Flying first or business class
By Su-Ann Mae Phillips
The obvious difference between first and business class as opposed to flying coach class would be price. The cost of a first class air ticket can cost as much as 10-12 times that of a coach class ticket, while the cost of a business class ticket will cost around 3-5 times of a coach class ticket. If you intend to book a first or business class seat based on price, do note that the facilities offered by first and business class can vary from airline to airline.
Space and the feeling of spaciousness in first and business class seats can make a vast difference to the comfort level of travelers. This is especially so on long-haul flights. Of central interest is the seat. Seat pitch measures the distance between two seats one behind the other in a row. As a general guide, coach class seat pitches are around 30 inches, while first class seat pitches are usually around 80 inches. The number of seats in first and business class, and the corresponding circulation areas (aisles) also make a difference.
The privacy accrued traveling first or business class is a great draw for travelers. Among them, dignitaries, politicians, superstars and other easily recognizable people look forward to the privacy first class offers, for some much needed rest in-between their hectic schedules. In most aircraft, the configuration of the first and business class cabins are designed such that there is minimal contact or interaction with the other travelers. Even so, different airlines interpret privacy options differently. Back to front seat configurations (e.g. in British Airways) have received mixed reviews. Privacy dividers or pod-style seats can visually block out the view of other travelers. In newer configurations, personal suites or cabins, complete with collapsible doors, offer travelers more privacy. First class and business class seats do not have a middle or third seat configuration.
For long-haul flights, the sleep comfort factor is important for many travelers. This is where the difference between flying first or business class as opposed to coach on long-haul flights become distinct. In most airlines, there would be differences between first and business, and coach class seats, and according levels of comfort. First and business class seats are located away from the direct noise and vibration of the jet engines. For sleeping needs, there are flatbed or lie-flat seats, and there are angled lie-flat seats. Usually, only premium airlines such as Singapore Airlines and United offer flat bed or lie-flat seat beds (180 degree full reclining seats) for their first class seats. Angled lie-flat seats are offered for the business class seats. Most airlines will offer a range of angled lie-flat seats in both the first and business class seats. These lie-flat seats recline well to 150 degrees or so, but not fully. British Airways, on the other hand, offer lie-flat seat beds for both its first and business class passengers. In many cases, an in-flight staff will offer to make up the bed for you – a made up bed can consist of pillows, fresh linen and plush duvets for premium airlines.
It is not just facilities in the aircraft that make traveling first or business class special. Cabin crew to passenger ratios in first and business class are extremely low, and some airlines designate their more experienced staff to attending to first and business class passengers. Most airlines will offer before and after flight services to their first class passengers, such as limousine land transfers to and from the airport. At the airport, there are designated check-in counters and exclusive lounges to relax before boarding the plane. When it comes to boarding, first and business class travelers are usually invited to board the plane first.
Food, entertainment and service options for first and business class will be on par to luxury 5-star hotels. Passengers have the flexibility to choose when to eat, when to sleep and when to relax. Expect many personal comforts such as personal TVs featuring blockbuster movies, free flow champagne (in some airlines), pajamas to help make your flight a comfortable one.
There has been a shift away from first class seats in some airlines (e.g. Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic). These airlines prefer to focus on serving business and coach class passengers. Some airlines, however, have continued to offer distinctive features between their first, business and coach passengers (e.g. Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Jet Airways, and Cathay Pacific).