Differences Between Business and First Class
Both first class and business class flights offer premium quality of services and amenities to passengers that make them feel special and guarantee them a pleasant air travel experience.
No matter if you travel on business or leisure, first class and business class flights provide you with everything you need.
First and business class fall in the category of luxury travel and offer high level of comfort, convenience, privacy and personal attention from the flight attendants. They offer different high quality services and amenities that give every passenger a sense of exclusivity and makes them feel pampered.
Choosing first or business class flights allows you to rest, sleep or be productive in your job during your flight. You can fly in a comfortable and convenient way without missing on your projects or experiencing the unpleasant effect of jet lag.
If you want to feel comfortable and rested during your flight then the best choice for you is to choose one of those air travel classes.
Although business class and first class flights share many similarities, they are pretty much different from each other. Both business and first class offer:
- super comfortable seats
- plenty of legroom
- additional luggage storage by the seat
- quality meals and drinks
- perks like priority luggage handling
- quick airport check-in and boarding
- free lounge area access
Unlike regular economy and business class flights that offer considerably different amenities and services, the differences between business class and first class are slight but they are still noticeable.
Depending on the route, the airplane model and the airline, first class generally offers more services and amenities than business class. The differences are also determined by factors like date of the flight and travel time. In general, first class on international flights is always better than business class.
What are the differences between business and first class flights?
Price
The cost is probably one of the most stark differences between these two types of air travel classes. Tickets For first class flights cost twice as much as business class tickets.
Seats
Both air travel classes offer highly comfortable seats that are ideal for people who travel on long-haul flights. Being able to sleep during any type of flight is really important especially if you are business traveller and you have job responsibilities to fulfil and meetings to attend.
First class seats
First class on most international flights offers seats with a 180 degree recline. The seat dimensions of first class seats are bigger than those of business class seats by 10 to 30 inches of legroom and 1-2 inches of width.
First class seats are made to be ultra comfortable thanks to the latest seat design innovations. They make it possible for first class seats to turn into private apartments.
Business class seats
On the other hand, business class also offers very comfortable seats with plenty of legroom and wide armrests. But you may not find seats that become fully lie-flat on some business class flights, they just recline to a certain degree.
They offer some type of combination between a seat and a bed. And business class seats also don’t offer the same level of privacy as first class seats. This is determined mainly by the cabin’s configuration.
Business class is becoming increasingly better and airlines try to improve regularly their business class seats. The main reason for this is that the market demand for business class flights is increasing as many people recognize the many advantages business class flights offer.
We are not saying that first class is bad. Each air travel class offers its benefits. The point is business class is now better than before and it offers quality air travel services that are also budget –friendly.
The differences between first and business class are especially notable on international flights. This makes them an attractive option for those travelers who want comfort but also want to fly on a budget.
Business class seats have a high-angle recline that start from 150 to 170 degrees, but they don’t turn into fully flat beds. And this makes them unsuitable for people who cannot sleep while sitting.
You should know that not all business class or first class seats are the same. Air carriers design their airplanes according to the market demand. One air company may have three or four different cabin configurations on its airplanes.
First class seats offer more privacy than business class seats because some air companies offer on their flights seats that become not only fully flat beds but private apartments.
They have a recline of 180-degree and lie-flat technology that allows them to fold out into a horizontal position.
No matter which air travel class you will choose, don’t forget to check in advance what is the seat layout of the airplane you are going to fly on. This will help you determine if a first or business class flight suits your preferences when it comes to comfort or privacy.
Amenities
First class offer a higher number of amenities and services than business class.
But it’s true that business class has experienced considerable changes in the recent years and it continues to improve. Business class on international flights is almost the same as first class on domestic flights.
Services
Both first and business class offer premium quality on-ground and in-flight services. First class flights offer more on-ground services than business class.
Both air travel classes offer their customers an exclusive airport lounge access. But first class passengers can get a free limousine transfer service to and from the airport.
Both first class and business class flights also offer flyers services like concierge luggage handling. But first class passengers probably receive more quick services such as priority check-in, luggage handling and personal transport to the airport or to their own terminal as well as security services.
First class airport lounges really raise the level by offering:
- special shopping zones
- entertainment centers
- conference rooms
- computer area with fast Wi-Fi
- cigar lounges
- kids daycare
All these services make passengers’ flight a lot more bearable and relaxing. It allows them to either rest, refresh or get some work done.
On certain flights first class travelers can find private rooms where they can relax.
When it comes visual and audio entertainment, both first and business class offer built-in TV screens on each seat. On business class they are 10-13 inches and on first class – 15-20 inches .The industry standards for first class flight amenities are higher than those for business class flights.
Foods and drinks
The foods and drinks menu on first class flights is better than the menu on business class flights with no doubt. First class offers a richer variety of in-flight full-course meals and drinks than business class.
Business class meals are still delicious and prepared with care, but first class meals are of higher quality and they are more exquisite.
Business class offers restaurant level meals, while the meals of first class are similar to those offered at restaurants with Michelin stars. Only first class offers multi-course meals and à la carte option.
Sometimes an award-winning chefs decide the menu on first class flights. The wines on first class flights can be picked out by master sommelier. On first class flight you can enjoy exquisite gourmet meals, rich selection of wines and spirits.
Some first class and business class cabins offer bars on board that offer alcoholic drinks. On some first class flights you are offered before-dinner or before-flight alcoholic drinks unlike business class.
Perks
Both first and business class offer convenient options to customers such as quick check-in, transfer to the airport and priority luggage handling. However, there are some differences.
Waiting lounges
One of the greatest perks both first and business class flights offer is an exclusive lounge access. Some air carriers even offer their first class passengers the convenience to skip the main terminal and get their own.
They are transported to their airplane by a personal chauffeur from the airport lounge. The main purpose of airport lounges is to offer customers great level of comfort, privacy and allow them to have a relaxing time before their long flight.
Some first class lounges even offer passengers services like hairdresser and nail salons, massage studios, spa therapies, kids playground and even the option to use a bathroom with a shower before your flight.
Airport lounges of first and business class vary depending on many factors. Business class lounges are more simple in offering than first class waiting lounges. They offer amenities that allow travelers to rest or work while waiting for their flight. These are comfortable chairs, high-speed Wi-Fi, drinks and snacks bar.
Some air carriers offer house lounges or clubs that offer foods, drinks, workspaces with Wi-Fi to both business and first class passengers.
But sometimes the same airport lounge is used for first and business class passengers.
When it comes to luxury and supreme quality, nothing beats first class service offering. But as airline companies are investing in the improvement of their business class flights, they are also a good choice. Business class flights are especially suitable for those who fly on a budget.
As the difference between first and business class vary depending on the air carrier, always research first before booking your flight.
Attention from flight attendants staff
First and business class passengers receive more attention from the airplane staff than regular economy flyers. That’s because the staff-to –passenger ratio is different for each travel class. For first class it is one crew member per four passengers, and for business class the ratio is one crew member per 6-8 passengers.
