> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://travelchosea.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The battle of the economy class seats: Which airline wins? - URL: https://travelchosea.com/the-battle-of-the-economy-class-seats-which-airline-wins/ - Published: 2021-11-15T07:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-28T01:43:20.000Z - Author: Angela Hall - Tags: Airlines, #Migrated-1787881292450, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-27 21:41 Quite a debatable topic that I want to discuss. Since when does flying '“commercial” become “basic”? Completely silly! I have not to flow semi or private yet and for quite a few reasons. One of the reasons is the crazy turbulence stories I have read about. I can only fathom how magnified it is on such a small aircraft...SCARY! Anywho, I hear countless stories debating on which commercial airline is better and it seems to be Delta! The most hated? Do I have to say….It is SPIRIT. The irony is that I have NEVER had an issue with SPIRIT!!! I have blown them roughly ten times and never had any issues. Crazy, right? Aside from airline reputations, I want to rate all **ECONOMY** classes I have PERSONALLY flown and which one I think is the best. # American Airlines **Pros:** - When you book economy, during check in, if first class seats are open, they will offer it to you (Of course, for for a fee). This is RARE and nice of AA to do because most airlines will not offer upgrades, especially if you initally booked economy - Typically, a carry on and personal item is included. - Beverage and snack service (complimentary) - WIFI (for a fee) - Seats recline - Offers the option to pay for seats even after purchase! **Cons:** - Lately, their reliability has not been the best. I have had my fair share of cancelled flights with American. I was offered $8 meal voucher and hotel and not told when the next flight would be - Their routes are not the best (In certain cities), so you may find yourself having a layover (This is a deal breaker for some people). --- # Delta **Pros:** - Customer service is really great - Carry on and personal item is included - Beverage/food Service - On flight entertainment is pretty good! New movies compared to some airlines that offer older films - WIFI - Overall has the best non stop routes for me (PERSONALLY) - Seats recline **Cons:** - If you book basic economy, after 24 hours of booking, you CANNOT change your flight. I thought this was not a good look, especially with COVID-19\. Things do happen. - Rarely any seat upgrades. Do not expect to get an offer to the next class, especially if you booked economy from the beginning. - Basic Economy doesn’t allow you to choose your seat/s/ --- # United Pros: - Gets you to from point A to B - Generally cheaper economy tickets (compared to their competitors) - Seats recline **Cons:** - When you book a basic economy ticket, you MUST CHECK IN YOUR BAG IN. ABSOLUTELY NO CARRY ONS ALLOWED!!!!! - You cannot pick your seat ( They do not always sit you next to your travel companion even if you are under the same reservation). - Planes are typically old - WIFI never works --- # Spirit **Pros:** - Gets you where you need to go (Would recommend for a flight no longer than three hours) **Cons:** - Pay for bag (checked bag and carry on) , seat, priority boarding - No complimentary snacks or beverages (yes, including water) - Known for delays - Seats **DO NOT RECLINE** - No on flight entertainment - Most planes do not have charging outlets - Customer service is non existent - No tray table (No, I do not include a mini stand as a standard “tray table”) --- # Allegiant **Pros:** - Clean and updated aircrafts - Comes in handy (especially if you fly out of a lot of small airports) Cons: - Very few routes - Must pay for seats and bags (including carry ons’) - No free beverages --- # Southwest **Pros:** - No seating arrangements (How, cool). - Free carry on, TWO FREE CHECKED BAGS, - Beverage and food service ( Sometimes the FA’s throw in a few shots!) - Their flight attendants are always easy going and entertianing **Cons:** - Rarely offers non stop flights --- # WHICH ONE IS MY FAVORITE? The winner is…..**DELTA!!!!** Delta seems to be the favorite for everyone and It is mine as well! When they blocked the middle seat during COVID-19, they earned loyalty from me! Delta offered me compensation for giving up my seat and it was USD 1800! It was only a seven-hour wait. All of the airlines have their pros/cons. Which one is your favorite and why?