Experience of on-board airline business class

THE ON-BOARD AIRLINE BUSINESS CLASS EXPERIENCE

Flying in international business class has its perks, and also its comforts. Being given priority boarding, you are among the first on the plane and there’s plenty of time to get settled in for your flight. Cabin crew are busy with the final preparations for your flight, as well as welcoming passengers on board.

Many airlines will have dedicated cabin crew for the business class cabin and as you are getting settled in, often times these crewmembers will come around to introduce themselves, take your coat, offer a pre-departure beverage, and offer you a newspaper or magazine. Of course different airlines have different service levels so these elements may not feature on your flight.

Launched by British Airways in 1999 and subsequently rolled out, the flat-bed seat has become the industry norm. No longer are business class seats merely wider and plusher than economy class, but many carriers’ seats recline a full 180 degrees transforming the seat into a bed.

Airlines have realized that travellers value the ability to sleep and get a full rest on the aircraft, waking up refreshed and ready to continue their day with minimal stress from the travel.

The business class experience doesn’t stop with a more comfortable seat. It’s common for airlines to offer their business class passengers a wider selection of meals, wines, and spirits. With menus developed by top chefs, airlines are competing for passengers by offering gourmet meals to their higher paying customers. Offering anything from three course meals and up, flying business class means that you’re given the opportunity to enjoy and savour your meal to help you pass the time.

Of course, if sleep is your priority; you can always ask for all courses of the meal to be given to you at the same time, or perhaps the airline even offers an expedited or light meal option giving you the best opportunity to sleep.

Once finally at your destination you may not be ready to leave your surroundings if it’s been a good flight. Though when the time comes, being seated near to the front of the plane makes it easier for you to disembark first and make it to your connecting gate, or the immigration and security checkpoints among the first from your flight.