What are the Differences between Business and First Class?

First class and business class are the pinnacles of a premium flying experience. Everything from the seats to service is top-notch. It’s no secret that these classes are far superior to the regular economy and premium economy. Even though business and first class might sound similar, there are some fundamental differences that set these two apart. Before we differentiate them, let’s get to know them a bit better:

Business vs. First class

As you know, first class is the most premium and pricey option available when it comes to flying in style. You get the very best in comfort, entertainment and service when flying first class. On the other hand, business class is a step below and can be considered a lighter edition of the first class.

Regardless of whichever of these classes you fly, the experience will be far superior to flying economy. With that being said, we will be breaking down the key differences between first class and business class. You’ll get to know about cabins, meals, entertainment and more.

Origins of Business and First class

With the advent of the 1970s, plane sizes began to grow. This meant that airlines could introduce newer and better classes for high paying customers. Pan Am was one of the first airlines to debut the first class experience. Moreover, Qantas and British Airways were among the first to launch the business class in the late 70s.

During that time, business classes weren’t that fancy. It was a touch above economy since companies wanted to give their employees a better experience without breaking the bank. However, after the 1990s, the gap between first class and business class began to close as the latter went through upgrades. Business classes began to get fully reclining seats and better meals in a bid to challenge the first class.

That being said, let’s check out the differences between these two classes:

The Differences between the Two

Checking in and boarding

Both business and first class will have an exclusive check-in counter for their passengers. These counters usually have a small queue since the number of premium flyers are less. Furthermore, the luggage of these passengers will also be tagged as a priority.

However, business class flyers usually get two checked bags while first class flyers get three. Passengers belonging to the latter category will also receive their luggage first and disembark before business class flyers do.

Lounge access

Depending on which airlines you choose, the lounge access and experience will vary. Many of them will have a separate lounge for first class flyers with à la carte meals and exclusive champagne. Alternatively, business class passengers get a buffet and some other perks in their lounge. Some airlines might even have the same lounge for both categories of flyers and offer them the exact same facilities.

Seat spacing and cabin

This is where things start to really differ. For first class, passengers get a spacious pod with a comfortable bed and privacy blinds. They have highs storage space and sliding cabin doors to restrict access, if needed. It is truly the best in-flight experience.

Business class passengers can expect something similar. Their seats usually recline to form a flat bed and spacing between seats is very decent. However, they lack the sliding doors and privacy compared to their first class counterparts.

Amenities

Both classes receive the finest plush pillows and blankets available. First class even has a mattress pad, which makes the bed even more comfortable. The cabin crew will even assist passengers in setting up their mattress, when requested. However, these features are absent in business class.

Moving on, the hygiene kits and toiletries will be the same high-end products for both categories. But, first class passengers get nice, comfy pyjamas as a big bonus.

Oh, and one more thing: first class on Emirates and Etihad airways even have showers! How cool is that?

Entertainment options

First class passengers get a larger entertainment screen with free Wi-Fi and charging ports as compared to business class flyers. But, the collection of films and games are pretty much the same for both classes.

Business passengers usually need to pay extra for using the Wi-Fi but, it’s free on a few select airlines.

Food and drinks

Generally speakinYou can expect gourmet meals with multiple courses in either business or first class. There will be some extra options in first class. For example, they might have two starters choice along with caviar while their business counterparts won’t.

Proper champagne is served in both classes along with a good range of wines. The quality of these beverages might be better in first class, depending on which airlines you fly on.

Service and staff

Since the number of passengers is less, first class flight attendants will always address them by name and make sure to give them a personalized experience. Additionally, passengers also enjoy frequent refills of their drinks along with other services.

The approach in business class is a bit more toned down. With more passengers to take care of, business class attendants won’t address customers by name and offer fewer refills. You might have to wait a while before getting the attention of said attendants.

Mileage earned

You might be able to earn up to 75% in bonus miles along with 100% base miles flown as a first class passenger. Alternatively, there are little bonuses when it comes to being a business class flyer.

Regardless of the prices, first class tickets are a great way to earn a lot of miles, which can be traded for future tickets. If you are a frequent business class flyer, it’s a good idea to save your miles and redeem it for a first class ticket in the future.

Pricing Plans

Airfare

None of the business or first class tickets comes cheap. A general rule of thumb is that, a business class seat is roughly equal to four times the price of an economy seat. Moreover, a first class seat is almost eight times the cost of an economy seat! You can imagine the prices you need to pay to get on the business and first class of airlines.

Airlines usually release tickets a year in advance for these premium classes. Hence, the earlier you book, the more chances you have of getting a better deal. If you’re looking to book in short notice, then be ready to pay a hefty sum for these tickets. Ideally, you should target booking 3 months in advance of flying either class. Make sure to browse a few websites before choosing a deal.

Upgrade options

Most of the airlines will allow passengers to upgrade at the airport. This is applicable when they have remaining seats that haven’t been sold. Hence, if you arrive early and search around for an upgrade, you might just get one.

Upgrading right before boarding is a good way to get discounted deals since the airlines want to maximize their seating capacity. Plus, there are a number of factors that increase your chances of getting an upgrade. For instance, having less baggage, being dressed smartly and travelling without any companions or dependents.

Redeeming mileage

This is another way you can upgrade to a better seat. However, all the airlines have certain rules as to how you can upgrade with miles. It’s best to go through these rules on their respective websites and plan on how to maximize on redeeming your mileage.

Final Verdict

Altogether, nothing beats flying first class during a long-haul international flight. The style and elegance is simply unmatched. There was a time when there was a big difference between business and first class. Thankfully, due to rapid innovations, the gap between the two is lessening every day.

Business class still has a few areas to catch up. Unlike first class, their passengers don’t get a private pod with free Wi-Fi and flight attendants catering to their every whim. But, the experience is reasonably close to that of first class and it certainly beats getting stuck with many passengers on the economy.

Make sure to book your tickets in advance and search for the best business and first class deals. Please note that last-minute upgrades at the gate are uncertain and you may not get them. Whichever method you choose, you will be able to avoid paying four to eight times the price of economy tickets.