Most of us have tried traveling for fun, but not many have experienced traveling for business. Business trips may sound really cool – work and travel at the same time. Although there are perks to it, particularly the paid airplane fares, business trips can be a little difficult and stressful. If you imagine long-haul flights and work stress, then you may have second thoughts about making business trips. But don’t worry, we’ll help make it a lot better for you. We’ll show you how to do business while still having the fun of travel and comfort of home. Keep on reading and discover the best business class for executives and make business trips a better, if not the best, experience.
Business Class VS First Class
When booking their flights, many still get confused between business class and first class. Well, it really can be confusing as the two categories have a lot of similarities. They can also vary depending on the airline and the destination. There are cases when an airline’s business class is better than another’s first-class, but we’ll give you the general sense of it.
1. Check-in, Luggage, and Boarding
Business-class and first-class passengers will both have priority check-in, tagged luggage, and boarding services. There usually isn’t a long queue in these priority lanes, so the difference between the two isn’t much.
With luggage, it greatly depends on the airline, but usually, a business class passenger will receive two checked bags while a first-class passenger will get three. First-class luggage also arrives on the luggage belt first, followed by the business class. However, there are also cases wherein all priority-tagged bags will be delivered at the same time. The first-class passengers will get on and off first on the plane, and the business class passengers follow them.
2. Lounges
Best airlines have separate lounges for their business class and first-class passengers, while some don’t. One example is the Emirates. It has a separate lounge for the two classes in Dubai, in which the first-class lounge is better than the business class. However, their first and business classes share a single lounge for their outstations. Usually, business-class lounges offer travelers with luxury upgrades, such as bar service, Wi-Fi, desk, and office equipment. They also typically serve light dining, buffet-style meals, rarely full meal service. On the other hand, they can enjoy opulent luxury services, fine dining, and bar service with fine wines and whiskey for first-class passengers. Some airlines offer spa services, showers, and private rooms.
3. Seating On Board
This is where you will see the most significant difference between the first-class and the business class. Of course, this differs from airline to airline. Still, these are the general differences: Passengers from business-class can expect spacious, more comfortable seats than the economy or premium economy class and extra legroom. The seats are typically positioned side-by-side in traditional rows and partially partitioned for guests to have some privacy. Some of the business-class seats can be reclined up to a certain degree while some lie-flat, especially for long-haul flights. Business-class passengers are given amenity kits, including hand lotion, sanitizer, moisturizer, comb, and a towel.
On the other hand, first-class passengers can enjoy more spacious legroom, a more comfortable bed with luxury bedding, have guaranteed privacy and direct aisle access, bigger storage space, dedicated flight attendants, and amenity kits that include slippers and PJs. There are also fewer seats per cabin in first-class compared to business class.
4. Food And Beverage
Multi-course gourmet meals can be expected in both first and business classes. However, first-class passengers usually have more menu options and an extensive list of champagne, fine wines, cocktails, and whiskey than those in business class.
5. Amenities
Plush pillows and blankets are given in both classes. Sometimes, some airlines provide a mattress pad in first class to make the flatbed more comfortable, and an airplane staff will make up your bed for you. Pajamas and slippers are given to first-class passengers, but this seldom happens in business-class. Some airlines, like Emirates and Etihad have showers on their aircraft for their first-class passengers only.
6. Service
First-class passengers can expect flight crew to address them by their names. This may be because it is easier to remember them as there are fewer guests in first-class than in the business-class. There are dedicated flight attendants to cater to their first-class passengers’ needs. There are also available attendants in business-class, but you have to call their attention or wait for them as there are many to take care of in business class.
7. Availability
Not all airlines have first-class flights, and it is not always available on every flight. It is usually more common on international flights. On the other hand, business-class flights are common in most airlines and are available for both short and long-haul flights.
8. Price
This may be the difference you first notice when booking first and business classes. First-class is more expensive than business class. On average, business-class is twice the cost of the economy while first-class is six times the price of the economy on average.
How To Manage Executive’s Trips
1. Know The Budgetk-in, Luggage, and Boarding
Knowing the budget of your trip will give you a reference point for your planning process. This way, you will learn how much you have to spend on the basics, like airfare, transportation, accommodation, food, etc.
2. Book In Advance
There are a lot of advantages when you book your flight early for business trips. You can plan the things you need to do, have time to prepare for all those things, and most of all, and you will get more chances of getting cheaper plane tickets. You can book your flights in advance online with tripadvisor.com or priceline.com to get special discounts and other great deals.
3. Plan Thoroughly
Making some changes, like travel dates and time, accommodation, car and other services can be really expensive. Make a thorough plan of the dates, hotels, and the things you need to do before making the final decision. Ensure that you have everything right to avoid paying extra charges and not to waste time as well.
4. Use Travel Management Tool
This will help you save time and money for the business, and the executive as these tools can help organize schedules, track expenses, create reports, and more.
>> Traveling for business? Remember to pack your suit should you need it.
5. Use Loyalty Programs
If you have to make a lot of business trips, it would be wise to sign up for loyalty programs, be it a hotel, airline, and other services. Besides getting discounts and special deals, you can also enjoy other perks like getting positive responses and prioritizing.
Best Business Class Airline For Executives In USA
1. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines introduced their new Business Class cabin in 2017. The suites here have a sliding door so every guest can enjoy their privacy. It also features personal stowage areas, an advanced in-flight entertainment system, and a more comfortable seat. Business-class passengers can also enjoy chef-curated meals, wines from Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, Westin beddings, TUMI amenity kits, including Kiehl premium skincare in-flight loungewear in select flights.
Delta Air is popular among executives and considered one of the best airlines for executives in the USA because it has direct flights to over 200 destinations and can reach more than 300 destinations in 59 countries.
Pros:
- Accommodating staff
- Good food
- Great privacy
- On-time (mostly)
- Great in-flight entertainment
- Granular light controls
Cons:
- Tiny lavatory
- Narrow Aisles
- A bit more expensive
Best Destinations For Executives In the USA
1. Chicago
The Midwest hub in Chicago and home to the rock star teen industry, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and the well-established media industry are some of the reasons why Chicago is an excellent destination for business. There are also vibrant tourist spots where you can enjoy world-class architecture, arts, great food, and more. Book your business class flight to Chicago with Delta now.
2. New York
This famous city in America is one of the world’s top business travel destinations. It has some of the US’s most powerful financial institutions, media corporations, and communication agencies. And if you want to get a breath of fresh air, you can pay a visit to some of the city’s tourist spots like their world-class museums, the famous Central Park, and Broadway. Fly with Delta on your next business trip to New York.
Best Business Class Airline For Executives In UK
1. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic calls its business class “Upper Class.” One of the perks in booking Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class is they get to leave the aircraft first after landing. So, you don’t have to worry about being late for a meeting or a conference. Upper-Class passengers can enjoy chauffeur-driven car service to and from the airport, stay in the Clubhouse and lounges where they can relax and unwind before the flight, leather seats that can be converted to sumptuous flatbeds, fine food and beverages, and on-top in-flight entertainment. You can get more deals and discounts when you sign-up with Flying Club.
Pros:
- Fancy cabins
- Mood lighting
- Seat controls are easy to use
- Individual air nozzles per seat
- Offer pajamas
Cons:
- Narrow seats
- Lack space for storage
- Low-quality headphones
Best Destinations For Executives In UK
1. London
London is not just for tourists who want to enjoy the beautiful site-seeing spots in the city. It is also among the top destinations for business. One of the main reasons why London is popular for business is because it has a good market. And with its world-class infrastructure, six international airports, several major ground transport hubs, underground rail system, it makes a good foundation for many businesses from all over the world.
2. Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the most visited towns by international business travelers in the UK. With its growing status as a tourist attraction, many businesses, especially hotels and restaurants, are booming. In 2015, it had gained its fifth Michelin star for Carters of Mosley and also opened a £50-million Park Regis hotel.
Best Business Class Airline For Executives In Asia
1. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
All Nippon Airways is Japan’s largest airline and is one of Asia’s best airlines and the world. Many would say that this airline’s business class is equivalent to or better than other’s first class. Each seat has a sheer amount of space and doors for more privacy. It also includes a large screen for entertainment, a compartment with a literature pocket, a mirror, and a small pouch to store your things.
Pros:
- Tray is huge
- Huge footwell
- Great cabin/suite design
- Very friendly staff
- Individual air nozzles
- Very friendly staff
- Classy window shades
- Offer slippers, shoehorn, and shoe bag
- Offer two pillows, a blanket, and a mattress sheet
Cons:
- Limited seat storage
- Sometimes don’t offer pre-departure drinks
- Door buttons are a little complicated
Best Destinations For Executives In Asia
1. Singapore
Low tax policies and excellent talented development programs are some of the reasons why many multinational companies like Google, Facebook, and Pfizer designate Singapore are their regional headquarters. As one of the leading hubs in Asia, it is no wonder why thing country is among the top countries visited for business.
2. Hong Kong
Aside from no capital gains taxes or goods and services, Hong Kong also except tax from gains from the investments of capital transactions and foreign people in business, and investors can own 100% of the company they open in the country. Multinational companies like AXA, J.P. Morgan, and Goldman Sachs and Prudential have their regional headquarters in Hong Kong.
Best Business Class Airline For Executives In Middle East
1. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways got the World’s Best Business Class in the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards and 2019 TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. Their fancy Qsuite business-cabin has its signature colors burgundy and grey, and warm rose detailing. Their fully lie-flat beds are specially designed to offer unrivaled space and more comfort to their passengers. They also provide sumptuous cuisine made by their best chefs, which you can enjoy in a spacious dining area to experience world-class meals while flying.
Pros:
- Seats with doors for more privacy
- Generous storage space
- Accessible media panel
- USB, HDMI, and NFC capable
- Exceptional entertainment selection
- Amenity kits with products from Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio
- Serves a la carte menu
- Hospitable staff
- No bulkheads
- Seat controls are easy to use
Cons:
- Fairly small legroom
- Middle seats don’t have an air nozzle
- No overhead bins
- Headphones are not very good
Best Destinations For Executives In Middle East
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
According to the latest New World Wealth data, the United Arab Emirates is the wealthiest country in the Middle East, with Dubai as the wealthiest city. It is common knowledge that Dubai is among the most visited places in the world, both for business and for pleasure. Many business people and investors go to Dubai because of its free zone policy for any business venture – manufacturing, trading, or service. Businesses in Dubai can also enjoy a lighter tax burden, fewer business loan restrictions, and infrastructural benefits, which are mostly only found in the city. Experience Qatar Airways business class comfort on your next trip to Dubai.
2. Kuwait
Kuwait, known for its hospitable culture, is a country of modern society and traditional Islamic customs. It is also competitive when we talk about power, land, and labor. Its banking system also has strong regulatory support making it one of the most stable banking markets in the Middle East and North Africa region. A lot of leading businesses preferred Kuwait as their regional headquarters, such as from the telecom, retail, logistics, financial services, and aviation industries. Book a flight to Kuwait now with Qatar Airways and experience comfort and style while traveling.
To Wrap It Up
Business trips are just some of the essential things executives need to do. These trips are not strictly for pleasure, but it does not mean they cannot have it. Choosing the right airline for your business trips is one way to make sure that you work and travel while maintaining style, comfort, and fun. This is why it is necessary to know the best business class for executives.
What’s Next?
Are you preparing for another business trip? Check out some great deals for business class flights here!