What country are you in? Probably not the US, where the "legacy" carriers have cost cut so much that their non-premium non-elite economy service is typically inferior to that of "low cost" carriers -- but the "legacies" are often undercutting the "low cost" carriers in price to remain competitive.

As an example, compare Southwest (a "low cost" carrier) with United (a "legacy" carrier) in terms of in-flight service in standard economy.

Southwest offers more leg room, a better on-time record, and more included snacks. Both allow reclining and have window shades. United sometimes offers movies on the overhead screens (no choice) and channel 9 to listen to pilot / ATC conversation. Checkin and security lines at United's hubs are longer than at Southwest's bigger airports, though checkin lines at United outposts are often very short. Southwest's web site and phone service are easier to deal with. However, United often undercuts Southwest on price.

Jet Blue and Frontier, two other "low cost" carriers, also offer more leg room than the "legacy" standard in the US. Jet Blue also has personal TVs for every seat. But Jet Blue is often undercut in price by the "legacy" carriers.