For most of us, flying is an economy class experience. That’s usually fine for a few hours, but with airplanes getting more fuel efficient and flights getting longer, comfort becomes a more valuable commodity. Airlines offering the most comfortable economy seats are finding themselves in greater demand.

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Open flight tickets are a handy option for travelers who aren’t sure when they’ll head home. They let you lock in your outbound trip now and choose your return date later. But flexibility comes with certain downsides like limited validity windows, potential change fees and fewer airlines offering them.

Standby flights have come a long way since the days when they were mostly an insider perk for airline employees and frequent flyers. Now they’re creeping into the mainstream, as they appeal to flexible travelers who want to hop on an earlier flight or pivot plans last-minute. But there are some drawbacks: uncertainty, eligibility rules and lots of gate-side waiting.

Once the last word in luxury and status, first class has undergone a revolution in recent years. Many airlines are abandoning it completely, filling their airplanes with premium business seats instead. Yet for some premium airlines, first class is a chance to really flex their creative muscles and show wh...

Self-transfer flights are on the rise as travelers mix and match low-cost carriers to score cheaper fares and more flexible routes. Build-your-own itineraries mean more options (and bigger savings), but they also put a little more responsibility on you. Before you book yours, there are some tradeoffs: more planning, tighter timing and a bit more risk.