First class vs. business class: What's the difference?

When you’re booking business flights for your team, choosing whether to fly economy or a more premium option can be a tricky decision, as is the first versus business class debate. Of course, you want your team to travel in comfort and stay on top of their game during business trips, and the limited legroom in economy isn’t ideal for long flights.

Is it time for an upgrade? Both business and first class are great in terms of dining, comfort, and in-flight services. But there are a few subtle differences to be aware of, from priority check-in to private butlers. Don’t worry – we’ve taken a deep dive into first and business class to help you choose the right service.

What’s the difference between first class and business class?

Before we get into differences in price, experience, and amenities, let’s outline the different types of flight classes.

What are the four types of flight classes?

Most airlines have four service classes: economy, premium economy, business, and first class. As you go up the list, the price and services increase accordingly.

Economy is the most basic option. It’s essentially just a seat to take you from point A to point B. There are already significant differences between business and economy class, including multi-course meals, airport lounge access, and reclining or lie-flat seats. For anyone traveling for work, there’s only one winner in business class versus economy. Business class was designed to meet the needs of business travelers.

Premium economy, on the other hand, is a step up from economy, offering passengers more comfortable seats, more legroom, a better selection of food or complimentary items, as well as access to the premium economy lounge at the airport. However, premium economy is essentially just a higher-quality version of economy class. Business class is a considerable step up.

The difference between first class and business class is another leap ahead in terms of luxury and services, both in-flight and on the ground. However, the traveler experience in both classes will vary by airline, route, and aircraft. There’s a difference between domestic first class and international first class. That means a first-class experience on a domestic flight will be far less luxurious than on an international flight.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll be looking at first versus business class on long-haul international flights.

Comparing the business and first class experiences

Business class sits between premium economy and first class, but has more in common with the latter. On airlines like Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Delta, and American, you can expect an elevated flight experience with services like lie-flat beds and high-end beauty products available in both cabins.

However, the overall level of service available on first class flights tends to exceed that of business class. First-class cabins include a lower ratio of flight attendants to passengers, which enables personal service. Here’s a closer look at the differences between the business and first class flying experience.

1. Airport experience

The differences begin before you board.

Business class travelers can expect priority check-in and boarding, along with access to a Business Class lounge with fast Wifi and space to work as well as complimentary food and drinks. Some also include shower stalls for travelers to freshen up between flights – ideal for unexpected delays.

First class passengers will often have a VIP door-to-door chauffeur service, along with a dedicated check-in counter and expedited security. First class lounges go a step beyond business class, with restaurant-quality food, showers, spa treatments, and nap rooms. On the ground, first class travelers are taken to a private security and immigration area.

2. Cabin experience

Once you board an international flight, the difference between first and business class is clear. First class cabins are more exclusive and seat fewer flyers than business class, ensuring that customers enjoy more space and privacy.

Business class seats are angled, and some recline into a fully flat position, converting into beds. Since this class is designed for business travelers, you can also expect facilities like desks and in-seat power supplies.

First class seats also feature lie-flat seats, but they offer a higher level of privacy. Many are enclosed in private suites, including a separate seating area and bed made up with fine linens, and some even include in-flight showers. Rather than receiving standardized services, passengers have access to an on-call attendant to accommodate meal and service requests.

3. Food and drink

A big difference between first class and business is the in-flight menu. Business class passengers can choose from chef-designed multicourse menus with the wines to match. There’s often an onboard bar where travelers can sit and chat.

First class passengers enjoy cuisine designed by Michelin-starred chefs accompanied by fine wines, top shelf spirits, and champagne – and carriers like Singapore Airlines even provide a certified air sommelier. Meals are served on fine china with silver cutlery, and some airlines allow passengers to make their own dining requests from an on-flight chef.

In some cases, you can dine before you fly on a red eye. For example, first class passengers on the British Airways route from New York to London can choose to enjoy the dinner service pre-flight at the airport, using the flight time to get a good night’s rest.

4. In-flight amenities

Both business and first-class passengers will receive high-end amenity kits stocked with designer beauty and skincare products.

First class takes the service a step further with amenities like noise-canceling headphones and plush pajamas. Higher-end carriers like Etihad even provide a personal butler, on call for your every need.

Business versus first class price

So, which is more expensive – business or first class?

When it comes to business class versus economy, the price difference is already huge, with seats costing thousands more. A round-trip ticket between the UK and US will cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,500 in business class, depending on the airline, route, and season.

With private suites and five-star service, it’s no surprise that first class tickets cost significantly more than business class. Expect to pay at least twice as much for the first-class experience, somewhere in the ballpark of $6,000 to $12,000.

However, it’s also worth noting that frequent flyers can save up their air miles to upgrade from economy to business or first class, which can bring down prices.

Is business class better than first class for frequent flyers?

When you’re managing corporate travel for your team, one thing to consider is the difference in availability. Because first class cabins aren’t available on every airline and route, they’re more of a niche product to begin with. First class seats are also limited, with only a handful available on each plane. By contrast, business class is available on most domestic and international flights.

If you’re block booking seats for frequent flyers, business class might be more reasonable in terms of price and availability. You’ll have a better chance of finding last-minute seats, and the long-haul comfort level is still excellent. So, is business better than first class? Ultimately, it depends on what you value, but in the context of traveling for work, business class does hold numerous advantages over first class for frequent flyers.

Can anyone fly business class?

We’ve talked a lot about traveling for work, but what happens if you’re interested in booking a business class flight for personal travel? Can anyone fly business class?

Short answer – yes. You don’t have to be flying for business or working a corporate job to book a business class ticket. There aren’t any extra requirements you need to meet. As long as you can pay for the ticket, you can fly any class you want.

Is it worth upgrading from business to first class?

First class comes with added perks like chauffeured rides, expedited security, and top-tier dining. But is it worth doubling the price? Sometimes, especially if your business has banked air miles through reward programs like the Star Alliance and SkyTeam.

When an employee is stepping directly off a flight to deliver a make-or-break presentation or you’re entertaining clients on a multi-city tour, it might be worth splurging on first class. These are times when that extra level of privacy, comfort, and service make a quantifiable difference. And if you’re using Booking.com for Business for your corporate travel planning, you could take advantage of exclusive prices on first-class airfares. Passengers will arrive at their destinations rested, refreshed, and ready to perform.

Upgrading to first class isn’t always worth the extra cost. For short domestic flights, the difference in service will be negligible. Plus, there’s hardly the time to enjoy the in-flight amenities. Also, first class upgrades often aren’t available for short domestic flights. Consider the airline, as well. Business class from an airline like Etihad or Cathay Pacific will be more luxurious than on a domestic airline.

Is it cheaper to upgrade from business to first class after booking?

You’ll sometimes benefit from discounted fares if first-class seats are unsold right before departure, but there’s no guarantee. At times, this strategy can backfire with higher prices, depending on availability and demand.

During check-in, look to see if there are any discounted upgrades available. Many airlines will try to tempt you to spend more during the check-in process, especially if there are first class seats still available and it’s an off-peak travel time.

Which airline has the best business class?

If you’re looking for the first-class experience on a business fare, you’ll find plenty of airlines known for their superior business cabins.

1. Qatar Airways upgraded its business class in 2017, with new suites that include double beds, hand-stitched Italian leather seats, sliding doors, and adjustable panels.
2. Singapore Airlines offers some of the widest business class seats in the world, at 30 inches, and passengers can enjoy restaurant-quality menus.
3. Air France brings a Michelin-starred dining experience to both its business and first-class customers, while seating includes sliding doors and wireless charging.

First versus business class: The best option for your team

So, which is best: first or business class? Both first and business class offer a modern, comfortable flying experience. Airlines have updated their business class services in recent years to narrow the gap between each cabin class, so the difference between first and business class isn’t as pronounced as it was. For short or domestic business flights, business class is often the best option. But for those long overnight or overseas trips, there are lots of benefits of flying first class.

Since there are major differences between airlines and routes, check with your preferred airline to see what’s included in each class. It’s also a good idea to choose options with a flexible cancellation policy in case your plans change, regardless of which class you choose.

With Booking.com for Business, you’ll be able to compare flights from over 420 carriers in a single corporate travel management platform, ensuring you get the best price and service for your team.