On domestic and international flights, you'll often find both a business and economy class, with the former targeted toward executives and the latter toward vacationers and other leisure travelers.
A business air traveler is more often concerned with scheduling and seat space. A leisure traveler is often willing to forgo both in exchange for lower airfare.
A separate check-in line speeds business-class travelers to a private lounge where they can wait in comfort away from the crowds and lines of leisure travelers.
A business traveler has a larger baggage allowance and boards before those in coach. Business-class seating is in a separate cabin section, sometimes on a different level.
Business-class seating boasts fewer passengers, wider and more comfortable seats, and a greater selection of individually served dishes.
As of September 2009, a round trip flight from Los Angeles to London on United costs $824 in economy class and $4,574 in business class.
