As of 2010, passengers in economy class receive a complimentary nonalcoholic beverage, and many airlines will offer meals or snacks for sale. In contrast, first-class passengers on most flights are provided complimentary beverages including wine, beer and cocktails throughout the flight. On longer flights, first-class passengers are also provided with gourmet meals as part of their ticket price, in addition to complimentary toiletries, audio and video entertainment, priority check-in and priority baggage handling.
Economy-class cabins have more seats than first-class cabins, so each passenger has less space. First-class seats are larger, have more leg room and recline better. Nicer pillows and blankets are offered to first-class passengers, as well as eye masks and noise-reducing headphones.
Economy tickets cost considerably less than first-class seats. Some airlines offer an in-between class, known as business class, which is more affordable than first class but with more space and amenities than coach.
