Well, last time I looked, 1/3 of all people were poor, 1/3 were middle class and 1/3 were rich in terms of the average household net worth. But of course, neither the lower third or the upper third surprisingly, like to think of themselves that way. Everyone wants to say they are 'middle class'. It just ain't so.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/b...g-middle-class

In the article, they refer to the upper, middle and lower thirds. A nice way to avoid saying either rich or poor. No need to offend anyone by telling it like it is, especially those in the lower (poor) third. I just tell it like I see it Kevin. Time was when only the 'upper third' (if you prefer I not say 'rich') could afford to fly. Now everyone in the middle and lower third expect to also be able to fly. The only way that is possible of course is if seats are cheap enough for them to afford to pay for.

But you're right, they are not just the poor, they are also the middle class in the back of the bus. They can't afford to fly up front either. That's not just being 'cheap' as you say and imply they could afford to fly up front if they wanted to, no they couldn't.

So in terms of this thread, there is no point in complaining about what paying for an Economy seat gets you. The airlines are just following the market they now serve. If someone wants more, they need to pay for it. Of course that leaves a lot of the middle third and all of the lower third with no alternative other than to just complain about what they can afford.