what is the physical difference in seating by class

Seating across airline cabins varies noticeably from First through Economy, with differences in seat dimensions, pitch, width, and additional features.

First Class

• First‑class seats are generally longer and wider than business‑class seats when fully reclined, offering more space for the legs and a larger bedding area.
• In the upright position, a first‑class seat can be slightly narrower than a business‑class seat, making the seated width feel comparable.
• Some carriers provide a suite‑style configuration, but the key physical distinction is the increased recline and overall cabin space compared with lower classes.

Business Class

• Business‑class seats often share the same width as economy seats (around 18 inches) but provide a greater seat pitch, typically about 31 inches on narrow‑body aircraft like the Air Malta A320neo.
• On wide‑body aircraft, bulkhead business seats have considerably more legroom than standard business seats, making them the preferred choice for extra space.
• Many business cabins block the middle seat, ensuring an open seat next to you, which differentiates the layout from economy where all seats are occupied.
• Features such as additional power outlets, USB ports, privacy partitions, and larger seat controls are common in business class compared with economy.

Economy Class (including Premium/Extra Space)

• Standard economy seats typically have a pitch around 30‑31 inches, with a width similar to business class on some aircraft, but lack the blocked middle seat and extra amenities.
• Premium Economy or Extra Space Economy products add legroom and sometimes a wider seat, often marketed as “Economy Plus” or “Main Cabin Extra,” providing a less dense seating pattern.
• Exit‑row economy seats can offer substantially more pitch—up to 38 inches on the ITA Airways A220‑100—making them the most spacious economy locations.
• These seats may have different tray table designs and USB port placements compared with regular economy seats.