BusinessTravel365 | Business & First Class Travel

For the Discerning Traveler

BusinessTravel365 offers discerning clients total luxury at a higher altitude for a fraction of the cost. Luxury doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag, and we are committed to delivering upscale flight experiences at 30-70% off on business and first class tickets when traveling internationally on all top-tier carriers worldwide. With BusinessTravel365, you never have to pay full price for the luxurious flight experience you deserve.

Exceeding Expectations, Every Time

Our hand-picked travel concierges are highly trained and fully committed to delivering outstanding customer service. When you demand the best, we seek to deliver it and transcend your expectations. We strive to provide complete satisfaction and to develop long-term relationships with our clients. We look forward to serving you and helping you curate an exceptional travel experience that exceeds your expectations in every way.

Client Support, Upgraded

We offer around-the-clock, white-glove client support from travel concierges who understand luxury travel and know how to deliver an upscale experience. Whether you have a special travel request or an unexpected event come up, our responsive support team is available at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No matter if you’re looking to spend a few extra days on the beach with a cocktail in your hand or your business meeting to score that next big deal is running late, we do all the work for you rearranging your travel so you have one less thing to worry about.

Business Class Flights

Since the dawn of the Jet Age in the late 1950s, there have been many distinct classes of service in aircraft flying around the world. The first 707s and DC-8s of Pan American or TWA had two compartments. Approximately 24 First Class passengers were seated in the front of the aircraft, and they enjoyed separate boarding, attentive service, gourmet meals — on Pan Am flights the meals were created by MAXIM’S of Paris — but first-class passenger seating was unremarkable, usually just a wide “easy chair” seat without even a footrest. Behind the partition was the Economy Class section, which seated about 100 passengers and was not noticeably different from today, but it had a more generous seat pitch and better food than the budget travelers of 2021 have come to expect.

Over the past 60 years, there have been a variety of configurations and options presented to premium passengers. As the offerings (for seats, in particular) for First Class became more luxurious, there became a need for another class. Situated between the exclusive First Class and the budget-oriented Economy Class, this new cabin took older-style First Class seats with upscale food and drink and provided a more relaxed and upscale travel experience at a price point that was acceptable for most international corporate executives: Business Class was born.

Initially, First Class was approximately double the ticket price of Economy Class. With the U.S. Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, competition drove the price of Economy Class down and exacerbated the price gap between Economy and First Class. This difference in price could be as much as a factor of eight times! Businessmen needed to reach their long-haul destination refreshed and ready to work, but booking an entire team in First Class for an international flight was cost-prohibitive. Companies simply could not rationalize the premium to fly First Class. The answer, of course, would be the relatively cheaper Business Class fares.

The first Business Class products were a significant step up from Economy Class for seat pitch (the distance between two rows of seats), recline angle, and seat width. The service was noticeably more attentive than Economy Class. Meal service was better than in Economy — served on a tray, with linen table coverings and napkins, glassware, silverware, and porcelain dishware. And the meal choices were more varied in a Business Class seat!

By the late 1990s, Business Class seats started to encourage better and better sleep. Flying Business Class meant that the seats reclined farther and there was an extendable leg rest. By the start of the 2000s, some airlines even started offering lie-flat seats that formed beds. The first airline to offer these lie-flat seats were British Airways, and the configuration of these seats meant that half the passengers had to sit facing backward, a small sacrifice for the chance to sleep eight hours of your 10-hour international flights to and from Europe! For some time, in order to save seat pitch, the fully-flat beds were mostly the now-dreaded “angle-flat” seats. In these seats, your feet would be low down and usually below the seat in front of you.

As the first decade of the 21st century progressed, more and more Business Class cabins were set with fully-flat sleeper seats that converted to a full bed. As the second decade (2010-2020) came to a close, the new buzz words about Business Class changed from “ fully-flat bed seat” to “direct aisle access.” Later, the conversation around the seats for Business Class flights progressed to “fully enclosed suites” — once a feature only provided to the exclusive First Class passengers.

Another trend over the last 15 years is that Business Class flight deals are starting to become the top offering of an airline, as the First Class cabin has been phased out. For example, consider one of the three major airline alliances: Oneworld. Oneworld has 13 member airlines, and in 2020, before COVID19, only six were offering First Class, and most of these only offer the once-exclusive First Class cabin on very few, select flights.

The general trend is that the relatively cheap Business Class is reaching the seating quality levels of older First Class offerings again, while the food and service are remaining at the Business Class levels of the past 20 years. There are exceptions to this, of course, and those who have chosen to provide premium class passengers better seating options, food options, and additional services are offering the best Business Class amenities!

Your Travel Manager at Business Travel 365 can suggest the most luxurious and cost-effective options for your Premium Class travel in Business or First Class. Let us share our knowledge and experience with you!

With business class tickets offering so much value, very few airlines are still offering true First Class products these days. In the United States, there is only one legacy airline, American Airlines, that offers eight First Class seats on one type of airplane in their fleet. This option only exists on their 777s, which used to all have 14 First Class seats available. This change moves Business Class flight passengers all the way to the “pointy end” of the aircraft, as there is nothing better than where they are sitting on about 85% of intercontinental and international flights!

Is there a difference? Yes! When it comes to lounges at the airport, the First Class lounges are like six-star hotels, with Business Class lounges being more like five stars. You can anticipate $300 bottles of champagne and caviar in First Class, and perhaps only $150 champagne bottles and other cheaper seafood, like lobster, in Business Class! Pajamas are always available in First Class, but in Business Class the airlines that offer them only do so on the longest of international overnight flights.

The seats in Business Class are not usually as wide or as padded as those in First Class. Typically, modern widebody aircraft have four seats across in a reverse herringbone orientation, whereas, in First Class, the private suites are not angled to squeeze more in, resulting in about eight seats wherein Business Class flights, there would be 12 or even 16 seats. For a more notable comparison, the Economy Class section of a similar size would hold at least 50, if not 60 or 70 seats!

There can be very large price differences between the four most common travel classes possible on intercontinental flights. It is difficult to generalize about every situation. Every market between two cities is unique, both for what airlines fly the route, what amenities are provided to the premium class passengers, and the fare that the airlines charge for these flights. When booking a flight from New York to London, you may find very different offerings than a flight from Hong Kong to New Zealand, for instance.

In general, full-fare Business Class is about two to three times more expensive than full-fare Economy Class. Premium Economy Class, a relatively new offering from more and more airlines, has a price that typically falls somewhere between full-fare Economy and Business Classes. While it might be billed as a “cheap business class” seat, it’s actually closer to the Economy Class offerings. Some Premium Economy Class seats are very similar to the original First Class seats of the 1960s and the original seats in Business Class in the 1980s. The service in Premium Economy Class is also closer to Economy Class, with upgraded food and drink, usually a welcome glass of champagne and maybe some more inflight snack options. Usually, there is a small amenity kit as well, and perhaps a better quality pillow and blanket than what is available to Economy passengers.

There are many promotional fares available to cost-conscious travelers! Online travel agencies such as Business Travel 365 work with our wholesale partners to secure even bigger discounts on relatively cheap business class tickets than the airlines offer to the general public. In general, for Business Class, you should expect to pay at least double or triple the fare above the lowest Economy Class pricing options. Every traveler should consider if the additional benefits for a Business Class flight are worth the price paid.

The most important benefit of a Business Class flight is space. Business Class seats typically have a “footprint” on the floor plan of the aircraft that is up to four times larger than a single seat in Economy Class. That space, when well planned, can provide an environment that is conducive to relaxing, enjoying a gourmet meal, and most importantly, sleeping — not by sitting upright in a seat with 12 degrees of recline, but on a full-flat bed with luxurious bedding provided by one of the best housewares retail stores! In the competition to win Business Class travelers, some airlines are beginning to create private enclosed suites with doors — once a design feature that was only available to First Class travelers!

Jet lag, turbulence, and the conduct of other passengers will always play a role in your travel experience. However, a business class flight seat provides added comfort to help travelers get acclimated to their new destination happier and faster. There is one new benefit to flying that is available to all passengers and crew who fly in an aircraft. The newest generation of aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 have composite materials used in their fuselages. This means that the pressurization of the cabin of the aircraft can be to a lower altitude, meaning that the passenger’s body is exposed to a lower altitude for the duration of the flight. Older aircraft were pressurized to let the passengers feel like they are at about 8000 feet above sea level, newer aircraft drop that “feeling” to 5000 feet. That is the difference between being at the altitude of a typical ski resort, as opposed to a climbing adventure in the higher altitudes of the Swiss Alps! At the lower altitude, our bodies breathe easier and we feel less fatigue.

International Business Class Flights

Why fly business class? Allow us to walk you through a typical business class experience. In the competitive premium markets, there is a very large difference between airlines in terms of the experience they provide to you, the customer.

The other benefits to Business Class passengers can be divided between the amenities on offer before and after the actual flight and the amenities of the flight itself. Every airline has different standards for these amenities, but the discussion here will be about the general amenities that are “average” for the entire industry, on intercontinental long-haul flights.

When flying Business Class, it all begins with the contact center at the airline. While we are sure you will allow us to help with any contacts with the airline, should you have occasion to call the airline — perhaps as you want to book the Lobster Thermidor on “Book the Cook” with Singapore Airlines! — there are usually dedicated, more experienced agents to work on your requests!

When it comes time to plan for your trip, in most cases, Business Class passengers can count on being allowed extra baggage compared to Economy Class travel. While Economy Class passengers are usually entitled to one piece of checked baggage with a weight of 50 lbs/23kg per person, the normal Business Class checked baggage allowance is two pieces each with a weight of up to 70 lbs/32kg per person. That is nearly three times the baggage allowance for premium passengers.

Many years ago, the airlines understood that because of their “business first” agendas, Business Class passengers had greater strain on their time than passengers traveling for vacation. As a result, the airport experience is designed to allow premium passengers to get to the airport closer to flight time and be whizzed through to the secure departure zone.

It begins with Priority Check-In. Here again, the most senior agents are utilized to check-in and answer any questions the premium traveler may have. Here your baggage will be tagged for Priority Handling, ensuring that at your destination, your bags are among the first to be placed on the baggage reclaim belt — to help you get on the way! The agent will then point you to the Priority Security Screening lane.

That Priority Lane ensures that you will be sped through the security protocols faster, as there will be a shorter line. This feature is available at select airports, and where the airlines can arrange such features with the airport.

Once you pass through security and perhaps passport control, you should have a lounge to use while waiting for your flight boarding. At check-in, you will typically be given a “Lounge Invitation” to the exclusive zone — typically located in the secured zone — where you can relax, have a drink, and perhaps some snacks before the flight.

These lounges are quiet sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of the departure terminal. The amenities in each lounge vary a great deal: some lounges are very basic with a bar (self-service or with a bartender) and a buffet of some food options. Other lounges have golf simulators, pianos, private resting bedrooms, and of course showers. Some lounges, such as the Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge in the new Istanbul Airport, have all of the above!

The lounge is also a good place to have those critical last contacts with your office colleagues before getting aboard a 15-hour flight to the other side of the world!

Imagine this: your flight gets called while you’re relaxing in the lounge and you head to the departure gate. There is a sea of up to 500 passengers, all waiting to get in the aircraft. Yet over there, on the right, is a priority boarding line. You bypass the mass of people and are standing in a line of maybe five passengers who are whizzed on the aircraft in a matter of a minute. How is that for customer service?

Settle in at your seat. The Business Class compartment is always located at the “pointy end” or the front of the aircraft, just behind the small First Class cabin (if there is one). Your seat in 2021 will be wide and separated from the other passengers, perhaps even with partition walls for your own private suite. At a minimum, your seat will fold flat to a bed. You should have direct aisle access, meaning you will not have to climb over anyone, even your better half, to get to the aisle to visit the washroom.

While we’re at it, speaking of the washrooms, most Business Class toilets have extra amenities. Some even have a supply of disposable fabric towels allowing you to feel like you’re at home. There are usually face hydration sprays, hand lotions, and maybe some amenities like shavers, toothbrushes, and even hair combs. If you ever wondered what should be placed in the many drawers in the washroom on an aircraft, visit a Business Class washroom!

Before departure, most airlines are providing a beverage, and perhaps some snacks such as a warm nut mix. Depending on the size of the cabin and the number of flight attendants, this beverage could be a choice of juice, water, or champagne — or perhaps a choice from a full bar menu. Some airports do not allow alcoholic beverages to be served on the ground, making the passengers wait for the after takeoff service to begin.

Over the course of the flight, the service is very unique to each airline and is dependent on the length of the flight. There is usually one main meal and up to two more light meals offered. Some airlines are allowing their Business Class passengers to “dine on demand” at any time from a full menu. At a minimum, the menu typically includes a choice of appetizer, a salad and/or soup course, a choice of three or more entrees, and a choice of dessert (and/or a cheese and fruit course). The lighter meals are typically three courses served all at once. All meals are served with a full bar service, except for a few “dry” airlines from the Middle East.

When you board, an amenity kit is often on your seat. This amenity kit is usually created for the airline by a fashion designer from Tumi to Hermes to Porsche Design. The amenities inside are intended to be used on board and make your flight more comfortable. Beyond that, these kits are often a status symbol, and they are designed to be used after your flight for many years to remind you of your fantastic flight experience!

When it comes time to sleep, many airline cabin crews will perform a hotel-style turndown service, some even putting a pillow top over the fully-flat seat and plush comforters. Have a nice rest until your destination.

The Best Business Class Airlines

There are many rating programs that award “Best in the Air” honors to Business Classes around the world. Business Travel 365 would like to propose a list of our favorite Business Class cabins from our client experiences. Our top ten favorite airlines in Business Class are:

– Singapore Airlines
– ANA All Nippon Airways
– Cathay Pacific Airways
– Qatar Airlines
– Turkish Airlines
– Etihad Airways
– Japan Airlines
– Qantas Airways
– Emirates
– Swiss

In these post-COVID times, it is important to remember that the amenities and services provided to Business Class passengers have been cut back, but the one thing that is not reduced is the space and privacy afforded to the premium passengers. And in these somewhat difficult times for travelers, there are still great deals on flights and discounted fares, even for Business Class. Call us to discuss your travel plans.

The Travel Managers at Business Travel 365 look forward to working with you to realize your future travel plans. Whether you are booking flights to an important business meeting or on a vacation of the lifetime, we can provide you with all the information you need to make an educated decision between the various options for your journey. We can also provide information and assistance with other aspects of your trip, from hotels and car rentals to full tour options and private transfers. As a full-service Online Travel Agency, we stand ready to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Feel free to call us to experience our professional, personal service.

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Top Tier Products

For the Discerning Traveler

Exceeding Expectations, Every Time

Client Support, Upgraded

Business Class Flights

The Birth of Business Class Tickets

Differences Between First Class and a Business Class Flight

Is Business Class worth it? (and what about Premium Economy Class?)

International Business Class Flights

Before the Flight (Contacts and Baggage)

At the Airport on Departure (Priority Check-in and Security Access)

Premium Lounge Access

The In-flight Experience