It’s not the destination that’s important, but the journey. The Great American essayist may not have been talking about first class air travel when he came up with the now-cliched phrase in 1800. He could have been.
First class and business travel aren’t just on opposite ends of the plane from each other when it comes to comfort, food, and service. They are also usually on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to these things. In fact, flying in business or first class can be a lot of fun, which isn’t always the case with a coach. But since both first class and business class offer a premium experience, passengers may wonder what the difference is between them.
There are four main variances between the two: seats, food and drink, lounges, and service, to name a few.
The biggest difference between first class and business class is the size of your seat. Many of the best airlines have first-class suites with sliding doors, privacy panels, and bigger chairs. There will be a more standard layout for business class seats, but they will be much bigger and have a lot more room. They will also have the option to make their seats into beds.
When it comes to eating on a plane, both business and first class will have better food than economy class. First-class passengers, depending on the airline, may get silver service, with menus like lobster and fillet steak not uncommon.
A first class ticket gets you inside the finest airport lounges, with à la carte cuisine, complimentary champagne, and spa and shower facilities. You may not be able to utilize all the first class amenities. Business class may occasionally get you into first class lounges.
The final major distinction between first and business class is service. With just 14 first class seats on most international flights, VIPs will be pampered. They’ll usually be the first through check-in, security, and bag drop, but business class passengers will follow closely.
It’s not always easy to notice the difference between first and business class on various airlines, but Elite Traveler has compiled a list of five of the largest.
The first class
When you fly first class on British Airways Boeing 777, you get to enjoy a large, private suite with a memory foam mattress topper and 400 thread count sheets. Every little thing has been thought out, from the designer crockery, silverware, and glasses to the complimentary Temperley loungewear and “his and hers” Elemis amenity bags given to passengers.
It has signature dishes like pan-fried stone bass and aged Herefordshire beef, and it comes with wine, champagne, and cocktails that you can choose from at any time.
At both London Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York JFK Terminal 7, there’s a first-class lounge called the Concorde Room. It’s the most luxurious of all. First-class passengers can only use this area, which has private booths, full waiter service, private cabanas, and an ultra-modern business suite.
The business class
It’s not the only difference between flying first class and business class on British Airways. The Concorde Room lounges aren’t the only thing that makes a difference between them. For the most part, business class passengers will be in a seat instead of a “suite.” However, on some flights, the airline is offering its new “Club Suite,” which gives passengers first-class levels of privacy.
All passengers will get 200 thread count bedding, toiletries from The White Company, and four-course meals, as well as BA’s signature afternoon tea on some flights.
As an example, Executive Class, or Business Class, is an improved version of economy class at Aerolíneas Estelar. You’ll enjoy greater comforts, more legroom, and a higher level of service at the airport. Only while travelling on the Airbus A340-300 will you be able to make use of this feature.
