• Three types of airfare classifications are found on most airlines.airplane image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com
  
  Over 765 million passengers took to the skies in 2009---flying both domestic and international routes---according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. When booking airplane tickets, passengers choose a classification of airfare. The classifications fit into three categories. The price of the seat purchased is determined by the classification and whether or not the ticket is refundable.
  
  

First class

• The most luxurious---and typically the most expensive---type of airfare classification is a first class seat. Located at the front of the plane, these seats are roomier than those located elsewhere in the aircraft and are offered additional services by the flight staff. For example, first class passengers on board British Airways flights are offered a champagne cocktail and a personal 15-inch flat-screen TV. On the domestic carrier US Airways, first class travelers receive a meal on flights between 3.5 and 8 hours long and a selection of premium liquor, beer and wine.
  
  Additionally, first class passengers are often treated to special privileges at the airport. Some airlines, such as British Airways, offer first class passenger lounges at select airports, while nearly all airlines have dedicated ticket counters for first class passengers to check in. This allows these passengers to bypass long check-in and baggage-check lines. First class passengers can often bypass long security check lines by entering a special security check point specifically for them. Finally, first class passengers are allowed to board the airplane first.
  
  

Business class

• For different airlines, the business class category means different things. Some airlines, such as Continental, have done away with first class entirely, meaning business class is the highest level of luxury offered. Others, such as British Airways, offer business class---traditionally the second tier of luxury on an airline---but call it something different. In British Airways' case, it's known as Club World.
  
  Business class offers an airfare classification that is less luxurious than first class, but higher than economy. The classification was first introduced by Australian airline Quantas in 1979. It's meant for business travelers, and often includes amenities as such, including individual laptop power ports and privacy dividers. Seats are always wider and legroom is more plentiful than in economy. On the airlines that still distinguish business class from first, there could be a higher ratio of passengers to airline attendants in business class.
  
  

Economy

• The lowest class of service, and consequently the cheapest type of ticket, is the economy class. This is frequently referred to as "coach." Seats in the coach cabin are smaller than first and business class and have less legroom. While first and business class cabins typically only have two seats to a row, the coach cabin frequently has three seats per row and can have up to five seats on large international routes.
  
  Amenities offered in economy depends on which airline is flown. For example, US Airways no longer offers entertainment or complimentary meals on domestic routes, though meals are available for purchase. Continental offers free entertainment on most routes.
  
  

Refundable tickets

• Refundable airline tickets often cost more than nonrefundable tickets because they offers the passengers flexibility in their travel plans. By paying more per ticket, the passengers can change their itinerary for free or cancel the tickets outright.
  
  

Nonrefundable tickets

• When a passenger purchases a discount airline ticket, he is often purchasing a nonrefundable ticket. These tickets are subject to cancellation or change fees if the passenger wishes to alter their itinerary. If your air travel plans need to be flexible, read the fine print before purchasing an airline ticket. If you're purchasing from a third-party discount website, there's a good chance the ticket is nonrefundable.