tourist class: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “tourist class” mean?
The lowest class of accommodation available on a passenger ship, aircraft, or train, typically offering basic amenities at the lowest fare.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The lowest class of accommodation available on a passenger ship, aircraft, or train, typically offering basic amenities at the lowest fare.
A categorical classification denoting standard economy or basic service level, particularly in transportation and hospitality industries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is more frequently encountered in British English, especially in relation to sea travel (e.g., ferries, cruise ships). American English has largely shifted to 'economy class' for air travel.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes basic, no-frills travel. In British usage, it may retain a slight historical/nostalgic tone.
Frequency
Medium-low frequency in BrE; Low frequency in AmE, largely supplanted by 'economy (class)'.
Grammar
How to Use “tourist class” in a Sentence
[Verb] tourist class[Preposition] tourist class (e.g., in tourist class)[Adjective] tourist classVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tourist class” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to tourist class it to save money for hotels.
- They're touring classing across Europe this summer.
American English
- We're going to tourist class on the flight to Orlando.
- She tourist classed her way around Asia.
adverb
British English
- They always travel tourist class.
- We flew tourist class to keep costs down.
American English
- She prefers to fly tourist class.
- They sailed tourist class across the Atlantic.
adjective
British English
- The tourist-class cabins were located on the lower decks.
- We opted for a tourist-class rail pass.
American English
- The tourist-class section was at the rear of the plane.
- He purchased a tourist-class ticket for the ferry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in travel industry pricing, service tier descriptions, and marketing materials.
Academic
Appears in historical or sociological analyses of travel, tourism, and social stratification.
Everyday
Used when discussing travel plans, comparing ticket options, or recounting travel experiences.
Technical
Precise categorization in transportation (aviation, maritime, rail) tariffs and operational manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tourist class”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tourist class”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tourist class”
- Using 'tourist' as an adjective incorrectly (e.g., 'tourist flight' instead of 'tourist class flight').
- Confusing 'tourist class' with 'business class' due to the word 'class'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern air travel, yes, they are virtually synonymous. Historically, 'tourist class' was sometimes a separate, even more basic category, but today 'economy class' is the dominant term.
Yes, it is applicable, especially on international or long-distance trains where different service classes are offered, though 'standard class' or 'second class' may be more common regional terms.
No, it is a standard, neutral industry term. However, it explicitly denotes the most basic service level, so it carries connotations of budget travel rather than luxury.
The shift to 'economy class' or 'coach class' in US aviation marketing made 'tourist class' sound dated. It remains in use in specific contexts like cruises and historical reference.
The lowest class of accommodation available on a passenger ship, aircraft, or train, typically offering basic amenities at the lowest fare.
Tourist class is usually formal/technical in register.
Tourist class: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʊə.rɪst ˌklɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʊr.ɪst ˌklæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this compound noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TOURIST CLASS: Think of a TOURIST on a tight budget who chooses the basic CLASS of service.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRAVEL IS A HIERARCHY (with tourist class at the bottom).
Practice
Quiz
In contemporary aviation, which term is most synonymous with 'tourist class'?