This enlightening video breaks down the historical trends that led us to today’s various classes of airline service. It also makes it abundantly clear why coach travel is so miserable and why airlines don’t seem to care that it is: airlines don’t make their money off of travelers who fly in coach; rather they make their money off of people who travel in business class. So next time you have a terrible experience on a flight, keep in mind that you’re on that plane by the good graces of a magnanimous corporation that really doesn’t need you or want you, apparently. Does that help?

This video was made by Wendover Productions, who have also made a number of other terrific videos about transportation, all available at youtube.com.