Standard economy does not offer the same perks as what you would get with premium economy, business or first class. For these services, you have to pay double for premium economy, over 3 times for business class, or over 5 times for first-class service compared to standard economy. But what about the traveller who cannot afford to upgrade?
No Frills Airlines
The main reward for passengers purchasing a standard economy ticket is that they save on cost. In particular, the growth of no-frills airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair have made air travel and subsequent holidays abroad more accessible to a greater number of people. However, even with such airlines, there are extra perks which you can pay for which still make the flight cheaper than the next level up. On easyJet, for example, you can pay for the opportunity to choose the seat you want. In terms of food, it is possible to buy onboard and you can check-in baggage rather than just taking on carry-on hand luggage
Longer flights are not usually covered by no-frills airlines but you can still fly long-haul on a standard economy ticket. These routes generally provide one or two meals with a starter, main, and dessert, along with a choice of beverage. In terms of beverages, customers have a good range of soft drink choices and a reasonable selection of alcoholic refreshments. Some airlines also provide access to an airport lounge before a flight for an extra charge. British Airways customers, for example, can buy access to an airport lounge for £15.00 per person offering free short eats as well as a chance to relax in a more comfortable environment before they fly.
In-Flight Entertainment
One other perk provided by the standard economy class for medium and long haul flights is access to a wide range of on-screen entertainment with each passenger having their own TV screen to watch a plethora of movies, TV sitcoms, and news channels in addition to listening to radio and music channels or playing video games. Emirates for example has over 6000 channels to choose from.
In addition, customers can also access Wi-Fi on some airlines. British Airways, for example, gives standard economy class passengers the chance to access WI-Fi for between £4.99-£21.99 per person depending on the flight. Singapore Airlines offers free Wi-FI and also gives customers the opportunity to save a film that they have not finished watching on one flight and continue watching from the point that they left off on the next flight.
Amenity Kits
Amenity kits are the preserve of first and business class on certain airlines such as British Airways. However, Emirates does offer this facility for standard economy customers providing a dental kit (toothbrush and paste), socks and a bookmark. Some of their items are made from recycled sources and come in a washable kraft paper pouch with animals featured to show Emirates’ efforts to save endangered species such as the African elephant. So airlines do appear to be using facilities provided to promote their environmental credentials as well.
As one can see standard economy, even though it is cheaper than the other options, does still offer a number of perks to customers. Ranging from complimentary three-course meals on long-haul flights to impressive in-flight entertainment options, standard economy still caters to most needs.
Many of the perks that can be enjoyed in Premium Economy, Business and First Class can also be purchased separately by a standard economy ticket holder. This is good news for the standard economy ticket holder who wants a taste of the high life.
Hopefully, more options can be provided for standard economy customers in the future but, for now, we will have to wait and see.
