Flying in premium cabins is a luxurious experience many people aspire to, but the difference between business and first class can be confusing. What constitutes “business class” versus “first class” can vary widely by airline, route, and destination. What one airline calls first class might be another airline’s business equivalent. If you’re paying top dollar or redeeming hard-earned points for one of these seats, you want to know exactly what you’re getting into.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between business and first class and whether the latter is worth upgrading to.
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Domestic first class vs international first class
One of the biggest misconceptions among travelers is that all first-class cabins are the same. There is often a vast difference between first class on domestic vs. international flights. Outside of a few premium transcontinental routes, most domestic first-class seats are simply larger recliners rather than the enclosed suites and lie-flat pods seen on social media.
The disparity is even greater on intra-Europe flights, where “first class” is merely economy class with the middle seats blocked off. While domestic first-class seats offer extra space, priority boarding, and upgraded services, they are nowhere near the level of luxury found in international first class.
What to expect in domestic first class
Domestic first class on U.S. carriers is often just a recliner-style seat with extra legroom, extra baggage allowance, and enhanced food and drink offerings. Here’s a summary of what you can expect in domestic first class:
- Airport experience: Priority check-in and boarding, extra checked bag allowance, and priority security.
- Seats: Recliner-style seats with more legroom, often in a 2-2 configuration.
- Food and drinks: Complimentary alcoholic beverages and meals on mid-to-long-haul flights. On shorter flights, you can expect drink service alongside snacks.
- Service: More polished and attentive than economy class but not at the same level as international first class.
The exceptions
On some transcontinental flights (most often between major West Coast cities and East), you’ll get an aircraft with lie-flat seats. For example, JetBlue offers Mint Class on many transcontinental routes – a premium “pod” style seat that lays flat and offers an impressive menu on par with international first class.
Meanwhile, American will operate the 737-800 on some transcontinental flights. These planes come equipped with seats that look similar to standard economy class seats. It’s important to check the aircraft and seat type before booking so you don’t end up disappointed by the experience.
Transcontinental routes where you might find a lie-flat business or first-class seat include JFK-LAX or SFO, BOS-LAX, and MIA-LAX. Sometimes, airlines also schedule long-haul aircraft on domestic routes, offering a chance to experience international-style business or first-class seats. You can check the seat type during booking. If the airline switches to a different aircraft after booking, you can consult SeatGuru or SeatGeek for the seating layout.
International business class vs international first class
While domestic first class often falls short of expectations, international business and first-class cabins deliver a more premium experience. However, not all airlines offer both classes. Many have eliminated international first class, instead investing heavily in business class.
What to expect in international first class
International first-class cabins tend to have just a handful of seats, resulting in much more personalized service. The seats are often much more spacious. For example, Singapore Airlines’s first-class “suite” is essentially a bedroom: It offers not only a large seat but a separate bench that turns into a bed.
- Airport experience: Private check-in with a dedicated first-class lounge. Some airlines have a single lounge for both business and first-class passengers.
- Seats: Larger lie-flat seats in a smaller cabin, with some airlines offering enclosed suites. First-class passengers receive premium bedding, amenity kits, and pajamas.
- Amenities: Premium amenity kits, bedding, and pajamas. Some airlines offer personal minibars and onboard showers.
- Food and drinks: Restaurant-quality multi-course meals and premium alcoholic beverages served with premium silverware.
- Service: Personalized and refined service compared to business class.
What to expect in international business class
Meanwhile, international business-class cabins are larger, sometimes with dozens of seats, which are typically lie-flat or, in some older cabins, angled lie-flat. These might be in a 1-2-1 configuration where every seat has aisle access, or they could be arranged in a row of 2-2-2. The service may be less personalized, and the meal service may be slightly curtailed when compared to first class. Again, the experience varies by airline.
One of the most impressive business class products (which is on par with first class) is Qatar Airways QSuites. These business-class seats offer spacious enclosed seats with doors that close for added privacy. The food is excellent,t and the service is a notch above the rest.
- Airport experience: Priority check-in and lounge access.
- Seats: Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on most airlines
- Amenities: Amenity kits and bedding. Some airlines offer pajamas and access to an onboard bar.
- Food and drinks: Multi-course meals served with silverware.
- Service: Elevated service.
Airport experience
The airport experience for business and first class includes dedicated check-in, with first class being a bit more elaborate. For example, at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, first-class passengers are whisked away to an enclosed check-in area and driven to the gate (or lounge) in a golf cart. Meanwhile, business class travelers merely have access to a dedicated check-in line with shorter lines.
Lounge access
Both business and first-class passengers get access to a dedicated lounge where they can enjoy complimentary meals and drinks. Some airlines offer a single lounge for both passengers (with a dedicated area for first-class travelers). Others offer dedicated first-class lounges with fine dining, spa treatments, and other luxurious amenities.
Seats
International business class seats typically feature angels or lie-flat seats with bedding for added comfort. Some business class seats are even enclosed for added privacy. Meanwhile, international first class offers larger, more private suites, often with doors and larger beds.
Service
The difference in service between international business and first class varies by airline. But typically, you’ll receive more personalized service in first class, since the cabins are smaller and the flight attendants serve fewer passengers.
Food and drink
Meal service in international business class consists of several courses, including premium wine and silverware. Meanwhile, first class often serves up elevated meals with champagne and caviar. The exact offerings vary by airline and route, with long-haul flights featuring more extensive meals than short-haul.
Amenities
On long-haul international flights, business-class passengers typically receive amenity kits filled with skincare products, a dental kit, slippers, and pajamas. Some airlines, including Emirates, have an onboard bar that business class passengers can visit.
In first class, passengers get premium bedding and a luxury amenity kit. Emirates first class is known for its onboard shower, which is reserved exclusively for first-class passengers.
Price
International business class is much more attainable than first class. Sometimes, you can find flights to Europe for under $2,000. However, a business class ticket will typically set you back between $3,000-$8,000 depending on the route and travel season. Using miles, you can fly international business class for around 45,000-80,000 miles each way.
Meanwhile, the markup for first class is substantially higher. You can expect to pay $15,000 or more for long-haul first-class flights. The difference in miles can be 30-100% higher than business class.
Exclusivity and availability
Business class is often the highest cabin on many airlines, and since business class cabins are larger than first class, there is often more award availability, too. Meanwhile, first class is much more limited in both cabin size and route availability. Many airlines are discontinuing first class, and the ones that have it offer just a few seats per flight.
Is it worth it to upgrade from business to first class?
Upgrading from business to first class can be worth it, depending on the cost, route, and aircraft. The cost difference between the two fares is usually significant. For example, an Air France business class ticket between Los Angeles (LAX) and Paris (CDG) costs around $5,500 during the summer. Meanwhile, the same flight in Air France’s La Premier first class costs a staggering $26,000. The difference between the two cabins is certainly not worth a $20,000 upcharge.
Even if you’re redeeming points, the question comes down to price difference and value. For example, the AAdvantage program requires 60,000 miles one way for a business class ticket to Japan and Korea. A first-class seat costs just 20,000 miles more and might get you into a Japan Airlines JAL suite. Japan Airlines’s business and first-class seats both offer enclosed suites with exceptional amenities. But if you’re celebrating a special occasion and have plenty of miles to spare, it might be worth the upgrade for more personalized service and a more exclusive experience.
For most travelers, international business class is sufficient and offers a fantastic experience. However, if budget isn’t a concern and you value exclusivity and more luxury, international first class can be worth it.
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