Business Class vs. First Class: An Overview
In several ways, flying first class can be a big improvement over business class. Whether it's the airport experience, seats, service, or meals, you may have a better experience flying first class. However, is the often higher price worth it? Let's look at the main differences between these two flight tiers.
Key Takeaways
- Differences between business class and first class exist, but they're not as pronounced as those between economy and first class.
- First-class lounges may offer amenities on a different level, but in most airports, the pre-takeoff wait experience is fairly similar in business or first-class lounges.
- First-class passengers might have a seat that turns into a bed or even their own private apartment.
- Business-class might offer more legroom but doesn't offer a private space.
- The food and drink in business class are typically at a restaurant level, but first-class dining might be at another level with an award-winning chef setting the menu.
Waiting Times
You might expect that some of the perks of business- or first-class travel would kick in on the ground—in the pre-boarding lounge. For the most part, you’d be mistaken. The lounges, both in first class and business, vary from country to country.
Take, for example, Lufthansa in Frankfurt, which offers an exclusive lounge for first-class passengers, who can skip the main terminal. Those passengers are then driven to their plane in a Porsche or Mercedes. Other amenities can include spa treatments, nap rooms with beds, and food by renowned chefs. By contrast, business-class lounges provide a quiet space to work and relax, with fast Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs, snacks or buffet food, and occasionally shower cubicles.
The major differences between first class and businessclass are the seats and the service, but differences vary among airlines, routes, and airplane models.
Comfort Levels
Business- and first-class services offer a range of improvementsand luxuries to help you get a good night's sleep and privacy. To decide between business- and first-class,consider the following before you buy your ticket: Willyour seat turn into a bed? What’s the configuration of the cabin? How close will you be to other passengers? Will you have a double bed, your own “apartment," or a seat and a bed combined?
Many carriers outfit their planes according to market demand. A single airline can have three or four different configurations within its fleet. Within those fleets, first class may or may not vary from one craft to another; however, business class may be quite different between crafts.
First-class amenities generally supersede business-class amenities on international flights, rather than domestic ones, but research first to make sure that's the case.
Food and Drink
This is one of the two categories where business class and first class differ the most. In first class, customers of many airlines can have food prepared under the auspices of a famous chef. However, Air France—rated No.1 for in-flight food by the Robb Report—offers menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs for both its premiere (first class) and business travelers.
When it comes to a drink with dinner, on Singapore Airlines, according to the UK-based Telegraph website, there are "certified air sommeliers who specialize in knowing which wine goes well with each dish on the in-flight menu served to you while you’re above the clouds.” First-class and business-class on Emirates and Korean Air have onboard bars where you can chat with your fellow passengers.
Other Amenities
Both business class and first class passengers receive premium service, and that can include extra amenities. First class passengers often enjoy more personalized service with dedicated flight attendants catering to their needs throughout the flight. They may also have access to exclusive amenities such as luxury toiletries, designer bedding, and gourmet dining options.
Business class passengers also receive attentive service and amenities, but it may be less personalized. Additional amenities may be limited, such as receiving a simple amenity kit or goodie bag. Both business class and first class passengers usually receive premium service while getting onto the plane including baggage handling.
Availability
Last, let's touch on availability. First class cabins are often smaller and less common on flights compared to business class cabins. They are typically found on long-haul international flights and select domestic routes. They're somewhat more niche, meaning certain flights may have a very select few first class seats available. Certain flights may not offer many of the traditional first class amenities at all.
Business class cabins are more prevalent and can be found on a wider range of flights. In general, all types of flights (including long-haul international, domestic, and regional flights) tend to have business class seating. This helps prove out the pricing functionality; because business class seats are somewhat less scarce, they may be more affordable than first class seats.
What Is the Difference Between First Class and Business Class?
The differences between these two classes of airline travel vary quite a lot among airlines, airplane models, and international vs. domestic routes. That said, first class provides more service and better, more spacious seating, at a minimum. Beyond that, first class dining tends to be a cut above business class, and first class airport lounges, especially in Asia, tend to offer more perks, such as spa treatments and chauffeured rides from the lounge to your plane.
Is First Class Worth It Compared to Business Class?
It may be, especially on an international long-haul flight, because you'll get more amenities and services in first class than you will in business class. These can include a more spacious suite, premium meals and alcohol selections, an onboard shower, and more attentive service. But keep in mind that the cost will typically be even more than the price differential between economy class and business class, which is already pretty steep.
How Many Different Flight Classes Are There?
Generally, there are four: economy, premium economy, business, and first class, with the price and level of service increasing with each type of seating. Most, but not all, airlines have all four classes. Also, different airplane models may be configured differently, so it's always a good idea to check your options before you purchase a seat. A seating map for the airline and specific airplane model will tell you what you need to know.
Business class is a big step up from economy, with wider, more comfortable seats that either recline or lie flat; better food, sometimes served on china; and, often, airport lounge access.
The Bottom Line
The gap between what you get with a first class airplane ticket vs. a business class one has been narrowing in recent years, with airlines providing more service and perks for business class passengers. But airlines, jet models, and routes contribute to differences between these two seat classes and what's on offer, so be sure to check with the airline you intend to fly with to find out what's included. That said, flying first class still tends to afford the greatest luxury, if you can afford it.
