
Getting just about anywhere from Australia is no short trip, and comfort is often an unfortunate sacrifice. For those who don't travel often, or those wondering if the splurge is worth it, we look into whether upgrading from economy to premium, or treating yourself to that coveted bed-in-the-sky is worth it.
We answer your questions, help you understand the differences in airplane seats in each class of passenger, and help you book a flight ticket to suit your needs and budget.
While domestic short haul journeys within Australia may only offer one option, once you leave our sunny shores you'll likely be facing three or four different options.
Lufthansa's first class
What is it? The most luxurious, and most expensive class with lay-flat beds on long-haul journeys and impeccable service. What features can you expect: Roomy seats that can be converted into flat beds, gourmet dining and drinks. Some airlines offer first-class lounges/bars on board where you can stretch your legs and even in-flight showers. Expect a generous checked luggage allowance. Fare tpes: P, F and A Best first-class cabins in 2025 (Skytrax): Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air France
First Class is the most luxurious and expensive class of travel, often abbreviated as F Class. Most of the seats are located just behind the cockpit, or soem on double-decker planes, above it. It's spacious and quiet, as few other class of passengers walk past. The seats on the plane are large and can often be converted into beds, with premium amenities.
First Class passengers enjoy exclusive service, including high-quality food, a wide selection of drinks, including champagne, and a full range of entertainment. They also receive other privileges, such as access to airport lounges, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance (usually around 40 kilograms). Seats in First Class are typically limited, making them significantly more expensive than other classes.
Singapore Airlines' business class
What is it? Originally catering toward business travel, the roomier-than-economy section offers room to rest on a longer trip and extra comfort. What features can you expect: A bit less space than First, but likely to still have a lie-flat bed on long flights, high-quality meals and nice amenities. Fare tpes: J, C, D and I Best first-class cabins in 2025 (Skytrax): Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, ANA All Nippon Airways
Business Class, often abbreviated as C Class, is typically located after First Class and may be located on both the upper and lower decks of an aircraft.
Business Class service is inferior to First Class, but still maintains a high level of exclusivity, including food, seat size, and amenities. Drinks are especially served similarly to First Class. Business Class passengers are also allowed to carry more baggage than Economy Class, with a weight limit of approximately 30 kilograms per person.
Emirates' premium economy class
What is it? A bit more spacious than economy, but not quite business, premium economy is a relative new class that offers greater recline, leg rests and often more included luggage. What features can you expect: Wider seats, leg rests, nicer meals and extra luggage allowance. Fare tpes: W, R, T, Z and U Best first-class cabins in 2025 (Skytrax): Virgin Atlantic, Japan Airlines, Emirates
Premium Economy Class (also known as W Class) is for passengers who want more a bit more comfort than standard Economy Class but don't want to pay full price for Business Class. It features the following:
Korean Air economy class
What is it? The majority seats on the plane, economy class is located in the middle to the rear of the fuselage. The seats have limited reline and, depending on the airline, your ticket may not include much other than the guarantee of a seat. What features can you expect: Narrow seats, limited legroom and minimal luggage included. You may need to pay extra to check a bag, use the entertainment system or get a meal during your flight. Fare tpes: WS, Y, B, II, K, L, M, T, Q, V and X Best first-class cabins in 2025 (Skytrax): Cathay Pacific Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines
Economy Class (also known as Y Class) is a popular choice as it is the most affordable of all the classes. If you're on a full-service airline (which includes Qantas in Australia), you'll be able to get the expected inclusions in your fare, like checked baggage, meals and entertainment. However, an economy class ticket on a budget airline may mean not much more than the guarantee of a seat on the plane. Things like meals and bags are seen as extra costs.
This is not always necessary , as many domestic airlines offer a variety of flight class options in addition to economy class, depending on the policies and services of each airline. Passengers should check details directly with the airline they wish to use to know the class options they are interested in.
For those who still find booking a seat on a plane difficult, don't worry! We have an easier and more convenient way to book flights waiting for you at Traveloka, an app that brings together a comprehensive selection of flights and accommodations at affordable prices. Whatever class you want to fly, you can book it as you wish. Because when it comes to travel, Traveloka is the answer!
When using our flight search tool, we default the search to economy class as this is the most popular option. But you can change it very easily. Like in the image below, simply click the word "Economy" and a drop-down menu will appear. Simply click on Premium Economy, Business or First Class to then find a seat in one of those cabins on your next flight.






