frequent flyer miles. If you’re looking to hit that next tier through business travel, economy flex fare is worth the splurge.

Let’s compare Economy Flex fares for Air Canada vs Westjet:

More perks with Premium

Most economy classes have their top-tier offering for those who are okay to pay. Premium Economy is the hassle-free fare that delivers all the perks and little extras to make business travel a breeze. From the airport experience to walking off the airplane, you’ll feel that VIP spring in your step.

Premium Economy isn’t quite a Business Class experience, but it gives you more comfort and conveniences than your standard economy fares.

With Air Canada’s Premium Economy fares, you can expect two rate levels - Premium Economy and Premium Economy Flex. Both fares include:

• A larger seat with more recline and extra legroom
• Priority services for an expedited airport process
• Premium cuisine, wine, and spirits
• Your personal entertainment system with touch-screen TV
• Two free checked bags
• Seat selection
• 125% Aeroplan/SQM

What are the differences between Air Canada’s Premium Economy vs Premium Economy Flex?

With standard Premium Economy, the fare is non-refundable but credit-eligible, and changes are subject to a fee and difference in fare. With Premium Economy Flex, you’ll enjoy full refundability and only pay a fare difference if you make any changes.

What does Westjet’s Premium Economy class include?

Similar to Air Canada, Westjet’s Premium Economy fares have two rate levels – Premium and PremiumFlex.

Both fares include:

• A premium seat
• Food and beverages (incl. wine, beer & spirits)
• 2 free checked bags
• Priority screening
• Priority boarding
• Priority baggage
• WestJet Rewards earn

What are the differences between Westjet's Premium and PremiumFlex?

Westjet’s Premium fare is non-refundable but credit-eligible, while changes are subject to a fee and fare difference. PremiumFlex is totally refundable, and you’ll simply pay the fare difference for changes.

Take it from the experts in Economy Class economics

Sandy Pineau, a Travel Consultant for Corporate Traveller based in Vancouver, offered some sage advice on booking economy:

"I avoid Basic fares at all costs...in fact, I never put my clients on a Basic fare because they're just too restrictive. Most travellers are booked in Standard, but I also have a lot of clients who I book in Flex or above. Certain travellers have a higher need for last-minute changes, so Flex fares make more sense. Plus, Flex fares also help to keep a passenger's airline status, which is crucial. The sooner they get to a higher level of airline status, the more comfortable they'll be on their future flights."