When is it worth it to travel in business class? The decision can be difficult when comfort is a priority. I have only flown business class once, and the experience is game-changing for travel. The ultimate perks are:
- Better sleep
- Unlimited food and beverages
- Great entertainment
- Additional space
- Privacy
I would fly it every time if I could afford it, but that is not a realistic expectation for most travelers. Whether it’s a quick cross-country flight or worldwide, when do you splurge a little extra on your travels?
I have come to understand that sleep is the most critical element when traveling across time zones and, in many cases, on a red-eye flight. My rule of thumb is if I’m going to be in the air for more than 12 hours, I likely will need good sleep, not just intermittent when I can for a couple of hours. My husband and I flew from Newark, NJ, to Rome, Italy, this past September 2023 on United, and the flight truly wasn’t bad in basic economy. We had our essentials: eye masks, neck pillows, melatonin, and ear plugs, and we were able to sleep for the majority of the flight with the blanket they provided. We booked our flights ten months in advance, so when we selected our seats, we picked a row with only two seats across, which was a game changer. We got a little extra legroom without paying extra.
Business class travel is a luxury. When we went to the Maldives for our honeymoon in 2022, we splurged on our seats, and the perks offset the cost. We got a steal of a deal booking during Covid and flew on Qatar Airways in their famous Q-Suites. We left Dulles International in Washington, D.C., had a layover in Qatar, and landed in Male two days later. We flew through several different time zones and got quality sleep to enjoy our stay from day one. Neither of us experienced severe jet lag upon arrival, and we had a positive experience on all our flights.
The flight attendants spoke exceptional English and ensured a relaxing flight. They even help turn your Q-suite into a bed when you’re ready to sleep. Our initial flight from Dulles to Doha was 12 hours, and we were provided pajamas, slippers, and toothbrushes in the bathrooms. The blanket was fuzzy and warm, and we slept as we usually would at home.
The food was another massive upgrade from basic economy. There is a decently extensive menu, which differed on each flight we took. You could order at any time and pick a designated time for it to come out. In addition to food, complementary beverages were at your disposal. Upon arrival on the aircraft, we received a glass of champagne or rose, and other drinks were available throughout the flight. Though it was tempting, we limited the amount of alcohol to help give us better rest.
Basic economy is acceptable for 95% of places we have gone. The intent is to explain why splurging on business class may be more beneficial if you are indecisive. It will change your experience and provide a more jet-lagged-free vacation. We have booked business class on Etihad Airways for our Bali trip in April 2025.
