Ok: I have a confession to make. I think I’m addicted to business class.
Now hear me out. I’m talking in more practical terms here. It is not as if I’ve clouded myself in visions of being surrounded by couture, opulence, and champagne. Or have I?
The Cost
Let’s get one thing clear first: it will almost always (read 98.5%) cost more to fly business class than it will to fly in coach. I’m not counting those frequent-flyer upgrades, I’m talking about just buying the ticket. And yes, if you look on the face of it, business can be several times the price of the economy. However, if you do your homework you can often get a good deal. Some tips:
- Check with a travel agent I don’t normally use travel agents, but have found that consistently for business class travel, many of them get some pretty good fares. Shop around and be sure to check what they offer you with what you can find online, then go with the best offer.
- Consolidator Fares are your Friend There are tons of online shops offering consolidator fares – just type the keyword into google and you’ll find loads of choice. You’ll also find good recommendations on the frequent flyer form FlyerTalk, such as this post about United Airlines consolidators. Keep in mind consolidators usually focus on one region, such as flights out of Hong Kong, or flights out of the UK.
- Travel off Peak You’d do the same in the back of the wagon, and the same rules apply. My last trip I travelled Thursday – Wednesday and saved about half the price if I had travelled on Friday and returned on Sunday. When there is less demand you’ll find extra seats.
The Practicalities
For me it’s really worth it to travel business. Here’s why:
- You can actually sleep I don’t know about you but I’m pretty tall, and I sleep on my side, so trying to relax and sleep off-schedule in a coach seat is next to impossible, regardless of how many refills I’ve had on the red wine.
- Lounge access on connections Forget the expensive club memberships, they don’t offer you much if you’re travelling a short flight. However, access to a meal, drinks, and a shower after a long haul flight can mean the difference between being awake or being dead when you arrive.
- Top of the list when problems occur Inevitably, problems happen. Flights don’t arrive, are delayed, or otherwise. If you’re a business class passenger, you are at the front of the queue to get your problems remedied. Let’s hope this is a benefit that you don’t end up having to use.
Don’t upgrade for these reasons
I wouldn’t upgrade if you’re looking for better food, a quieter cabin, or easier access to the toilets. You’ll not get any of these in business. Ok, so perhaps these things are marginally better but make sure you’re upgrading for the right reasons.
Time for your opinion
What’s your view? Is business class an over hyped extravagance, or do you get what you pay for?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have usually (not always) had much better food experiences in Business class, but I take your point about having the right reasons.
Sleeping is key. With an eye mask and a pair of earplugs, you can get a pretty decent night’s sleep in a Business seat. And it’s only getting better. I just flew on a newly-outfitted United 767 and the Business class seats were very similar to the slightly older International First seats, with the key feature being a true lay-flat bed setting.
In my view, International First is “an over-hyped extravagance.” Yes, the seats are even cushier than Business, the food is better (though still not always good), and the wine list is higher-end, but the jump in comfort from Business to First is tiny compared to the enormous leap from Economy to Business. And since Business is a bargain compared to First class seats, you really do get what you pay for.
Thanks for the comments, J. I think my real point about the food in Business is while it can be better, sometimes it is hit or miss just like it is back in cattle class.
I completely agree with your view on International First.