The experience of flying in economy class often feels far removed from the glamor of the travel industry’s golden age. Passengers squirm in small seats, wrestling for armrests or struggling to stow their limited carry-on baggage.

Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates, recently highlighted a critical issue: economy class has been largely overlooked in favor of premium seating options, remaining stagnant since the 1990s. While airlines have introduced exciting innovations in first and business classes—such as luxurious beds on Singapore Airlines, spacious seating from Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy, and customized lighting in Cathay Pacific’s new suite—economy still feels basic.

There have been instances of innovation. For example, Global Airlines initiated its first transatlantic service from Glasgow to New York last month. Entrepreneur James Asquith aims to recapture the magic of the past with enhanced offerings like upscale amenity kits and complimentary champagne in economy; however, subsequent flights for the venture remain uncertain. On another note, Airbus is exploring novel seating arrangements with stand-up or double-decker seats, potentially increasing capacity but likely at the cost of comfort.

As someone who frequently flies in economy, I can attest to the uncomfortable reality that many travel editors often find themselves in similar cramped situations. Over the past 15 years, I’ve traveled extensively, from short flights with Aer Lingus to lengthy journeys on Air New Zealand, witnessing a decline in quality across various airlines’ economy offerings.

The quality of economy travel can differ significantly depending on the airline and the aircraft model. For instance, flying economy on a well-maintained Airbus A380 can be vastly different than on older models like a Boeing 747.

Some airlines make a notable effort to enhance the economy experience. Middle Eastern carriers like Qatar Airways are recognized for providing a better economy class environment despite their focus on higher-end products like the Qsuites. During a recent journey from Heathrow to Sri Lanka with Emirates, I found the experience pleasant, with access to numerous films, tasty meals, and smart storage options, even if the in-flight entertainment included some unexpected language edits.

Air New Zealand and Qantas are commendable for their comfortable economy cabins, especially given the long distances they cover. Qantas is even introducing yoga and stretching zones on its Airbus A350 for passenger wellbeing, while Air New Zealand offers a unique SkyCouch where passengers can relax across seats.

British Airways, while having reduced complimentary services on short-haul flights, is revamping its economy seating with stylish leather seats and modern USB charging options. American Airlines, in the Oneworld alliance, at least provides complimentary beverages—including Diet Coke on transatlantic flights.

On the topic of in-flight meals, Air France stands out for offering free champagne in economy class, while Swiss Airlines provides delightful chocolate bars. Virgin Atlantic is known for its ice cream treats, showcasing that even small gestures can enhance the flying experience.

Seat space is a common complaint among frequent economy flyers. The typical seat pitch averages about 29 inches, with Aer Lingus and Air Canada offering slightly more generous legroom at 31 inches. However, JetBlue leads the industry with wider seats at 18 inches, which enhances comfort significantly.

It is also noteworthy that local airlines, such as Loganair, provide generous space among short-haul options, with a 30-inch seat pitch and thoughtful touches like a Harris Tweed tartan headrest cover and traditional snacks. However, travelers should not expect such comforts on the airline’s shortest flight, which lasts just over 50 seconds.

While budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air effectively fulfill transportation needs, they do not typically offer a more luxurious flying experience. Recently, Wizz Air launched medium-haul services to Saudi Arabia, but travelers will need to forgo free meals and other amenities.

For those flying in economy, consider these guidelines:

1. Be courteous with armrest use; middle seat occupants make a case for dominance. 2. Use overhead bin space responsibly; smaller bags belong under the seat. 3. Keep feet off the seats; personal hygiene should be a priority. 4. Manage fluid intake, especially on overnight flights, to avoid interrupting fellow passengers.

In what ways do you think airlines can refine their economy class offerings?