Most common problems of airlines when booking a business class flight?
Business class flights offer high quality in-air service. In terms of offering this travel class is the second best air travel class after first class. Business class flights offer passengers wide variety of high level amenities and services that can make every customer pampered and special.
On business class flights you are going to find latest technological advancements as:
- upgraded reclining seats
- inbuilt large TV screens on the seats
- noise-canceling headphones
- extendable trays for eating and working
- rich menu with free drinks and high quality foods
- essentials kits
- complementary cosmetics
- slippers and even more
Traveling on business class offers you also some perks like:
- priority check-in and baggage claim
- priority landing
- free access to a lounge area
- on board bars with alcoholic beverages and snacks depending on the air carrier
On some business class flights you can even find seats that can become suit-like spaces or whole cabins offering more privacy and quiet time for each passenger.
However, as it can happen with other travel classes, you can experience some inconveniences when traveling on business class too. And they make you wonder if the extra cost for a business class seat, use of mile points and all the offered ground and in-flight services are truly worthy.
If you are flying on business class you should consider some common issues that can come up when you choose to travel on business class flights.
Each carrier offers a unique set of services on their business class flights and business class is more than just comfortable plush seats that offer more space. Besides technological amenities like touch screens some airlines offer slippers, sleeping suits, luxury sets of amenities, cosmetics, pajamas, wash bags on their business class flights.
Is an upgrade to a business class really worthy?
Business class offers very passenger a sense of exclusiveness and a unique experience. If you can afford it , then you should not hesitate to book a seat on a business class flight.
You definitely won’t regret it. Otherwise economy and premium economy class are also a good option for those who want a budget-friendly air travel.
What are the common obstacles when booking a business class flight?
You should know that business class isn’t for everyone so consider these cons of traveling on business class before booking your next flight.
Overbooked flights
During your air travel you will certainly come across business class flights that are fully booked. Because there is a big competition for better seats, you will find yourself urged to book way in advance.
Remember that the fact you have chosen to travel on business class doesn’t mean that you will arrive earlier at your destination than the rest of the passengers. Business class flights only offer you the advantage of be among those who first get on board and leave the plane.
High ticket price
Another main disadvantage of flying on business class is the price of course. Depending on the air carrier some business class flights fall in the category of luxury travel and you need to have your reasons to want to fly on this travel class.
Premium services are available on business class flights and that is why this travel class is so expensive. A ticket for a business class flight can cost three or four times more than a ticket for an economy class. Unless you use air miles or get advantage of special business class flight deals.
And sometimes this additional expense for air travel isn’t worth making if you don’t actually need the services offered on business class. So consider your specific needs and decide whether you really need to splurge on a business class ticket. Business class flights can be costly and that is why we need to make research in advance for some discounted business class flights or sales.
Flight duration doesn’t change
If your flight has a considerably short duration, then paying for a business class flight isn’t much of a budget-friendly option. Remember that not all business class flights are the same and the services they offer vary from a company to a company. The services on business class flights also vary depending on the type of flight (if it’s domestic or international) and the choice airline company.
Not a kids-friendly place
If you are going on a family trip and taking your kids with you, business class flights may not be the best option for you. Solo travelers are the most common users of business class services as they use the advantage of having personal space and the ability to work in a quiet and peaceful environment.
As its name suggests, business class is created mainly for business travelers who fly long hours and want a comfortable and peaceful spot that will allow them to rest during the flight and even get some work done.
If you want to travel with your kids on business class, consider whether they can behave for a few hours, be quiet and don’t cause disturbance to the other passengers. For example, a couple is more likely to enjoy the convenience of business class travel than a family with four kids.
Unnecessary for short duration flights
Business class is an excellent option for long haul flights as the super comfortable lie-fat seats it features allows you to catch on your sleep as you fly.
The seats that become beds and the variety of amenities make any long flight more bearable and add up to the whole pleasant travel experience. They have wider arm rests, leg rests and more legroom in comparison to the seats on premium economy and third class.
But if your flight isn’t going to be long haul then the investment in a business class ticket isn’t going to pay off.
Flight disruption
Flying on business class doesn’t give you insurance against delays. Flight disruption means that your flight is delayed and you arrive at your destination couple of hours later than the scheduled arrival time.
But fortunately passengers of delayed flights get a compensation of up to 600€ by the airline company according to EU Regulation 261/2004. This compensation is not a refund. It’s not accessed on the basis of the ticket price and it’s a fixed sum.
The truth is you can have bad travel experience at any travel class. As it happens with all technology appliances, touchscreens can either fail to work properly or they are folded back by the cabin crew at a given moment.
And this moment can be right when you are watching a movie. So what’s the point of having a TV screen on your seat which you cannot watch? And don’t forget the fact that some TV screens on business class aren’t visible when the seat is reclined.
Not enough storage space
Many of you will agree that having a personal spot to store your belongings is an important detail during any flight. Every person brings some stuff with them on the plane.
Individual lockers for your clothes, baggage, travel essentials, headphones, etc.-these should be available in business class seating.
As business class is considered one of the best types of luxury air travel, it’s necessary to provide you with plenty of storage space. But sometimes business class flights doesn’t offer much storage space for the passengers.
Besides storage, you can’t be always happy with the design of the business class seats too. Not all business class seats are made equal. Some have little trays for drinks that stick out and are placed at inconvenient spots creating more discomfort than convenience.
Seats that aren’t upgraded
Another possible downside of being on a business class flight is that you can find the seats aren’t truly matching the new business class seat standards. You may come across a company that didn’t got their seats upgraded and they are old technology.
The seats may go from one position to another too quickly-sitting, reclining, lying, and you may find trouble in setting your seat to your desirable position quickly and easily.
Having the option to rest your feet on a leg rest during a long flight is great, but if this leg rest is too small then it’s not so comfortable having your feet squeezed in a tight space. At some business class flights you can find that leg rests of the seats were in fact created for small kids.
Not too quick baggage handling
Most airline companies offer fast baggage handling and fast track security but the speed of these services varies from company to company.
Stares
When you are boarding the airplane first, you are very likely to get some stares from other passengers who are traveling on economy class and waiting in line. Unlike them, you don’t need to wait and you can get on board way before them, take your upgraded seat and enjoy a glass of champagne.
Using the tech amenities
Due to cases of theft in the past, airline companies decided to increase the security control over the offered technologies on board.
Business class flights feature latest headphone models which are quite expensive and for this reason flight attendants keep an eye on the passengers and their actions.
Everyone who uses the headphones for too long can be seen as a potential thief. But sometimes this overprotection can make you feel like a criminal despite the fact that you just want to enjoy your music during the flight. This can really spoil your overall experience on business class.