The benefits of flying business class are often noticeable before you even board the airplane. Many airlines offer access to the airport business lounges. These are much less crowded and much more comfortable than the general lounges. Amenities can include wireless computer access, a bar and sometimes table service as well. An added benefit is that boarding from the lounge means you can avoid long check in lines.
Space is the number one reason travelers choose business class, according to Inside Flyer Magazine. Economy class seating is often crowded, with only 31 inches of seat space. Business class seating offers 39 inches of seating, which is comparable to the seats found in first class. The extra space also means more leg room and even wider tables which are handy for travelers using lap tops or doing paperwork.
Many airlines have gotten rid of their free meal service in economy class. Depending on the airline, you can often buy food or alcoholic beverages and some also charge for your in-flight headphones as well. Business class however, often includes free meals and even free alcoholic beverages. The quality of the food is also better and you are rarely charged for extras such as headphones.
Economy class seats are the least expensive seats on the plane. Business class tickets are often double the price of economy seats. Likewise, first class tickets can often be up to double the price of business class.
Although you accumulate about 25 percent more reward miles when flying in business class, this is not always cost-effective, because the actual ticket is often double the cost of an economy seat. You will also need 25 to 65 percent more frequent flyer miles to purchase business class tickets than you would if you were purchasing in economy class.
