In the United Stated, small aircraft, short journeys or low cost airlines do not typically offer the option to book a business class ticket. This pattern is repeated internationally, though some carriers offer all business class seating on luxury flights. American airlines that offer multiple seating options typically follow the dual seating plan, with non-business class seats being referred to as economy, regular fare or coach. Outside of North America, airlines provide a broader variability in seating and services. Business class may be the middle option between coach and first class, or be considered equivalent to a regular fare ticket, in contrast to low price tickets with few services or amenities.
As the name of the class may not give indications of its status, price provides a guideline to the different levels of ticket. A business class ticket may cost more than double that of a regular fare, or only a small amount more depending on the airline. Generally the ticket will include a letter code which indicates the kind of service you may receive. F, P, A and R all indicate that this is equivalent to first class, while C, J, I and Z refer to second class tickets.
Business class tickets include wider chairs with more space between the seats, providing comfort for taller or wider individuals. Customers are seated first, at the front of the airplane and have their own lines for check in and baggage, but pass through airport security with all other travelers. If meals are served, food is included in the cost of the ticket and the presentation will be fancier, including glass and metal serving utensils. A separate menu from the other passengers will include restaurant-quality food. Various amenities such as a in-flight television and movies have no extra charge attached, as will the provision of blankets and pillows. In most cases, alcoholic beverages are also complimentary. Some airlines provide seats that convert to fully flat beds on long flights to promote sleep.
Before air travel, boats and trains included multiple categories of tickets. This reflected the historical divisions in social class and wealth, where a first class passenger could expect an entire suite on a sea voyage or the private use of their own car on a train, while other passengers were crammed together as tightly as possible in seats or confined to the lower parts of the ship.
Initially, commercial airlines made no distinctions between seating classes. However, as air travel became more common airlines experimented with a three class system in the late 1970s. By the early 1990s, the demands of passengers had encouraged the current system, where a two class or no-class seating plan is the norm.
Luck plays an important role in capturing a free upgrade. Airlines often oversell economy class tickets, and in this situation some passengers will be offered a spot in an unbooked business class seat. Frequent flyers are given preferential placement and are most likely to receive an upgrade. To increase your chances, check in early for preferential placement. Some airlines announce if it is possible to be upgraded on television screens around your departure gate, these will tell you where you are on the waiting list.
If luck isn't working, passengers who gave up their seats on an overbooked flight may receive business class seating on a later flight as compensation. It is also possible to receive an upgrade if you are a VIP or a travel agent, or simply by asking, but these cases are at the discretion of the airline.
