Economy class, also called third class, coach class, steerage, or to distinguish it from the slightly more expensive premium economy class, standard economy class or budget economy class, is the lowest travel class of seating in air travel, rail travel, and sometimes ferry or maritime travel.

Yes, coach and economy class are essentially the same thing; they represent the standard, most affordable cabin on a commercial aircraft. The term "coach" is most commonly used in North America, while "economy" is the preferred international term used by carriers and booking sites worldwide. In 2026, this cabin provides standard seating with basic amenities, though the specific experience varies by airline. While both terms refer to the same physical section of the plane, many airlines have introduced "Basic Economy" as a sub-tier of the coach cabin, which typically restricts seat selection and carry-on baggage. Regardless of the name, it remains the most popular travel class due to its cost-effectiveness, situated below Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Whether your ticket says "Coach," "Y Class," or "Economy," you are traveling in the aircraft's primary passenger cabin.