Want to escape the aspects of Economy Class air travel, but intimidated by the cost of a First Class fare? You’re not the only person to ponder this state of affairs, but Business Class offers an affordable middle ground between enduring the cramped conditions of Economy Class and breaking your budget in first.
Have you considered flying Business Class instead? It might not be quite as opulent or extravagant, but Business Class has been designed to meet the needs of most modern business travellers, with luxury and comfort in mind.
Here’s what Business Class has to offer:
A Worthwhile Alternative to First Class
While there are still exceptional First Class experiences these days (such as on Etihad Airways, which recently launched its First Class Apartments), many airlines have amenities in Business Class that closely mirror the offerings in First Class.
From lie-flat beds to in-flight bars and skincare products, you receive excellent value for an experience that is elevated above Economy Class, while coming very close to what First Class passengers enjoy.
With First Class customers representing a decent portion of airline profits, why is it that the experience of Business Class is beginning to resemble First Class in almost every respect?
Improvements in Business Class Perks
Over the past decade, competition for new passengers in Business Class has increased dramatically. This has had the effect of driving innovation between competing airlines in a bid to woo executives away from their contemporaries.
The pool of customers at the very top of the income scale is limited by their small demographic size (there’s a reason that they’re referred to as the 1%).
However, there is a greater pool of capital available in the form of corporations, who routinely send their sales executives, CEOs, and other specialist employees abroad to do their bidding in emerging and mature markets.
With many businesses choosing to be more economical with their budgets after the financial crisis, some airlines have therefore chosen to abandon lavish First Class cabins in favour of an upgraded Business Class offering. For example, if you fly on the new Qatar Airways A350 you won’t find a First Class cabin, but you will be treated to a Business Class offering that includes dine-on-demand meals and pyjamas to change into before bed.
First and Business Class Differentiated by Bells and Whistles
Let’s be honest here: there are distinct differences between First and Business Class. However many of these superior amenities can be considered to be cosmetic and are incremental improvements compared to those offered in Business Class.
Your lie-flat bed might be a bit more comfortable in First Class, your meals a little more fancy, and the attention paid to you a bit more courteous, but Business Class still offers a very comfortable experience.
In business, you still get a lie-flat bed that allows you to have a relaxing sleep on a red-eye flight, the food you’ll get will still be high quality, and on many airlines these days, you’ll still get a glass of champagne prior to take-off.
This is also true for Business Class on the ground. Many airlines have Business Class lounges that are almost as equally lavish as First Class options at origin and destination airports. Some airlines offer a chauffeur-driven car service to whisk you to the airport, and usually you’ll receive perks such as dedicated check-in, security fast-track, lounge access, priority boarding and priority baggage. Yes you might get a larger baggage allowance in First Class, but the allowance in Business Class is still very generous. For example, with 40kg in Business Class versus 50kg in First Class on Emirates, you’re still able to travel with a large amount of belongings and even bring back some souvenirs on the way home.
Convinced that a Business Class ticket is the one for you? SkyClub can arrange Business Class tickets at the best possible prices, as well as offering excellent after sale help to ensure your trip goes without a hitch. Call 0207 255 1234 or use the online form for cheaper Business Class fares.
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