Flying in business class is a hotly debated subject. Many travelers love it or are hoping to give it a try one day. But there are also those who think business class is overrated, and that the people who fly this way have more money than sense.
There are a few common arguments that get thrown around for why business class is a waste. Below, I’ll go into each one and why they shouldn’t deter you from booking a business-class ticket.
1. You don’t get there any faster
This is the classic argument against buying a better seat when you fly. Everyone arrives at the same time. For all the extra money you pay, you’re not getting to your destination any sooner.
But no one flies business class for that reason. We all know how planes work. People buy business-class tickets so they’re more comfortable along the way. You’ll have a more spacious seat, and on long flights, there are often lie-flat seats that serve as a bed. You’re not crammed into a tight space with barely any room to stretch your legs.
Everyone has a limited amount of vacation time. It’s nice when you can arrive well-rested, instead of spending your first day or two recovering from the flight over. I’ve taken 12-hour overseas flights in economy and business class. The difference in how I felt after each one is night and day.
2. It’s so much more expensive
Business-class ticket prices are usually much higher than economy prices. While the price difference depends on the flight, it’s not uncommon for business class to cost three to four times as much. If an economy seat is selling for $750, the airline may be charging $2,250 to $3,000 for business class.
Indeed, business-class tickets are often extremely expensive. This isn’t always the case. There are sometimes good deals available. It also tends to be much cheaper if you buy an economy ticket and then upgrade it to business class (if the airline gives you that option).
And there’s an even better way to make business class more affordable: pay using travel points instead of cash. If you have a travel credit card, you could fly business class at a fraction of the usual cost or even as little as $0. That’s how I save on most of my airfare.
Want to learn more and find a travel card? Click here to see our list of the best travel rewards cards and get more details on how they work.
3. The perks aren’t that luxurious
Finally, there’s the argument that business-class perks are overhyped. It’s not as amazing as YouTubers and travel bloggers claim. To be fair, I agree with this argument to an extent. On many airlines, business class isn’t an ultra-luxurious experience.
But it’s still a huge step up from what you get with an economy ticket. Here’s a quick rundown of some benefits of flying in business class:
- More spacious seating that may convert into a bed
- Access to the airline’s lounge at the airport
- A larger baggage allowance and priority service so your baggage comes out first
- Higher-quality meal service with premium food and drink options
- More attentive service from flight attendants
- Getting to disembark from the plane first
To see exactly what an airline offers in business class, check its website, or look at online reviews from previous passengers. You can then decide if the benefits are worth it for you.
There’s nothing wrong with flying business class if you can afford it, either with cash or travel points. And despite what the critics say, it’s a great way to upgrade your travel experience. If it’s something you’re interested in, you may want to find a credit card that earns travel rewards first. It’s how I got started, and I’ve now flown business class many times thanks to my travel cards.
