Business class vs first class

It’s time to take a long-haul flight, and you’re trying to decide between business class vs first class. There’s a lot to consider. Depending on your role, you may not have access to business class or first class fares as part of your travel policy. In the case of executives, you may be able to decide which one suits you better, especially if you’re traveling a long distance.

We will look at business class and first class travel in more detail, looking at United Airlines, American Airlines, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa to get a better understanding of the difference and what’s right for you. 

What is business class vs first class?

Both business class and first class vary tremendously depending on the airline you’re flying, and also if you’re flying domestically or internationally. While United States airlines refer to first class generally as the highest class available on an airline when flying within the continental USA, on international flights, the highest class available may be business class. This differs on non-US airlines for whom the top class is generally listed as first class. 

Business class was initially developed, as the name suggests, for business travelers, making it a more comfortable experience, with more leg room, and even offering the possibility to fully extend your seat to sleep comfortably on an overnight flight. You will generally have better meals, access to an airport lounge and priority check-in as well as tons of leg room. 

The luxuriousness of first class is not to be underestimated. While only a few seats are usually available (if they are even available at all), which means you can expect luxury. Menus may be designed by gourmet chefs with wine pairings, and you will have access to a premium lounge. You may even have a turndown service. Of course, offerings will depend on the airline you fly with. 

Is it worth flying on first class or business class when traveling for business?

For businesses, flying on first class might be a bit too costly. First thing to check before reserving a business class or first class ticket is your travel policy, which should clearly lay out flight permissions. Sometimes travel policies will allow you to travel by business class if you have a flight longer than a certain amount of hours or if you have meetings shortly after your flight to ensure you are rested. Oftentimes, executives and C-levels will have more freedom to book the flights they deem fit.

The 5 main differences between business class and first class

Dining

While first class often has a great range of gourmet meals, with menus being designed by world-class chefs, business class will also have high-quality meals, but they might not be as high-end as first class. First class may even have caviar service and premium wines and top-shelf liquors.

Price

Price is another big differentiating factor between the two classes. Whereas business class ranges from approximately $3000 to $5000 for an international ticket, first class can go all the way up to $12,000 depending on the airline and where you’re traveling to. A lot of time prices will fluctuate depending on the airport you are flying to and from and whether you are traveling to Europe, Asia or Oceania.

Quality of service

One of the standouts between first class and business class is the service. No matter what, you will have a major service upgrade when compared to economy class, but first class will likely have dedicated staff or concierge service.

Seats and space

The differences in seats and space will vary tremendously on the airline. Some airlines may have fully enclosed cabins for international flights, where seats can be converted into beds, and even with doors for extra privacy. On very long-haul flights, there may even be a separate floor for first class. Business class is also extra roomy, but might not have as much privacy and space may be a little less than first class.

Lounge access 

Lounges may be the same for business and first class, although some airlines and some airports may have exclusive first class lounges, with private rooms, a restaurant and spa service. Business lounges are designed to make business travelers comfortable and allow them to work, but with a little less exclusivity. 

Difference between first class and business class on different airlines

Now that we’ve looked at the main differences between first class and business class, let’s look at differences between airlines.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers Polaris business class, which is the highest level of service. They have exclusive bedding, noise canceling headphones and multiple course meals. First class is available on some domestic routes within the United States with larger seats. 

American Airlines

American Airlines Flagship Business class is available on international flights, with lie-flat seats, priority boarding, premium dining and access to Flagship lounges. For First class, they offer a private dining area within the lounges, and upgraded dining within flight.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa business class offer lie-flat seats and are comfortable and spacious with a great business lounge. First class offers seats that can be converted into beds, gourmet cuisine, featuring a great selection of wines and champagnes. First class passengers can even access a special First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, with a great lounge and a private driver to the plane. 

Qatar Airways

Qatar’s business class (Qsuite) is one industry leader for long-haul routes. QSuites feature private doors, customizable seating arrangements depending on who you’re traveling with and dine-on-demand. First class is only offered on A380 airplanes, with large seats and spacious accommodations. The lounge in Doha features a spa, dining and hotel-like rooms. 

First class vs business class – which is better?

Summing it all up, when it comes to traveling for business and planning a business trip, business class is probably your best option. While first class is quite luxurious, it is also very expensive. Business class, designed with business travelers in mind, may just be enough to ensure your business travelers stay productive and arrive well-rested, ready to do business.