When you fly business class, you get top-notch treatment from start to finish. You’ll feel like a VIP with perks that make your trip smooth and comfy. From extra legroom to yummy food, business class has got you covered. It’s a great way to kick off your holiday or rock up to your work trip feeling fresh as a daisy.
According to Steve Hui, CEO of iFlyFlat and an expert on maximizing points for luxury travel, “Flying business class isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about enjoying the journey and making the most of every moment in the air.”
Here are Steve Hui’s top 10 hidden perks of flying business class instead of coach and will set you up to enjoy Australia to the fullest.
1. Priority Boarding
When you fly business class, you get to board the plane first. This means you can settle into your seat without the hassle of queues or waiting around.
You’ll have plenty of time to stow your carry-on luggage and get comfy before take-off. No more worrying about finding space for your bag or rushing to your seat.
Priority boarding is a ripper perk that makes your trip smoother from the start. You can waltz onto the plane feeling like a VIP while others are still waiting at the gate.
This early access gives you a chance to chat with the crew and sort out any special requests. You might even have time for a welcome drink before the rest of the passengers hop on board.
For long-haul flights, this extra time can be a real lifesaver. You’ll have a moment to breathe and relax before the journey begins. It’s a top way to kick off your travel experience in style.
2. Spacious Seating
When you fly business class, you’ll be amazed by the extra room. Gone are the days of squeezing into cramped seats. You’ll stretch out in comfort with loads of legroom.
Most business class seats are wider too. You won’t be bumping elbows with your neighbour. There’s plenty of space to relax and unwind during your flight.
Many airlines offer seats that turn into flat beds. You can lie down and have a proper kip on long flights. This means you’ll arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.
Some business class cabins even have private suites. These give you your own little space with walls or dividers. It’s like having a mini-room in the sky.
The extra space isn’t just for comfort. You’ll have room to work if you need to. There’s space for your laptop and documents without feeling cramped.
3. Gourmet Meals
You’ll love the grub in business class! It’s like dining at a top-notch restaurant, but at 30,000 feet. No more sad airplane food here, mate.
The menu is ace, with heaps of yummy options to choose from. You can pick from Aussie favourites or international dishes. Fancy some barramundi or a juicy steak? They’ve got you covered.
The tucker is made with fresh, top-quality ingredients. Chefs whip up these meals to make sure they taste bonza even at high altitudes. Your taste buds won’t know what hit ’em!
Don’t forget the premium drinks on offer. You can sip on a nice glass of bubbly or a cold beer while you wait for your meal. It’s a ripper way to start your flight.
The presentation is spot on too. Your meal comes on proper plates with real cutlery. It’s a far cry from the plastic trays in economy. You’ll feel like you’re at a fancy restaurant, not on a plane.
4. Exclusive Lounges
You’re in for a treat when you fly business class. One of the best perks is access to exclusive airport lounges. These quiet spots are a world away from the busy terminals.
In these lounges, you can kick back and relax before your flight. Comfy seats, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of power points are just the start. You’ll find tasty food and drinks on offer too. Some lounges even have showers so you can freshen up.
Many business class lounges go above and beyond. You might find spa treatments, sleeping pods, or even a cinema. It’s like having your own VIP area at the airport.
The best part? You don’t have to spend a cent once you’re inside. All the food, drinks, and services are included with your ticket. It’s a great way to start your trip in style.
Remember, each airline has its own lounges. Some are fancier than others. But they all aim to make your wait at the airport more enjoyable. So next time you fly business class, be sure to get to the airport early and check out the lounge.
5. Personalised Service
When you fly business class, you get top-notch care. Staff members go above and beyond to make your trip comfy. They learn your name and preferences quickly.
You’ll notice the difference from the moment you step on board. Flight attendants greet you warmly and show you to your seat. They offer a welcome drink and hot towel right away.
Throughout the flight, staff check on you often. They’re always ready to help with anything you need. Want an extra pillow? No worries. Fancy a snack between meals? They’ve got you covered.
Business class perks start before you even leave home. Some airlines offer free chauffeur service to the airport. Talk about feeling like a VIP!
The personalised touches continue in the air. You might get pyjamas and slippers to change into. Fancy toiletries and noise-cancelling headphones are often part of the deal too.
6. Complimentary Champagne
You’re in for a real treat when you fly business class! One of the top perks is the free bubbly. As soon as you settle into your comfy seat, the flight attendant will offer you a glass of top-notch champagne.
Airlines love to show off their fancy drinks. You’ll often get to sip on some pretty swanky brands. Air France serves up Laurent-Perrier Brut in their business class. It’s a ripper choice with flavours of summer fruits and hints of toast.
Some airlines even have special champagnes just for their business class passengers. Emirates offers Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2013, which you can’t get anywhere else. It’s got lovely aromas of nectarine and lemon peel.
Don’t worry if you’re not keen on champagne. Most airlines have other options too. You can usually choose from a range of wines, beers, and spirits. Or if you prefer something non-alcoholic, they’ve got you covered there as well.
So raise your glass and toast to the good life at 30,000 feet! It’s one of the best parts of flying business class.
7. Inflight Entertainment
You’re in for a treat with business class inflight entertainment. The screens are bigger and clearer, giving you a top-notch viewing experience.
You’ll find loads more movies and TV shows to choose from. New releases, classics, and local Aussie content are all at your fingertips.
Noise-cancelling headphones come standard, so you can really enjoy the inflight entertainment without distractions. The sound quality is ace too.
Some airlines offer extra channels just for business class. You might score access to live sports or special programming not available in economy.
Many business seats have touchscreens and handy remotes so you can control everything without reaching forward. It’s dead easy to use.
Don’t forget about the music and games. You’ll have heaps of options to keep yourself entertained on long flights.
With all these choices, your biggest worry will be deciding what to watch first!
8. Higher Baggage Allowance
You’ll love the extra luggage space when you fly business class! Most airlines give you a bigger allowance for checked bags.
In economy, you might get one bag up to 23kg. But in business, you can often bring two bags, each weighing up to 32kg. That’s heaps more room for your stuff!
This perk is ace for long trips or when you need to pack lots of gear. You won’t have to stress about leaving things behind or paying extra fees.
Extra baggage allowance means you can pack that extra pair of shoes or bring home more souvenirs. It’s brilliant for business travellers who need to lug around work gear too.
Some airlines even let you bring more carry-on bags in business class. This means you can keep your important items close by during the flight.
So if you’re a heavy packer or just like having options, business class is the way to go. You’ll have plenty of space for all your bits and bobs!
9. Lie-Flat Beds
You’ll find yourself stretching out on a comfy bed that goes completely flat. No more cramped sleeping positions or sore necks when you land.
Qantas and Virgin Australia both offer lie-flat beds on their wide-body planes for domestic routes. It’s like having your own little bedroom in the sky.
On international flights, you’re in for a treat. Delta One business class even has sliding privacy doors. You can shut out the world and catch some proper zzz’s.
With these beds, you’ll arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy. Whether you’re off to a big meeting or ready to explore, you’ll hit the ground running.
So next time you’re booking a flight, think about treating yourself to a lie-flat bed. It’s a ripper way to travel and makes those long-haul journeys a piece of cake.
10. Luxury Amenity Kits
You’ll be chuffed with the swanky amenity kits in business class. These little beauties are packed with goodies to keep you comfy on your flight.
Top airlines like Emirates and Etihad go all out with their luxurious business-class cabin kits. You’ll find fancy skincare products, lip balm, and even perfume in some kits.
Some airlines team up with high-end brands to make their kits extra special. You might score designer toiletries or a posh travel bag you can use again and again.
The contents of these kits can vary, but you’ll usually find essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and socks. Fancy airlines might throw in eye masks, earplugs, or even pyjamas for long flights.
These amenity kits are real collector’s items for frequent flyers. You’ll love showing off your cool new travel gear to your mates back home.
Remember, the amenity kit is just one of the perks of flying business class. You’ll also enjoy comfy seats, top-notch food, and great service throughout your journey.
Comfort And Space
Flying business class gives you heaps of room to stretch out and relax. You’ll feel like a king or queen with all the extra space around you.
Larger Seats
Business class seats are way bigger than the ones in economy. You’ll get seats that are wider and more padded. Most of them can turn into flat beds so you can have a proper kip on long flights.
The seats are made of top-notch materials. They’re comfy as and often have built-in massage features. You’ll find handy storage spots for your stuff too.
Some airlines even give you your own little suite with doors that close. It’s like having your own room in the sky!
Extra Legroom
In business class, you can really stretch your legs out. No more cramped knees or sore backs from being squished in.
You’ll have loads of space to move around and get comfy. It’s great for tall people who always struggle in economy.
Some airlines give you footrests or ottomans too. You can put your feet up and really chill out.
The extra legroom makes it easy to work on your laptop or watch movies without feeling cramped.
Personal Space
Business class gives you stacks of personal space. You’re not rubbing elbows with strangers or fighting over the armrest.
Many seats have dividers or shells around them. This gives you privacy from other passengers.
You’ll have your own big TV screen that’s not shared with anyone else. Some airlines even give you noise-cancelling headphones.
There’s plenty of room to keep your stuff close by. You won’t have to get up and dig through the overhead lockers all the time.
The extra space means you can eat, sleep, and relax without feeling like you’re in anyone else’s bubble.
In-Flight Amenities
Business class passengers enjoy top-notch perks during their flight. You’ll find yourself spoilt for choice with gourmet meals, free drinks, and cutting-edge entertainment options.
Gourmet Dining
You’re in for a treat when it comes to meals on board. Airlines pull out all the stops to impress business class flyers with their food.
Expect multi-course meals crafted by celebrity chefs. You might tuck into seared salmon, tender beef fillet, or vegetarian curries. Fresh salads and crusty bread are always on offer too.
Don’t forget dessert! Indulge in chocolate mousse, fruit tarts, or cheese platters. Some airlines even have on-board chefs who whip up meals to order.
You’ll dine with proper cutlery and china plates, just like in a fancy restaurant. It’s a far cry from the plastic trays in economy!
Complimentary Beverages
Thirsty? You’re sorted in business class. A wide range of drinks are on the house.
Kick off your flight with a glass of bubbly. Many airlines serve top-shelf champagne before take-off. During the flight, you can sip on wines from around the world.
Fancy a cocktail? Skilled flight attendants can mix up your favourite tipple. Or try a local beer from your destination.
Soft drinks, juices, and sparkling water are always available. Coffee lovers will appreciate the espresso machines on some airlines. You can even enjoy a nightcap before bed.
State-Of-The-Art Entertainment
Boredom isn’t an option in business class. You’ll have access to loads of entertainment options.
Most seats have large personal screens. They’re often bigger and sharper than those in economy. You can watch new release movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
Music fans can tune into playlists or radio stations. Some airlines offer noise-cancelling headphones for the best sound quality.
Gaming consoles are becoming more common too. You might find PlayStation or Xbox controllers at your seat.
Wi-Fi is often free for business passengers. This means you can stream, browse, or catch up on work mid-flight.
Enhanced Travel Experiences
Business class flights offer a top-notch journey from start to finish. You’ll enjoy special perks that make your trip smooth and comfy.
Priority Boarding
With business class, you skip the queue and hop on the plane first. No more waiting in long lines! You get to settle in and relax before takeoff.
Airlines roll out the red carpet for you. They call your name early, so you can board at your own pace. This means more time to stow your gear and get comfy in your seat.
Once on board, cabin crew are ready to help. They’ll offer you a welcome drink and show you to your seat. You can kick back and enjoy the extra space while others board.
Exclusive Lounges
Business class lounges are like a fancy oasis at the airport. You can escape the busy terminals and chill out in style.
These lounges have heaps of free food and drinks. Grab a bite to eat or sip on a cocktail before your flight. Some even have showers, so you can freshen up.
Many lounges offer comfy seats and quiet zones. Perfect for a quick nap or getting some work done. You’ll find free Wi-Fi, charging ports, and sometimes even spa services.
Dedicated Check-In
Say goodbye to long check-in lines. Business class comes with its own check-in area. You’ll breeze through and be on your way in no time.
Staff at these counters are quick and helpful. They sort out any issues and make sure you’re all set for your flight. Some airlines even offer kerbside check-in for business travellers.
You often get extra baggage allowance too. This means you can pack more without worrying about fees. The staff will tag your bags as priority, so they come out first at your destination.
