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.

In 2026, the lowest class in-flight is typically referred to as Basic Economy (or sometimes "Lite" or "Budget" depending on the airline). While "Economy Class" is the general category for the main cabin, Basic Economy is a restricted sub-class designed to compete with low-cost carriers. In this class, passengers usually face the most significant limitations: you often cannot select your seat in advance, you are the last to board, and you may be restricted from bringing a full-sized carry-on bag for the overhead bin. Additionally, Basic Economy tickets are generally non-refundable and non-changeable, offering the bare minimum in terms of flexibility. Some international carriers use different names; for example, Air France-KLM might call their entry-level tier "Light," but the concept remains the same. For travelers in 2026, this class represents the most affordable price point, providing a "seat-only" experience that strips away traditional perks to keep fares as low as possible for budget-conscious flyers.