If you’re sick of the hassle of flying economy class, consider treating yourself to a better spot. Booking a seat in a premium cabin (business class, domestic first class, or international first class) significantly improves the flying experience. However, there is a noticeable difference between the cabins, so it’s important to know what to anticipate before booking. Find out everything there is to know about today’s airplanes’ first-class sections and the distinctions between first class and business class (first class vs. business class) right here.
First Class vs Business Class
Private aviation is more popular and widely available than ever before. While commercial aviation will never match the flexibility and exclusivity of flying private, it is vying for a share of the high-net-worth sector with commendable zeal. First and business-class services have greatly improved in the last decade to the point where they can be as comfortable and cost-effective as a jet.
However, there is a significant price difference between first and business class, with a ticket to first class frequently costing twice as much as a ticket to business. Is first class really worth the extra money? To find out, we decided to investigate the key distinctions between the two. We’ve divided this into four categories: seats, food and drink, lounges, and service.
The most noticeable difference between flying first class and business class the moment you step onto the plane is your seat. While business class passengers receive significantly more legroom than the economy and a fully reclining seat, first-class passengers are frequently treated to entire suites with fully closing sliding doors, extra comfy double beds, and massive entertainment screens.
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Although both business and first-class offer far superior culinary offerings than economy class, first-class passengers (depending on the airline) are frequently treated to silver service, with indulgent menus including lobster and fillet steak not uncommon.
A first-class ticket also grants you access to the best airport lounges, which frequently include à la carte dining, complimentary champagne, and luxury spa and shower facilities. Though business class passengers may have access to similar, if not the same, lounges as first-class passengers, they may not have access to all the top-tier amenities.
The final significant distinction between first and business class is usually found in the level of service. With only 14 first-class seats on most international flights, those traveling in the highest echelon will receive unparalleled service. They will also be the first through check-in and security and the first in line to pick up their luggage at the other end, though business class passengers will be close behind.
First vs. Business Class
#1. American Airlines Inc.
First-class service
Flying first class on America’s largest airline has numerous advantages. American Airlines’ Flagship First service is the company’s flagship product, and it is only available on international and select transcontinental routes.
The American Airlines Flagship First service is available on two aircraft models: the A321 Transcon and the Boeing 777 300 ER. Both have comfortable lie-flat seats measuring 21 to 21.5 inches wide, about 4 inches wider than economy class. With only eight Flagship First seats on the Boeing and ten on the A321, the staff is extra attentive, and the experience feels much more intimate than on many rival airlines.
Other perks include expedited check-in and boarding, chef-led menus, curated wine lists, and a comfy set of Casper pajamas waiting for you on board.
Business Class
American Airlines’ flagship business class product, Flagship Business, is probably better known. It is available on more aircraft, is frequently the highest-tier option on several routes, and provides numerous benefits. Though the seats are slightly smaller than Flagship First on some aircraft, they all lie flat on international flights, allowing you to get some much-needed shut-eye before landing.
Like first-class passengers, Flagship Business passengers have access to American Airlines’ five premium US Flagship lounges and the airline’s exclusive Heathrow arrivals lounge.
#2. British Airways
First Class
When you fly first class on British Airways, you get your spacious private suite with an expansive lie-flat seat, a memory foam mattress topper, and 400 thread count sheets. Every detail has been meticulously curated, from the designer crockery, silverware, and glassware to the complimentary Temperley loungewear and ‘his and hers’ Elemis amenity bags bestowed upon passengers.
Signature dishes such as pan-fried stone bass and aged Herefordshire beef are served alongside wine, champagne, and cocktails on the à la carte ‘Dine Anytime’ menu.
While there are numerous premier first-class lounges worldwide, the most luxurious is the elegant Concorde Room, which can be found at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York JFK Terminal 7. It is only available to first-class passengers and includes discreet booths, full waitperson service, private cabanas, and an ultra-modern business suite.
Business Class
The only difference between flying first class and business class on British Airways is access to the Concorde Room lounges. Business class passengers (for the most part) will have a seat rather than a suite, but the airline’s new ‘Club Suite’ is available on selected flights, offering passengers first-class levels of privacy.
Whether in a suite or a seat, all passengers will receive 200 thread count bedding, toiletries from lauded UK brand The White Company, four-course meals, and, on certain routes, BA’s signature afternoon tea.
#3. Emirates
First-class
The Emirates’ first-class offering has built a reputation for being one of the industry’s best, having won the Best First Class award at Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for the fourth year in a row.
Emirates’ first-class service, available on the A380 and the Boeing 777, is described as “as close to your own private jet as it gets.” They are not far off the mark. Both planes have luxuriously designed private first-class suites with large flat-screen TVs and sliding doors. Other perks include Bvlgari amenity kits and ultra-luxurious onboard cocktail lounges. Passengers on board the A380 will also have access to a shower spa.
Drinks and à la carte menu items include Dom Perignon and caviar, and dishes are served on Royal Doulton fine bone china.
The airline’s global network of lounges is also an industry standard, with the most luxurious of all located, predictably, in Dubai. First-class passengers will have access to a dedicated area complete with a spa and Le Clos wine cellar, much like a (very exclusive) terminal within a terminal.
Business Class
Emirates Business Class is among the most abundant in the industry. Though it does not quite match the dizzying levels of luxury found in Emirates first class, it does feature roomy lie-flat seats, a personal mini-bar, and similar Bvlgari amenity kits found in First Class.
The food and beverage options are excellent, and certain jets even have an onboard business-class cocktail lounge. Passengers are treated to regionally inspired gourmet menus served on the same Royal Doulton crockery as first class. Still, the Dom Perignon has been traded in for Moet & Chandon, and the caviar has made way for a selection of ‘light bites.’
#4. Singapore Airlines (SIA)
First-Class
Singapore Airlines Suite Class is possibly the pinnacle of commercial airline luxury. The lucky few who experience it can expect single and double en-suite rooms more akin to a luxury hotel. However, the airline’s first-class service is also noteworthy. The extra-wide fine leather seats, with a curved partition for added privacy, can fit nearly two people. Passengers will also find several luxury extras in their seating areas, such as leather-bound male and female amenity kits by Lalique.
Expect a full dining experience, including a curated selection of à la carte dishes from famous chefs, which can be reserved in advance through Singapore Airlines’ Book the Cook service. Everything from Cantonese roast duck to sautéed scallops and lobster thermidor is available. All dishes are expertly paired with fine wines, including Dom Pérignon, Krug, and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne.
Business Class
Business class seats are naturally smaller, but on international flights, all can recline into a bed crafted from soft leather and feature excellent storage for those in-flight essentials.
Passengers will receive Penhaligons amenity kits and can even use the ‘Book the Cook’ service on certain routes, making lobster thermidor a real possibility in business class. The wine selection is also excellent.
#5. Cathay Pacific
First-Class
When you fly Cathay Pacific, first class, every detail is taken care of to ensure your comfort, from the BOSE noise-canceling headsets to the selection of luxurious organic products to soothe and protect your skin. Passengers have their ultra-exclusive suite, which includes a seat that converts into a roomy, fully flat bed, an extra thick mattress, 600-thread count bedlinen, and a selection of soft pillows that will have you nodding off quickly.
And you won’t be disappointed when it comes to dining. The menu takes traditional Hong Kong flavors to new heights by utilizing only the finest ingredients sourced from ethical and sustainable producers. The pan-fried black cod with edamame and gremolata and the braised garoupa with bean curd and shitake mushrooms in a ginger and scallion sauce are standouts. The menu includes an impressive selection of top champagne cuvees served with addictive caviar blinis.
Business Class
While you won’t have your suite in business class, you will benefit from a comfortable seat that converts to a fully flat bed when you need to sleep. Bamford toiletries, slippers, and sleep masks are thoughtful touches contribute to a relaxing flight.
Passengers will also have access to Cathay Pacific’s premium lounges, where they can enjoy a modern menu with plenty of options. The wok-fried seafood in lobster broth with crispy and steamed rice is not to be missed.
Major Differences Between First Class & Business Class
Lounges for First Class vs. Business Class
Most airports on a first or business-class passenger’s itinerary provide access to a lounge.
Business class lounges have comfortable seating areas, workspaces, shower suites, a buffet with hot and cold food, an open bar, quiet areas for naps, and children’s play areas.
Airlines with an international first-class cabin almost always have their first-class lounge. First-class lounges typically provide similar amenities to business-class lounges but in a less crowded, often quieter environment with more personalized service. In addition, instead of a buffet, first-class lounges frequently provide a restaurant-style dining experience.
For example, the Air France La Premiere lounge at Paris CDG has a restaurant with table service serving Alain Ducasse dishes, whereas the business class lounge has a self-service buffet and bar.
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In some smaller cities with few daily flights, the first-class lounge could simply be a section of the business-class lounge with upgraded food and amenities. First-class passengers in larger cities can use a dedicated first-class lounge operated by the airline or one of its alliance partners. Lufthansa operates a dedicated First Class terminal in Frankfurt, with private security screening and private car transfers to departure gates.
First-class passengers connecting from other cities can also use the member clubs at the route’s stopovers. A passenger flying American Airlines Flagship First from Tampa to London with a stopover in Miami could use the Admirals Club in Tampa and the dedicated Flagship First lounge in Miami.
Boarding in First Class vs. Business Class
While business class passengers are among the first to board the plane, they must still wait in the terminal.
First-class passengers are typically escorted to the departure gate by a cart through the terminal or, at some airports, by a luxury sedan to planeside. First-class passengers may also have access to a dedicated jet bridge to the aircraft and may board first or last.
A flight attendant will often direct business class passengers to their seats at the boarding door. In contrast, first-class passengers will typically receive a more elaborate welcome, including being escorted to their seats, being introduced to the products onboard if they are unfamiliar, and having their flight preferences noted.
Seats in First Class vs. Business Class
With a few exceptions, premium cabin seats are divided into three types: recliner, lie-flat, and suite. There are subcategories within each of these, but these are the fundamentals.
A recliner seat is similar to a living room recliner, with a wider seat, more legroom than a standard seat, and a footrest. A lie-flat seat reclines to 180 degrees and has plenty of surrounding storage, whereas a suite has privacy walls or curtains around it and sometimes even more space.
Suites are quickly becoming the standard in first and business class, and many airlines offer them in both. The main distinction between them is the amount of personal space. On some airlines, first-class suites are larger versions of business-class seats, but the suites can be quite different on others.
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Both first and business-class passengers on Cathay Pacific’s 777-300 have lie-flat seats, but the first-class seat is longer and wider. They both have linens from the organic brand Bamford, but the first has a higher thread count and a variety of pillow types, and they’re prepared with a “calming pillow mist.”
On the Singapore Airlines A380, business class passengers have a semi-enclosed suite with a lie-flat seat, but first-class passengers have a suite with a static bed and a separate armchair—truly a suite. Singapore Airlines even distinguishes this as “Suites” from first class on other aircraft.
On the other hand, some airlines continue to use older versions of first-class products, such as first- or second-generation recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration, where window seats do not have direct aisle access. These layouts are becoming increasingly rare. However, it’s always a good idea to check the website or consult SeatGuru for detailed seat information and seat maps for the aircraft type planned to operate the flight before booking to avoid disappointment onboard.
Food and Beverage in First Class vs. Business Class
There isn’t much difference between first and business-class meal service on some airlines. The difference between other airlines can be significant. Because even business class cabins can have many passengers to feed simultaneously, service flow will generally resemble economy class: flight attendants dispense beverages and pre-plated meals on trays from aisle carts at a predetermined service time. Most airlines will serve an appetizer and salad to business class passengers before returning with another cart to serve main courses.
Meals in first class are frequently plated onboard and served on request rather than at a set time. Tables are also more commonly set, and plates are presented individually rather than on a set tray.
Food is also of the highest quality in first class. Many airlines, including Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines, serve caviar with traditional garnishes and pour high-end Champagnes like Dom Perignon, Bollinger, Krug, and Laurent Perrier. Many airlines will cook eggs to order in first class (Cathay Pacific has a specially designed frying pan in first class galleys).
Some airlines also allow you to pre-order specific entrees. While both business and first-class passengers typically have access to the service, the selection in first class is often more extensive.
Other Differences Between First and Business-Class Amenities
Airlines typically differentiate their amenity kits significantly between first and business-class cabins. The first-class amenity kits on SWISS contain products from the Swiss luxury spa brand La Prairie, whereas Victorinox designs the business-class amenity kits and contain more basic items. On Air France, business class kits include Clarins products, while first class kits include Carita amenities. On British Airways, The White Company is first, followed by Elemis.
Along with amenity kits containing personal care items, many airlines provide pajamas to passengers in both first and business class on long-haul overnight flights. Sizes and supplies are frequently limited, and first-class passengers have first dibs.
Some airlines have installed standup bars onboard, but only first and business-class passengers can access them.
Emirates stands out by providing first-class passengers with onboard shower suites on their A380 aircraft. The suites, which include Bvlgari bath amenities, can be reserved for 30 minutes (the water flow lasts only five minutes, but the remaining time is indicated).
Service in First Class vs. Service in Business Class
Business class passengers are generally left to their devices outside meal and beverage times. Many airlines that do not have a staffed standup bar onboard will have a self-service bar with drinks and snacks available on long-haul flights.
Some airlines provide larger hot snacks that can be ordered from flight attendants at any time during the flight. This is occasionally available in business class but is far more common in first class.
On overnight flights, many airlines will provide first-class passengers with turndown service. Flight attendants will make the seat into a flat bed by adding a mattress pad, extra sheets and pillows, and a bedside glass of water or other nighttime amenities. Some airlines provide this service in business class if they do not offer a first-class product, but it is unusual for airlines that provide turndown service in first class also to provide it in business.
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