I’m a frequent flyer who’s not that keen on flying. But give me fast-track security, a business lounge, a flatbed seat and a glass of champagne, and I’m like a pig in clover.
It’s business class for me for any flight over six hours.
However, not all business-class products are equal, and it pays to do your homework before you hand over your hard-earned bucks. Here’s what I actually look at when choosing a business class flight.
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What to Look For When Choosing a Business Class Flight
A business class ticket buys you a dedicated check-in desk, fast-track security, priority boarding and a bigger baggage allowance where the airline supports them, plus extra miles and tier points if you’re in a frequent flyer scheme.
But the real reason to fly business class is comfort and service: a spacious seat, better food, and a lounge to sit in before you board. What you don’t want is to spend the best part of a month’s salary on a cramped cabin, patchy service and mediocre food.
This is what I look for when choosing a business class flight
- Seat comfort
- Cabin configuration
- Onboard service
- Business lounge
- Availability of a chauffeur service
I’ll go through each of those first, then convenience, cost and loyalty schemes.
1. The Seat
There are business class seats, and then there are business class seats. They range from fully lie-flat beds down to old-style cradle seats and, on some short-haul routes, little more than an economy seat with.
For long-haul flying, look for a fully lie-flat seat. British Airways introduced them in the early 2000s and they’re now the norm, though plenty of airlines are still flying older cabins, so it’s worth checking before you book.
Within lie-flat seats, the layout matters almost as much as the recline. A herringbone or staggered seat angled away from the aisle gives you more privacy than an older forward-facing pair. Some airlines have gone further and built suites with sliding doors, the kind of seat you’d once only find in first class.
I’ve flown Qatar Airways’ QSuite many times, and British Airways’ Club Suite to Mauritius, both suites with doors, and there’s no going back once you’ve tried one. Other carriers that offer suites include Delta, Japan Airlines, Korean Air and Oman Air.
2. Cabin Configuration
Two things matter here: how many seats are crammed into the cabin, and whether you can reach the aisle without climbing over your neighbour.
aeroLOPA has maps for almost any aircraft, so check the configuration before you book. The layout to look for is 1-2-1, which gives every passenger direct aisle access.
American Airlines, Iberia, Emirates and Qatar have this on many of their planes. Some United, Swiss and Virgin Atlantic aircraft go a step further with 1-1-1 configuation.
British Airways (BA) is the exception. Much of its fleet still runs a 2-4-2 layout, though the airline’s ongoing refit that will bring aisle access to every seat. It’s worth checking BA’s current fleet page for your route before you fly.
You should also consider whether the airline charges for seat reservations.
Also check whether the airline charges for seat selection. Most let business class passengers pick their seat free at booking, but BA charges at least £60 for the privilege unless you hold Silver Executive Club status or above.
3. Onboard Service
This covers customer service, food and drink, the entertainment system, amenity kits and bedding. These vary a lot between airlines, and while they’re rarely the deciding factor, they shape how the flight actually feels.
4. The Business Lounge
The lounge is one of the best parts of flying business class, and worth carving out time for, rather than rushing straight to the gate.
The best lounges tend to be at the airline’s home airport or a major hub. BA and Virgin Atlantic both throw in a complimentary spa treatment at some locations.
But lounge access isn’t guaranteed everywhere, London City Airport has none, so check the airline’s website before you fly.
5. Chauffeur Service
Some airlines throw in a free limousine transfer for business class passengers, though many exclude promotional fares or limit it to certain routes. Emirates has the most generous version, with a decent mileage allowance and few restrictions.
I used it on a trip to Abu Dhabi, with a free taxi from their Dubai hub.
6. Convenience
Think about what matters to you. A non-stop flight, or one with a break where you can at least stretch your legs?
Either way, avoid a needlessly long routing or a connection with an airline outside the operating carrier’s network. Miss that connection and you’re on your own to sort it out.
7. Cost
Bagging a business class flight at a bargain price is viewed by many as the Holy Grail of luxury travel on a budget. But caveat emptor.
Outside sale periods, you generally get what you pay for. I’d rather pay a bit more for a better seat or a more convenient schedule than book the cheapest fare and end up in an old cabin with a long layover.
8. Loyalty Programs
Last, think about which airline schemes you already belong to. Flying with that airline, or a partner within its alliance, earns you miles and tier points on top of the flight itself.
It costs nothing to sign up to at least one frequent flyer scheme, so there’s no reason not to. Which one suits you depends on where you’re based and how you fly
I’m in the UK, so British Airways’ Executive Club, part of the One World alliance, works best for me, though it’s not as good as it used to be.
Is it Worth Flying Business Class?
Economy legroom keeps shrinking as airlines squeeze in more seats, which makes business class an easier call than it used to be.
Shorter flights are rarely worth the extra cost for more legroom and a glass or two of fizz. On long-haul, it’s worth every penny.
Turning left on boarding isn’t just for the wealthy or the frequent flyer with a stack of points any more. With some research and a bit of patience for sales, a decent business class fare might cost less than you think.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.