A guide to business travel: economy classes explained. 

It’s important to know what’s what. In the UK, we have numerous airline options, from low-cost carriers to national and international operators. For the purpose of this article, we’ll compare British Airways and Virgin Atlantic and their various economy classes. Each airline labels the tiers of economy class differently, so if you’re looking at British Airways, you’re probably seeing Economy Basic and Economy Standard, then Premium. But, if you’re checking out Virgin Atlantic, you’re likely seeing Economy Light, Economy Classic, Economy Delight, and then Premium.

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 the various 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 British Airways and Virgin Atlantic looks like this:

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, but you’ll still be missing out on flexibility and included perks. Let’s compare Economy Standard for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic:

But you might be wondering:

H2: What is the difference between economy standard vs economy standard flexible?

British Airway’s Economy Standard class is their second most restrictive fare. Economy Standard is non-refundable; changes boast a fee plus difference in fare. With their Economy Standard Flex you’ll have a more flexible class of service with included seat selection, one free checked bag, and changes for the difference in fare; plus, Economy Standard Flex is refundable, should you need to cancel your flight.

The FLEXibility you need

If basic economy is all about savings, then flex fares are all about comfort and getting bang for your buck. With seat selection included in your fare, you can forget the dreaded middle seat. You’ll generally have checked bags included and you’ll score 100% of your 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 British Airways and Virgin Atlantic:

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 that Business Class experience, but it gives you a little more comfort, and more conveniences than your standard economy fares.

With British Airways’ Premium Economy fares, you can expect:

• A larger seat with more recline and extra legroom
• Priority services for an expedited airport process
• Two free checked bags
• Seat selection
• Fully refundable
• Changes for fare difference only

What are the differences between Virgin Atlantic’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 making any changes.

What does Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy experience include?

Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy fares have two rate levels – Premium and Premium Flex.

Both fares include:

• A premium seat
• Premium Food and beverages (incl. wine, beer & spirits)
• 2 free checked bags
• Priority screening
• Priority boarding
• Priority baggage
• 200% points

What are the differences?

Virgin Atlantic’s Basic Premium fare is non-refundable but credit eligible, while changes are subject to a fee and fare difference. Premium Flex 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, Canada 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."