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Seats have shrunk and legroom has vanished. There is less space to sit and move about. Basic economy is the more affordable option, but not if you’re purchasing a last-minute ticket. Flying business class is an entirely different experience. If you fly business class once, you’ll never be happy in economy class again. You can settle down in a comfy seat, scan the newspaper, and even enjoy a drink. Business class brings about many advantages, so numerous airlines have abandoned their first-class seats altogether.
If you’ve managed to score a seat on a business class flight, congratulations are in order. You’ve made it and you should make the most of this experience. It doesn’t matter if it’s a short flight or an ultra-long-haul flight. It’s going to feel a lot better flying business class. If you’re a first-time business class flyer, chances are that you’re nervous. We’ve gathered a few travel tips that will prepare you for the journey so that you won’t be caught by surprise when you take off.
- Get a good business class deal
Securing a good deal for a business class flight isn’t easy. Some routes provide better deals than others because there’s more competition involved. You can use a search engine such as Google Flights. If your date isn’t set in stone, you can get an affordable business class flight to your chosen destination more easily. There are times when airlines have business class flights cheaper. To find out about these special offers before anyone else, subscribe to the airline’s newsletter. You’ll receive information about current flight offers, new destinations, and more.
- Choose your seat carefully
Business class seats can be transformed into luxury beds, with enough space to extend the legs, which can be easily adjusted. Carefully think about your seat selection. Premium passengers get to select their seats for free. Even if that’s not the case, it’s still a good idea to choose your seat because its location can have an impact on the overall experience. Some airlines provide seat maps, so go over the seating chart and decide where in the cabin you’d like to sit. If you leave it up to the airline at check-in, brace yourself for disappointment.
- Start thinking about the onboard dining experience
For business class passengers, very nice meals are served to make their experience better. you can enjoy a sumptuous meal and sip on your favorite drink, whether it’s champagne or beer. In case you didn’t know, you can choose your meal several days before departure or 24 hours before the flight. Attention needs to be paid to the fact that the menu can vary according to the route. If you don’t select a meal during this timeframe, don’t worry because the flight attendant will ask for your meal preferences on board. If your flight lasts more than a couple of hours, you can expect a full-course meal prepared by professional chefs.
- Check baggage allowance when you make your booking
When flying business class, you’re allowed to bring two items of checked luggage, as premium cabins are very lenient. It’s strongly advised to check trip details to see how much baggage you can bring. If it’s not enough, don’t fret because there’s the option of purchasing extra baggage. When packing your stuff, you can save space and weight in your carry-on luggage. Thus, you can make things easier for you when you pass through security. The rules of baggage allowance change all the time and even increase in complexity. You can’t just pack your things and go. Do your homework.
- Do yourself a favor and arrive well-rested
You’ve been counting down the days until your trip since you booked it months ago. If you want to take maximum advantage of the chance, make sure you arrive at the airport well-rested. The last thing you want is to sleep through the entire trip. How are you going to take in all the perks if you’re tired? You can let yourself doze off at some point, but that’s all. Besides better rest and fine dining, you can enjoy various entertainment options. Some seats have built-in TVs, no to mention that you can keep in touch with friends and family by connecting to the free Wi-Fi network.
- Arrange transportation to and from the airport
Most airlines offer premium cabin travelers a complimentary chauffeur service. A limousine transports passengers to and from the airport. Of course, the service is restricted to certain routes and the mileage allowance might be so generous. At any rate, if you’ve booked a ticket, you don’t have to pay extra for this service. However, there might be a cost for additional mileages. Chauffeurs wear a mask and follow safety regulations in each destination. As far as the vehicle is concerned, it’s completely cleaned and disinfected from beginning to end.
- You can skip the line, but get to the airport early
The good news is that you can speed up your airport security screening and avoid removing items such as liquids, jackets, belts, and shoes. If you book a flight on a business class, you’re in luck because airports take passengers like you very seriously. Having a ticket with a higher fare will usually bring some privileges. You have extra time before your flight, but it’s recommended to arrive at the airport early. Grab a bubbly drink and cleanse yourself before boarding the plane (yes, you can freshen up with a shower).
After countless hours in economy class, you’re experiencing your first business class flight. Needless to say, it’ll be hard, if not impossible to do it the other way round. Now is as a good time as any to splurge on something like flying business class. You work tirelessly, so you should have the best experience possible. Everyone deserves a little bit of luxury travel. Rather than ignoring the chatting passenger sitting next to you, try to strike up a conversation. You might discover that the person is a great business contact. Or just someone who is pleasant to talk to.