Don’t let anyone tell you that there is no big deal between first class, business class or economy class travel by air. There is a big deal, believe me. As they say, the difference is clear once you board; and even with the service on the ground.
I have traveled by air in the three major classes – economy, business and first classes. I have done these travels by commercial airlines and private planes, including state-owned aircraft from the presidential fleet and the military. Some flights have been plush and comfortable while some have been very uncomfortable and scary, no matter the class.
Several years ago, early 90s, I think, I learnt a very big lesson that made me vow not to travel by business class unless it is being paid for by someone else – like by my employers, friends or as part of business.
Let me tell you why.
My wife and I were traveling from London to Lagos via the German airline Lufthansa, so we had to stop over at their home base in Frankfurt as they usually do, to change planes. We traveled business class. Those days, the price difference between business class, first class, and economy class varied, depending on the airline, route, and duration of the flight. However, in general, business class tickets are 3 to 4 times more expensive than economy class tickets for the same route and airline. First-class tickets are twice as expensive as business class tickets so first class seats ring up around 6 times the cost of economy. But these days, some First class seats can cost up to five times as much as business class seats.
At Frankfurt airport that day, the airline called the economy passengers to board first. We were just lounging around and I saw a familiar blonde hair among the economy class passengers, accompanied by a lady with a familiar gait on the economy class queue to board. I did not think twice about it but it was in my subconscious throughout the journey.
It was not until we arrived in Lagos and in the usual jostle in the immigration and luggage claim that I saw the familiar man with the blonde hair and his spouse – it was my High Commissioner, the de facto head of government of Canada in Nigeria and his wife. I tried to hide so that they won’t see me. Here I was, a bloody locally-engaged trade commissioner cum commercial/public affairs officer in the Canadian High Commission in business class with his wife, while his boss in economy. And I paid for our tickets and he would have saved and paid for theirs too from his salary which must have been hundreds of percentage points way above mine.
Since that time, I decided not to let ‘bigmanism’ affect my choice of ticket to travel. I have always traveled by economy if I was paying, even when there was money. It just was not worth it, even though there is a world of difference in terms of comfort between economy and business or first class.
It is important to note that the price difference is not the only factor that distinguishes these classes. Business class and first class offer more luxury and comfort than economy class, such as lounge access, spacious seats, and personalized service. First class is the most exclusive and expensive option, providing the highest level of luxury and privacy.
The industry says business class is a balance between luxury and affordability, with a focus on comfort and productivity. Economy class is the most affordable option, but offers the least amount of space and amenities.
Economy class is the most basic class of travel. The seats are usually arranged in rows of three or four, with limited legroom and seat recline. Passengers in economy class are provided with basic amenities such as meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.
On the other hand, business class offers more comfort and luxury than economy class. The seats are usually arranged in rows of two or four, with more legroom and seat recline. Passengers in business class are provided with additional amenities such as priority check-in, access to airport lounges, better meals, and more personalized service.
As I said earlier, business class tickets are significantly more expensive than economy class tickets but if you are looking for a more comfortable flying experience and are willing to pay extra for it, business class is a great option. But if you are like me who either vowed not to pay with his own money or you are on a budget, economy class is it. Well, there are even classes in economy these days, with premium economy a little above the basic class.
They say that if you fly business class once, you will never be happy in economy again; but they have not reckoned with tough people like me who have sworn not to go business unless…….. While it might be hard to easily see the benefits of premium economy over economy, the luxuries of business over premium economy are apparent. At currently almost N6 million according to AI, for Lagos to London return, as against economy’s average of N1.2 million, it has better be that good to travel business. Friends tell me that business class is becoming so good, that many airlines have abandoned their first class seats altogether. From pre-flight drinks in real glasses, to meals served on real china with proper knives and forks, you are spoilt rotten. Full flat-bed seats are the general standard for business class, with seat width going as wide as 34 inches and pitch all the way to 87 inches.
Of course, first class is the most luxurious class of travel. The seats are usually arranged in rows of one or two, with ample legroom and seat recline. Passengers in first class are provided with the best amenities such as private suites, lie-flat beds, gourmet meals, fine wines, and personalized service.
It is important to note that the exact specifications of each class can vary depending on the airline you are flying with and the type of aircraft you are on. Larger aircraft does provide more flying experience in terms of comfort and space but airlines make sure they are the ones that derive benefit from the aircraft size.
Some airlines even offer a chauffeured pick-up and drop-off service if you live within a certain distance from the airport, and they have a dedicated lounge in the airport where you can fill up on free food and drinks.
Most celebrities and money-bags like to travel first class, even with their children. Imagine buying a return ticket for a child for N6 million for one trip! Well, what is the money for anyway, if not to spend it!! When you think of all the perks luxury, privacy, (almost like suites) and seat size, it is understandable. In addition, the standard of service is incomparable in first class, with highly trained crew able to anticipate a passenger’s every need. The standard of food leaps up a notch up too, with many menus and dishes created by 5-Star chefs. Mmmmm. That is life.
