Blog 48: What Many Get Wrong About Traveling in Business / First Class
Hi! Welcome back to Brooke In The Air.
Emirates Airlines’ business class, Boeing 777-300ER
I offer a comparatively short blog for you this week as I just got released from hospital, but a necessary blog to be sure. What many don't seem to understand or otherwise comprehend about business, and first class air travel.
Spirit Airlines’ Airbus A321neo, registered as N677NK
Spirit Airlines’ BFS- Big Front Seat “upgrade” option.
Many people, in the West and specifically the United States and Canada, are very quick to dismiss higher end air travel and embrace the concept of the LCC and ULCC, or, Low-Cost and Ultra Low-Cost Carriers like Spirit Airlines, Sun Country, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines to name a few.
World Airlines Awards 2022 - Best Economy class, not much has changed in 2023.
These airlines have next to no, or absolutely no perks at all. Spirit Airlines, for example, allows WiFi, packaged food, and other benefits, like checked luggage. But, there's a major tradeoff, you have to pay for each of these perks, they are not given out. And they are pricey. Each amenity is either non-existent or must be paid for.
Luggage Hassle.
The major airlines, American, JetBlue, Delta, and United, charge extensive fees depending on distance to the destination. When I took United Airlines to San Francisco and later to Los Angeles, United would have charged me anywhere from $300 to $1,500 USD for checked luggage per piece of luggage up to three pieces. However, since I'm a Star Alliance Gold member, and a United Premium Silver member, I could check up to three pieces of luggage internationally for free. I say that again, FREE, but the biggest perk that afforded this was flying First Class.
Security.
Another huge benefit is getting through security and customs faster and less harassed by security/TSA agents than the Economy class comrades. What would take them 45-60 minutes takes me only 10-15 minutes at most.
Customer Service.
The customer service is so much better in the premium classes, let me explain: Air Canada provides all global premium signature passengers with complimentary concierge service. Lufthansa provides chauffeur service to your hotel from their hub. Emirates provides chauffeur service and travel concierge plus on extended layovers, they provide a personal shopper in DXB - Dubai international airport. Drinks are almost always free in premium classes. In Air France La Premiere, for example, they literally roll out the red carpet for you and escort you through security, walk you to their lounge, and pick you up at the lounge to take you to your flight. Every premium airline has their own select perks.
Legroom.
See below.
Etihad Airways’ Business Class Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration aboard the Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Etihad Airways upgraded First Class Suites on the Airbus A380 superjumbo
Legroom is a significant issue with 90% of airlines in regards to comfort, pain, and your own sanity. You never have to worry about legroom on Premium Economy, Business or First Class, as you have a suite, yes, a suite, to yourself.
Standard Emirates Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Economy class
Food.
Emirates Airlines’ First Class Dinner aboard the Boeing 7770-300ER - a flagship of Emirates, outside of the Airbus A380
Oh, and we have to talk about the food! Its not just a meal; premium Michelin starred foods and meals are nearly always complimentary and paired with a matching wine through an airline sommelier. You have to pay for every piece of food you get in economy, unless you happen to enjoy those little stale cookies (thanks Biscoff). And honestly, god help you if you want anything to drink on these flights in Economy class besides water.
You're truly so much better off taking a premium airline and getting an upgrade. Or follow my blogs and vlogs for tips to upgrade. Trust me so far.
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