A reader recently asked me what the difference is between first class and business class. While longtime OMAAT readers will likely know the difference right off the bat, it also occurred to me that the answer is a bit more nuanced than initially meets the eye. So in this post I wanted to provide a detailed answer of that question.
In this post:
Why there’s confusion about first class vs. business class
It’s understandable that there’s confusion about the difference between first class and business class. Let me explain why in the form of an example.
This is a first class seat…
…and this is also a first class seat.
This is a business class seat…
…and this is also a business class seat.
Yeah, as you can tell, the terms “first class” and “business class” as such don’t tell you a whole lot about what to expect when you step onto a plane.
First class vs. business class is sometimes a matter of marketing
The way I view it, here’s what “true” first class is:
- It’s a situation where an airline has a cabin above business class
- More often than not, in these situations airlines have four cabins — first class, business class, premium economy, and economy
- First class cabins can typically be found on long haul international flights, and tickets can often cost five figures
But that’s not the only time you’ll see a flight marketed as offering first class. For example, when you travel within the United States, the forward-most cabin on most domestic aircraft is generally marketed as first class rather than business class, even though it’s a fairly mediocre product that doesn’t compete with long haul business class.
Why is that? Well, ultimately different regions of the world seem to approach the marketing of premium cabins differently:
- On flights within the United States that have just two classes of service, the forward-most cabin is typically marketed as first class
- On international flights with just two classes of service, the forward-most cabin is typically marketed as business class
- Interestingly on US airlines, the same seats that are marketed as first class on domestic flights are marketed as business class on short haul international flights
To sum this up as simply as possible:
- Sometimes first class vs. business class is just a matter of marketing, as airlines in different parts of the world approach this differently
- When most people talk about “real” first class, they’re referring to long haul international first class on a plane that also features a business class cabin; these are the cabins that feature incredibly elevated service, and are priced accordingly (these tickets can often cost $10,000+)
What differentiates “real” first class from business class
What makes long haul international first class better than long haul international business class? While there’s a huge amount of variance in terms of airline quality (in both first class and business class), I figured I’d cover some of the major differences that you’ll find between the two experiences.
For a more detailed look at some of these products, check out all of my flight reviews, plus my posts about the best first class airlines, the best business class airlines, the best first class lounges, the best business class lounges, the best business class seats, etc.
Below are what I consider to be the six biggest differences between “true” first class and business class, in no particular order (and again, there’s quite a bit of variance, so this is very broad).
The ground experience
For many airlines, the first class experience starts the moment you check-in. That’s especially true if you’re visiting one of the world’s best first class lounges.
The services offered on the ground to first class passengers by some airlines are truly impressive. For example, if you’re flying Air France first class out of Paris you can expect to be driven to your plane by car, and can enjoy an incredible a la carte dining experience in the lounge.
While there are some great business class lounges out there, like the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge Doha and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse London, I’ve never had a business class ground experience that I found to be truly personalized in the same way.
The personal space
The most precious resource on a plane is space (well, perhaps after oxygen), and that’s something first class generally provides more of. The thing is, there are some great business class products out there nowadays that feature direct aisle access, and are arguably better than first class was 10 years ago. Qatar Airways’ Qsuites, for example, is one of my favorites.
However, the innovation when it comes to first class hard products is on a different level. For example, take a look at Emirates’ new 777 first class, which features fully enclosed suites with individual temperature and lighting controls. You’ll almost forget you’re on an airplane.
The amenities
In my opinion a good night of sleep isn’t just about the amount of personal space, but also about what the airline does to make it comfortable. Many first class products come with added amenities, like pajamas (and for that matter, some airlines even offer these in business class).
However, in my opinion the single most important amenity is good bedding. Several first class products offer name brand bedding products, which can rival the sleep you’d get at home. To me that’s a huge point of differentiation, since a good mattress pad goes a long way.
Okay, as far as amenities go, the Emirates A380 onboard shower, reserved exclusively for first class passengers, isn’t too bad either. 😉
The service
There’s simply a different approach to service in first class vs. business class, and that comes down to staffing levels. In first class there’s usually one flight attendant for every few passengers, while in business class there’s maybe one flight attendant for every 10 passengers (or even more).
As a general rule of thumb, in business class I expect to be served like I’m part of an assembly line, given how many people need to be served at once.
In first class my expectations of service are different, though. Service is generally much more attentive, where you feel like you’re being served in a restaurant and dining at your pace, rather than being served at a Medieval Times dinner & live show, where everything is brought out when it’s convenient for the crew.
Furthermore, I don’t feel as guilty asking for things in first class. In business class I sometimes feel bad ordering a cappuccino (assuming it’s offered) during a busy dinner service or breakfast, since I know the crew is busy, and they have a lot of people to take care of. I don’t have that same feeling in first class.
The food
In business class I generally hope for food to be decent and (mediocre) restaurant quality, while in first class a meal can actually be a dining experience (of course there are limits to what can be served from aircraft galleys).
A first class meal may include many courses served how and when you want (with customization options), and will often include caviar (in the case of Emirates, even unlimited caviar!).
The drinks
Admittedly this doesn’t appeal to everyone, but there’s no denying that some top airlines have an incredible alcohol selection in first class, whether it be Dom or Krug or Hennessy Paradis.
There’s a huge amount of variance here — China Southern first class has worse champagne than Qatar Airways business class (or at least used to) — but on the whole you’ll find some first class products with phenomenal drink selections.
For those who like coffee, I’d note that lots more airlines serve specialty coffee drinks in first class but not in business class.
Bottom line
There can be some confusion about the differences between first class and business class, given that it largely comes down to marketing. There are definitely regional norms that dictate what cabins are generally called.
For all practical purposes, I’d consider first and business class to be the same, unless you’re traveling on an international long haul flight in a cabin that’s marketed as first class. That’s where you’ll find the best experiences available in commercial aviation, and where the experience is truly differentiated.
It’s important to remember that not all products are created equal, though. Even among business class products, experiences can differ substantially, so keep in mind that this is intended to be more of a big-picture look at the differences between cabins.
Any questions about the difference between first and business class that I haven’t answered?
but what did fergie mean in her 2006 hit song glamorous?
There is a difference between everything in this world . So the real first class cabin is definitely better than the business class .
I’ve flown Lufthansa United American British Air international First Class and I have also flown Air France Business and I just don’t find the extra miles and trouble booking an international FC like Lufthansa to be that superior to the AF business. I’d much rather spend my money and efforts on a First Class hotel that lasts a lot longer than the flight.
Personally I think that in many cases/airlines business class deteriorated dramatically - lounges are very overcrowded, food and drink selection is poor ( and far worse than let's say 15 years ago ), service on board is usually poor or even rude ( there are exceptions, obviously - like QR, JAL, ANA, SQ ). In general First class is much better - the lounge, the seat/suite, the service, food and drinks. If the price is...
Personally I think that in many cases/airlines business class deteriorated dramatically - lounges are very overcrowded, food and drink selection is poor ( and far worse than let's say 15 years ago ), service on board is usually poor or even rude ( there are exceptions, obviously - like QR, JAL, ANA, SQ ). In general First class is much better - the lounge, the seat/suite, the service, food and drinks. If the price is right or reasonable - I always consider to travel in first.
Agreed. The seats are better than they used to be. But on most airlines with most crews, the service is lacking. I flew BA business last week and not once did the flight attendant engage in any sort of conversation with me, introduce themselves or call me by name. Granted, it was *only* a 7 hour daytime flight. Clearly they didn't have time to be friendly.
Maybe I’m a weirdo here, but I have zero interest in having an FA call me by my name, introduce themselves, or have a chitchat with me. If I wanted that, I’d go to my local dive bar.
First Class vs Business Class.
How much extra money you're willing to pay to feed your ego.
What’s wrong with you ?
Valuing privacy , wider lie flat and exceptional dining and drinks is ego for you ?
I truly feel sorry for your family..
Aside from the onboard and ground treatment and other than just the name for marketing, I noticed another difference is how much bonus miles is earned and elite points that clocks status if you are doing to cash bookings. For example, the AA transcon first class seat may be just like the UA business class seat but because it's called First, it clocks more miles. On long haul flights like JFK-HND the difference is even...
Aside from the onboard and ground treatment and other than just the name for marketing, I noticed another difference is how much bonus miles is earned and elite points that clocks status if you are doing to cash bookings. For example, the AA transcon first class seat may be just like the UA business class seat but because it's called First, it clocks more miles. On long haul flights like JFK-HND the difference is even more obvious for status building. For Qatar Privilege First on that JAL route would get 88 q points but only 50 q points on Business.
First is a smaller cabin with more privacy. That’s about it. Business class is just as good in other aspects.
Once you get past business class, you’re so far into diminishing returns where you’re paying a fortune in dollars or miles for what is marginally better. It’s just such a value judgement at that point.
Personally, it’s hard for me to justify. Business class space for most carriers is more than sufficient, airplane food is still airplane food regardless of the china it’s served on, and I couldn’t care less about the alcohol selection. But that’s me.
Isn't the biggest difference in feeling superior to others, the level of smugness is higher if you know you're at the most elite level in the plane
It all started in the early 1980's when some business travelers were prohibited from flying first class. Airlines started business class. What was previously first class, business class, coach is now essentially business class (in long haul, better than the old first class), premium economy, and economy. There are still some holdovers of first class, which then has to be better than business class.
To me, schedule is more important than class. For flights over...
It all started in the early 1980's when some business travelers were prohibited from flying first class. Airlines started business class. What was previously first class, business class, coach is now essentially business class (in long haul, better than the old first class), premium economy, and economy. There are still some holdovers of first class, which then has to be better than business class.
To me, schedule is more important than class. For flights over the Pacific, all the schedules seem to involve red eyes but over the North Atlantic, there are daytime JFK (or a few other cities) to LHR. A daytime JFK-LHR flight is superior, in my opinion, to business class red eye JFK-LHR.
There's plenty of non-redeye departures for TPAC flights - NYC has the noon bank of flights to HKG/TYO/PEK/SEL/SHA, but the 12+ hour flight time is rough regardless.
Another aspect is privacy. If you a well known person and you don’t travel by private jet, first class offers a fairly private experience. Dedicated check in and private transportation to the airplane are all part of it.
Maybe this doesn’t apply to the most of us. However when traveling I would not like if frequently people ask for selfies or post pictures on social media stating that they were on the same flight as a well known person.
Yeah, I think that has to be a meaningful point for a lot of people paying cash for first class. Much as Ben or the rest of us enjoy it, I find it hard to imagine many ultra-rich people are intent on having a great a la carte lounge dining experience or shoveling down caviar and champagne while on board. Rather, it's being in a tiny and very elite cabin (and lounge/check-in space) -- like...
Yeah, I think that has to be a meaningful point for a lot of people paying cash for first class. Much as Ben or the rest of us enjoy it, I find it hard to imagine many ultra-rich people are intent on having a great a la carte lounge dining experience or shoveling down caviar and champagne while on board. Rather, it's being in a tiny and very elite cabin (and lounge/check-in space) -- like 8 seats vs. 48 or whatever -- that represents real value. More elevated service and fewer passengers also no doubt means more help for older people with mobility issues but a lot of money. Otherwise, I am pretty mystified as to why people will shell out $5-10k more for some caviar.
Good point. The first class terminal for Lufthansa and special boarding make a difference to celebrity and upper executive passengers.
When I was in business on Lufthansa I heard discussion of the 747-8 being held for a first class couple who were connecting. The flight got in so it wasn’t a problem but I overheard the couple talk to a gate agent who said they were prepared to hold the plane until they arrived....
Good point. The first class terminal for Lufthansa and special boarding make a difference to celebrity and upper executive passengers.
When I was in business on Lufthansa I heard discussion of the 747-8 being held for a first class couple who were connecting. The flight got in so it wasn’t a problem but I overheard the couple talk to a gate agent who said they were prepared to hold the plane until they arrived. Holding a plane does happen from time to time even for regular passengers but it’s clear more effort is made and more attention paid to first class passengers regarding these type of things.
As for the personal space, I think the biggest difference is whether the footwell is open or closed like a coffin. Of course the configuration must be 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 as well to be qualified as "true" first class.
With AA taking away F on its A321Ts and 77Ws that's it for true first class for US airlines. However, airlines are also beefing up the Business Class product.