Business class, available on long-haul flights, is a premium cabin intended for corporate travellers, focusing on luxury, comfort, and ease. The service is elevated in the air (e.g., multicourse meals, much like you’d find in a restaurant) and on the ground (e.g., dedicated check-in to drop your luggage faster). Anyone can purchase business-class flight tickets –there’s no exclusion clause for a non-business person. Whether visiting friends and relatives overseas or taking a life-changing trip, you can get a comfortable seat at the front of the plane, so your next flight will be more enjoyable.
If you want to enjoy exclusivity and privacy, it’s worth spending on business class. However, don’t rush to press the “Book flight” button because there are rules to follow, allowing you to make the most of your long-awaited trip. If you travel with any frequency, take the time to learn how to pick business class flights effectively.
1. The Best Flights Aren’t the Cheapest, Nor Are They the Most Expensive
While nearly all business class flights offer the same experience between different airlines, travelling comes with a myriad of choices. Generally speaking, a ticket for a trip in business class will cost three to four times as much as a ticket for an economy class flight. Airlines strive to profit from each seat and maximise each flight, which explains why they charge different fares to different passengers. Simply put, pricing is a well-developed process in permanent evolution controlled by algorithms. Past sales and booking data influence prices, and this doesn’t require human oversight.
Instead of lowering prices to fill the seats, airlines prefer offering last-minute upgrades by selling premium cabins for lower rates. Price plays an important role when it comes to selecting the best flight, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration, so make sure you have good-quality information. The best business class flight is the one that gets you to your destination as quickly and as comfortably as possible within a suitable price range. You get what you pay for, but that doesn’t mean you should opt for the most expensive fare, so be careful when ordering a ticket for a business-class flight.
2. Know How the Seats Are Arranged on The Business Class Cabin
Variations between airline standards aren’t significant, meaning that most business class seats are around three to four inches wider than economy class seats. Think long and hard about the seats you want in the business class cabin. For example, if you prefer looking out the window and enjoying the view from lift-off to landing, look at the available map online and decide where to sit. Emirates business class seats are laid out in a 1-2-1 formation, each with an ottoman and a private drinks cabinet featuring water, juice, and snacks. On the other hand, Etihad business class seats are arranged in a dovetail design and have higher partitions, making them feel more modern and private. We won’t go on to show the Emirates vs Etihad battle, so if you want to know more about it, do your own research.
3. Think About the Onboard Dining Experience
At present, many airlines partner with celebrity chefs, creating one-of-a-kind menus for business (and first-class) cabins that incorporate plant-based and sustainable options. After getting your seats confirmed, it’s time to browse the menu; it might not be a deciding factor, but it can certainly be a deal-breaker. Budgets vary, which translates into the fact that the money invested in the onboard experience represents an important part of the branding and marketing proposition. Some airlines publish their business class menus online, so you can get an idea of what treat you’re in for and pre-order your meal ahead of your departure.
If you have the cash to spare, pick an airline that pays more attention to the food it serves or can accommodate your special dietary requirements. In-flight meals vary in quality, size, and cost. While economy-class food is served in plastic containers, business-class food is served on plates made from fine China for a quirky dining experience. The worst thing you can do is run crazy with foods that run the risk of getting all over. Remember that flight attendants aren’t actually janitors. You can bring miniature alcohol bottles along, but it’s illegal to drink in-flight. A useful rule of thumb is if it wasn’t served to you, you can’t have it.
4. Do You Want a Non-Stop or Direct Business Class Flight?
Figure out if you want a non-stop or a direct business class flight, so you set yourself up for a great time by being adequately prepared. Although the terms “non-stop” and “direct” are often used interchangeably, they’re two different things. A non-stop flight is exactly what the name suggests, meaning that you can fly from one airport to the other with no stops along the way. By contrast, a direct flight includes stops in one or more cities; if regulations call for it, it might be necessary to re-embark, re-stow your luggage, and re-take your assigned seat. Now you know, so you won’t be in for a big surprise.
5. Read Reviews to See If the Airline Is Any Good
Last but certainly not least, read reviews to see what experience others have had flying business class and determine whether it’s suitable for you. Do a little bit of research, especially if you have several airlines to choose from. Professional magazines and consumer-related websites rate and review businesses, including airlines, making the information available for public viewing. Most importantly, check out the reviews from people just like you. Emirates and Etihad Airways are largely regarded as the world’s best carriers based on customer service, comfort, and cleanliness. Their on-time arrival performance is unmatched.
To sum up, flying business is more expensive, but it’s the best seat on the plane. Whether you’re using points or paying with cash, you, too, can travel like a VIP. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find a deal that suits your budget and incorporates a touch of luxury, privacy, and entertainment.
