Quantcast

Is flying business class worth the extra cost

American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says
Is flying business class worth the extra cost
Policy
Webp a380
Emirates Airbus A380 | Wikipedia

Customers have various options when flying, including economy and business class. Business class offers larger seats, more space, lie-flat beds, improved meal service, priority check-in and boarding, and lounge access. However, it can be costly, with prices sometimes reaching thousands of dollars compared to a few hundred for economy.

The key differences between business and economy class include seat configuration and amenities. Economy class often has narrower seats with limited recline and fewer amenities. In contrast, business class provides privacy features, lie-flat beds, wider seats with more legroom, large personal screens with noise-canceling headphones, multi-course meals, complimentary drinks, personalized service, priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access.

Business class costs vary depending on the airline, route, and booking time. Travelers can expect to pay three to ten times more than an economy fare for the same flight. For example, a standard economy ticket from New York City to London might cost $600-$800 while a business-class ticket could exceed $2,500.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The value of upgrading depends on the traveler's needs and flight length. Business class is popular on long-haul flights due to its comfort features like lie-flat seats and quieter cabins. However, the significant cost difference means travelers must weigh comfort against potential savings or bringing a companion in economy.

US domestic carriers offering business class upgrades include United Airlines' Polaris Class with direct aisle access and chef-designed menus; American Airlines' Flagship Business with fully flat seats; Delta Air Lines' Delta One suite option with full-height doors.

Globally popular business-class offerings include Qatar Airways' Qsuite with private suites; Singapore Airlines' wide seats converting into flat beds; Emirates' Airbus A380 fleet with onboard lounges; Turkish Airlines' exceptional catering; Cathay Pacific's reverse herringbone layout providing privacy; All Nippon Airways' The Room suite option.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a new daily passenger service to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Jul 16, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of services to seven new destinations—Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Medina, Tashkent, Tbilisi, and Yerevan—beginning in November 2025.

Jul 16, 2025

Airlines for America has emphasized the need for increased funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire more air traffic controllers, update infrastructure, and build on the One Big Beautiful Bill down payment.

Jul 16, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced a complete closure of Aviation Boulevard between Arbor Vitae Street and Century Boulevard from July 14 at 9 a.m. to July 21 at 6 a.m. Shuttle access to the LAX/Metro Transit Center will remain...

Jul 16, 2025

Avianca has announced the launch of a social media thread on X, inviting travelers to explore Dallas as a new destination.

Jul 16, 2025

Finnair announced that Palta and the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (IAU) have reached a negotiation result, leading to the cancellation of all previously announced strikes and the resumption of normal flight operations.

Jul 16, 2025