Is Business Class Different from Economy?

If you are in the process of booking a plane ticket, you probably see there are multiple options available. Today, it may seem like there are more options available than there were in the past. As a result, you may feel a bit overwhelmed, not knowing which option you should click. For example, you may see options for basic economy, economy, business class, and first class. Furthermore, some seats are even preferred, making the choices even more difficult. What does business class? Is this something that is significantly different from the other options? Some of the topics we will cover include:

• What you will get if you decide to go with a business class seat
• How you can secure a seat in business class
• How you can get the best deal possible on your travel plans

Because we have flown all over the world, we have had the opportunity to experience just about every option when it comes to flying. We would be happy to share our knowledge with you, so you can make an educated decision on which class you want to choose.

What Is Business Class?

Similar to economy and first class, business class falls somewhere between the two. In other situations, this class may be called “economy plus” or “preferred.” Importantly, different airlines handle business class differently. Therefore, business class on one airline may not be the same as business class on another airline. On the other hand, there are a few commonalities among the various airlines.

In general, business class will provide you with access to a larger seat and more legroom. As you are boarding a plane, you may see seats that look different from economy and first class. There is a good chance that you are walking by business class. That usually sits between economy and first class. If you see a wall that separates first class from the rest of the plane, business class is usually the first row of seats right behind the first class wall. Typically, business class does not have its own curtain or wall. It is simply at the front of economy.

Furthermore, people who sit in business class usually get to board before those who sit economy. It doesn't necessarily mean that people in business class are going to have their own reserved area for overhead bin space; however, because they are boarding before the rest of economy, they should have access to overhead bin space.

Finally, not every plane is going to have business class. Usually, business class is reserved for planes that are flying overseas. If you are flying across the continental United States, you may also see business class as an option; however, this is not always the case. On some airlines, business class may also have access to better food. Again, this is not universal.

How Do I Get a Seat in Business Class?

If you would like to get a seat in business class, you may feel like you have to be some important businessman to do so. Even though it is true that a lot of people will fly business class at they are flying for work, you do not have to be an executive in order to sit in business class. You simply have to purchase a seat in that area. If you see business class as an option when you are purchasing your ticket, you know this is available to you.

Of course, business class is going to be more expensive than an economy seat. If you do not want to pay for a business class seat, you may get upgraded there for free. For example, if the airline is having trouble selling seats in business class, they may be willing to move you to business class in exchange for an opportunity to sell your coach seat a second time. If you have a frequent flyer account with an airline, or if you have a preferred credit card, you may get selected for that free upgrade.

How Else Can I Save Money While Flying in Style?

If you are interested in flying and style, this doesn't necessarily mean that you have to spend a lot of money. For example, you may be able to give business class a try if you have the right credit card. In a lot of situations, opening a new credit card can provide you with a reward bonus. One reward bonus maybe a free upgrade. Take a look around a few of the credit card options and see if this is something that is available to you.

In addition, if you are flying with someone else who happens to be in business class, the airline may be able to upgrade you to a seat next to them. Usually, this happens at the seat next to them is open. If you would like to take advantage of this option, you may want to talk to the gate agent before you get on the plane.

Finally, if you have had a bad experience with an airline, you should go and check in with customer service. They may be willing to provide you with a free upgrade to business class on your next flight. This is not a lot of skin off their back, at the price between economy and business class is usually not significant. That way, you can give business class an opportunity.

Give Business Class a Try

Ultimately, there are lots of options available to you if you are flying. Even though a lot of people are familiar with the economy and first class, planes that travel across oceans often to have a separate area called business class. This is typically more expensive than economy; however, it is not as expensive as first class. You will also get to enjoy a wide variety of benefits. Why not give business class a try on your next trip? You may find that it is a happy medium between economy and first class.