Business class is a travel class available on many commercial airlines and rail lines, known by brand names which vary, by airline or rail company. In the airline industry, it was originally intended as an intermediate level of service between economy class and first class, but many airlines now offer business class as the highest level of service, having eliminated first class seating.[1] Business class is distinguished from other travel classes by the quality of seating, food, drinks, ground service and other amenities. In commercial aviation, full business class is usually denoted 'J' or 'C' with schedule flexibility, but can be many other letters depending on circumstances.[2] [3] [4]
See also: Business class airline.
Airlines began separating full-fare and discounted economy-class passengers in the late 1970s. In 1976, KLM introduced a Full Fare Facilities (FFF) service for its full fare economy-class passengers, which allowed them to sit at the front of the economy cabin immediately behind first class, and this concept was quickly copied by several other airlines including Air Canada.[5] Both United Airlines and Trans World Airlines experimented with a similar three-class concept in 1978, but abandoned it due to negative reactions from discount economy-class travelers who felt that amenities were being taken away from them.[6] United also cited the difficulty of tracking which passengers should be seated in which section of the economy cabin on connecting flights.[7] American Airlines also began separating full-fare economy passengers from discounted economy passengers in 1978, and offered open middle seats for full-fare passengers.[8]
Around this time, there was speculation in the airline industry that supersonic aircraft would corner the market for the highest-paying premium passengers, and that a three-class market would emerge consisting of supersonic first class and subsonic business and economy classes. In 1977, El Al announced plans to reconfigure its aircraft with a small first class cabin and larger business-class cabin on the assumption that most transatlantic first class passengers would shift their business to the Concorde.[9]
British Airways introduced "Club World", a separate premium cabin with numerous amenities, in October 1978 under CEO Colin Marshall as a means of further distinguishing full-fare business travelers from tourists flying on discounted fares.[10] Pan Am announced that it would introduce "Clipper Class" in July 1978,[11] and both Air France and Pan Am introduced business class in November 1978.[12] Qantas claims to have launched the world's first Business Class in 1979.[13]
On November 1, 1981, Scandinavian Airlines System introduced EuroClass with a separate cabin, dedicated check-in counters and lounges for full-fare passengers. Simultaneously, first class disappeared from their European fleet.
Both Qantas and Virgin Australia offer business class on their domestic networks as well as on trans-Tasman flights to New Zealand. Flights between Perth and Sydney typically feature lie-flat seats, with deep recline cradle seats on other routes.
On the other hand, Air New Zealand does not offer business class on its domestic network. Business Class is available on flights between New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands when operated by Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 family aircraft, both of which have lie-flat seats.
On short-haul flights Air Canada offers recliner seats, which are similar to what is offered on regional business class in the United States. However, on some high-capacity routes, such as Vancouver–Toronto, Air Canada utilizes its long-haul fleet, such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Boeing 767, and the Airbus A330. On flights using internationally configured aircraft such as these, the business-class product is a lie-flat product. However, on discount carriers, such as Air Transat, business class is "euro-style", an economy-class seat with a blocked middle seat for added comfort.
With the introduction of their Boeing 787’s on select domestic and international routes, WestJet Airlines offers 16 lay-flat business seats on each of their 787-9’s.
All three major US airlines (American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines) exclusively use fully lie-flat Business Class seats with direct aisle access on their widebody aircraft, as well as some longer range narrow body aircraft like the Boeing 757 and Airbus A321. A multiple course meal is served on china after takeoff, and depending on the flight length a chilled snack or light meal will be served before landing. International Business Class passengers have access to priority check-in and security, along with lounge access. United and American both also offer premium lounges with enhanced food service in their hubs for these passengers.
Select routes between the East and West coasts are deemed "premium transcontinental" and offer a comparable experience to long haul international Business Class. However, it is uncommon for all seats to have direct aisle access. American uses a dedicated sub-fleet of 3-cabin A321T planes with 20 lie-flat Flagship Business seats in a 2-2 configuration for these flights. JetBlue also has a sub-fleet of A321s featuring their Mint Business Class, which alternates between a 2-2 lie flat seats and 1-1 suites with a closing door. United and Delta use a combination of wide and narrow body aircraft for these routes, with a variety of lie-flat seat designs.
Nearly all other flights in the US (as well as to Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean) on American, United, Delta, and Alaska use 2-cabin narrowbody aircraft. The forward cabin is marketed as "First Class" on domestic routes but regardless uses a Business Class fare basis. These fares include a larger "recliner" seat, priority check-in/security/boarding, and increased service. Only Alaska Airlines allows lounge access for customers in "First Class" without further international travel. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included, and are served in glassware or ceramic mugs. Meal service is highly variable depending on the airline, departure time, and route. Flights between hub airports during daytime hours are usually catered with a full warm meal regardless of the flight time. Regional jets do not have ovens, and all entrees are served chilled. At the very least, a flight attendant will pass around a basket containing premium snacks.
European carriers generally offer a business class consisting of enhanced economy seating with better service. There may be a curtain to separate business from economy class, based on demand, but the seats are in the same cabin. Some airlines such as Air France and Lufthansa use convertible seats that seat three people across in economy, or adjust with a lever to become two seats with a half seat length between them for business-class use.
Business class has started to disappear from some short/medium haul routes, to be replaced with full fare economy and discount economy (KLM and SAS). On these routes, the seats are the same for all passengers, only the flexibility of the ticket and the food and beverage service differs. On shorter routes (typically less than one hour) many airlines have removed business class entirely (e.g. BMI on many routes) and offer only one class of service. British Airways used to offer "Business UK" on their domestic system, offering the same service as economy class, with the addition of expedited check-in, baggage reclaim, lounge access and priority boarding. In flight, until January 11, 2017, drink, tea or coffee and a snack were served to all customers, with a hot breakfast on flights prior to 9.29am.
See also: Premium economy class. Most low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair and EasyJet in Europe, Tigerair in Australia, Southwest Airlines in the United States, and even some national carriers such as Aer Lingus and Air New Zealand on their domestic and regional networks do not offer any premium classes of service. Some, however, have options above a standard coach seat:
Business class is a much more significant upgrade from economy class for long-haul flights, in contrast to a regional or domestic flight where business class offers few relative advantages over economy class. The innovations in business-class seating, incorporating features previously only found in first class (see below), has narrowed the comfort and amenities gap with traditional first class seats. These advances and added features to business class, as well as the late 2000s recession, have caused some airlines to remove or not install first class seating in their aircraft (as first class seats are usually double the price of business class but can take up more than twice the room) which leaves business class as the most expensive seats on such planes, while other airlines have reintroduced first class sections as suites to stay upmarket over contemporary business class.[15]
As with first class, all alcoholic beverages are complimentary and meals are of higher quality than economy class. Economy-class passengers are usually not permitted in the business-class cabin though first class passengers are generally allowed to cross the curtain between business and first class.
Long-haul business-class seats are substantially different from economy-class seats, and many airlines have installed "lie-flat" seats into business class, whereas previously seats with such a recline were only available in international first class. There are essentially three types of long-haul business-class seats today. These are listed in ascending order of perceived "quality".
Recaro claims its CL6710 business-class seat is one of the lightest at 80 kg (176 lb) while other can be beyond, adding up to a for 60 seats.[20]
While flying on a long-haul business-class flight, airlines such as Swiss, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, and many others offer in-flight gourmet meals with a choice of entree. Upon seating in their seats, business-class passengers are presented with a choice of champagne, orange juice, or water (called pre-flight service), with a 3-5 course meal (typically including a salad, soup, entree (typically up to 3 choices), and a choice of dessert) to follow during the flight. Depending on the time of arrival, the flight may offer either a breakfast with a variety of choices or a light snack approximately 90 minutes prior to landing. Some airlines, such as Singapore Airlines, allow travelers to request specific meals not on the regular menu prior to the flight. The alcoholic beverage choices for business-class cabins are generous, with airlines offering different premium wines, and an assortment of beers and liqueurs.[21]
The exact name for business class may vary between operators.Bold text indicates airlines for which business class is the highest class of service offered.
| Airline | Service name | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" (formerly "Premier Class") | active | ||
| "Президент" (long-haul; translated "President") "Премьер" (short and mid-haul; translated "Premier") | active | ||
| "Club Cóndor" | active | ||
| "Clase Premier" | active | ||
| "Rouge Affaires" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Club Austral" | active | ||
| "Hibiscus class" | active | ||
| "Signature Class" (international, formerly "International Business Class") "North America Business Class (domestic and regional, formerly "Executive Class") | active | ||
| "Classe Madras" | active | ||
| "Capital Pavilion" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Affaires" (translated "Business") | active | ||
| "Nanoq Class" (translated "Polar Bear Class") | active | ||
| "Executive Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Premier" | active | ||
| "Pearl Class" | active | ||
| "Premium Flatbed" | active | ||
| "First Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" (international; formerly "Club ANA") | active | ||
| "Domestic First Class" and "Flagship Business" | active | ||
| "Business Smartium" or "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" (formerly "Grand Class") | active | ||
| "Clase Ejecutiva" (translated "Business Class") | active | ||
| "Business Xtra" | active | ||
| "Blue Ribbon Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Club Suite", "Club World", and "Club Europe" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" (formerly "Marco Polo Business Class" in the 1980s and 1990s) "Aria Suite" (Available from 2024 Q2,for Boeing 777-300ER only) | active | ||
| "Business Class" (formerly "Dynasty Class") and "Premium Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Clase Ejecutiva" | active | ||
| "Apollo Class" | active | ||
| "Delta One" (formerly "Business Elite") and "Delta One Suite", "First Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "מחלקת עסקים" (translated "Business Class") | active | ||
| "حورس" (translated "Horus") | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Cloud Nine" | active | ||
| "Pearl Business Class" and "Business Studio" | active | ||
| "Royal Laurel", "Premium Laurel" and "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Tabua Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" (formerly "Executive Class") | active | ||
| "Falcon Gold" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Premium Business Class" (international) "Business Class" (domestic and regional; formerly "First Class") | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Plus" and "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Saga Class" | active | ||
| "هما کلاس" (translated "Homa Class") | active | ||
| "Business Class" (international) "Superior Class" (domestic) | active | ||
| "JAL Business Class" (international) "Class J" (domestic) | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Mint" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Premiere World" | active | ||
| "World Business Class" | active | ||
| "Prestige Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Premium Business" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Elite Club" (Boeing 787 only) and "Business Class" (other aircraft) | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" ("Premium Economy" in A340 long-haul flights; not available in BAe 146 aircraft) | active | ||
| "Business Class" (formerly "Golden Club Class") | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Cedar Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Shangrila Class" | active | ||
| "Premium Economy" (formerly "Bounty Class") | active | ||
| "Business Class" or Gold Business Class (literally "Distinguished Class") | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Plus+" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" (formerly "Mabuhay Class") | active | ||
| "Business Class" and "Business Suite" | active | ||
| "Business Class" and "Qsuite" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Premium Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Crown Class" | active | ||
| "درجة الأفق" (translated "Horizon Class") | active | ||
| "Business Class" (intercontinental) "SAS PLUS" (within Europe) | active | ||
| "ScootPlus" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" (formerly "Raffles Class") | active | ||
| "Business Class" (formerly "Gold Class") | active | ||
| "SpiceBiz" (Boeing 737 only) | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "SWISS Business" | active | ||
| "Executiva Class" | active | ||
| "TAP Executive" | active | ||
| "Executive Class" or "Classic Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Premium Flatbed" | active | ||
| "Royal Silk Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "United Polaris" (international) "United First" (domestic) "United Business" (regional) | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Upper Class" | active | ||
| "Domestic Business" and "International Business" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | active | ||
| "Business Class" | defunct | ||
| "Magnifica" (translated "Wonderful") "Ottima" (short-haul; no longer in use) | defunct | ||
| "America West First" | defunct | ||
| "Executiv.e" and "Super Executive" | defunct | ||
| "Business Class" | defunct | ||
| "Business Class" | defunct | ||
| "BusinessFirst" | defunct | ||
| "Premiere Class" | defunct | ||
| "Kingfisher First" | defunct | ||
| "SkyClub Business Class" | defunct | ||
| "Elite Class" | defunct | ||
| "Signature Service" | defunct | ||
| "Business Class" | defunct | ||
| "World Business Class" | defunct | ||
| "Clipper Class" | defunct | ||
| "Premium Class" | defunct | ||
| "Big Front Seat" (formerly "Spirit Plus"; service is no different from economy since transitioning to a no-frills carrier, but seats are roomier) | defunct | ||
| "Ambassador Class" (until the 1980s); "TransWorld One" (after 3-class service reduced to 2 in the 1990s) | defunct | ||
| "Envoy" (Brazil, Europe and Israel) "Business Class" and "First Class" (domestic) | defunct |
Greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, are emitted from aircraft due to burning fuel. About 2% of global carbon emissions are produced by aviation industry.
Flying business class results in greater emissions than flying in economy-class seating, in part due to the amount of space associated with it.
For long-haul flights, carbon emissions per passenger per kilometre travelled are about three times higher for business class and four times higher for first class, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
The length of the flight impacts the environment: as most emissions are generated through the takeoff phase in a plane's journey, it means short-haul flights are more impactful on the environment, as a larger proportion of the journey is in this phase. Whereas for longer haul flights, the plane is cruising for a longer proportion of the journey, making it less impactful on the environment than a short-haul flight, but it is still causing emissions. Transfer flights or routes that encompass multiple connecting flights also increase emissions as the takeoff phase is repeated. Private jets are also problematic, as emissions are generated for only a small number of people. [22]
Business class is the highest class of service in China high-speed rail, while first class and second class are the more affordable options. Business class passengers have access to a pre-departure lounge if available. Train seats of business class are arranged in 1-1 or 2-1 configuration with fully enclosed seats. Free meals, unlimited snacks, and beverages are provided for the business class passengers throughout the journey.[23]
Eurostar also offers business-class accommodation on their rail services – named "Business Premier", the seats are similar to the premium economy "Standard Premier" offering (wider seats with more legroom and greater recline compared to economy "standard class") but include faster check-in, boarding and a full meal service, among other features.[24] Chiltern Railways offers a business zone on selected services.[25]