1st Class vs Business Class: What’s the difference?

Print anything with Printful



Business class was invented in 1979 by Qantas to provide adequate workspace for traveling business people. First class focuses on luxury with large seats, private amenities, and complimentary champagne. Both classes are more expensive than economy tickets.

As more and more airline passengers travel on business, first class is becoming obsolete. Those airlines that still offer it differentiate between the two classes by offering a higher level of luxury to first class passengers. To understand the fundamental difference between the two classes, it is important to understand why each class was invented.

The first airline to offer business class seats was Qantas. During the year Qantas decided to offer business class seats, 1979, many people traveled from one destination to another for business purposes. Shortly after Qantas began offering business class tickets, many airlines followed suit. The primary purpose of a business class set was, and still is, to provide adequate workspace for traveling business people.

Business class seats are often larger than economy class seats. In addition to the space offered to business class travelers, tables are provided that can accommodate laptops and other devices. Some airlines also offer meals to business class passengers which are not available to economy class passengers.

In stark contrast, the primary focus of first class is to provide travelers with the ultimate in air luxury. Passengers traveling on a luxury ticket often receive large, comfortable seats, private amenities, crystal stemware, china crockery, and complimentary champagne. Unlike business class, the primary goal of any airline offering a first class ticket is to create a luxurious and relaxing oasis for travellers.

Some airlines offer first-class travelers free limousine service, though this isn’t always the case. Both first and business class travelers have access to private airport lounges that can be used before and after a flight. While airlines were the first mode of transportation to offer first class and business class tickets, many train companies also offer both classes.

Combined with the services offered, first class and business class tickets are more expensive than economy tickets. While the price of tickets varies from airline to airline, first class and business travelers often pay more than double the price of an economy ticket. International first class and business tickets are often much more expensive than economy class tickets.

To find out how much a first class or business class ticket costs, it is advisable to speak with an airline or train representative. While some first and business class train tickets may not be outrageously expensive, this is not always the case. For those traveling for luxury or business purposes, the many amenities that come with a business or luxury ticket can be well worth the upfront cost.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content