Premium comfort class or business class: Which comfortable choice will you go for?

Do you often fly for work and are ready for more comfort on a long flight? Then seats in premium comfort class or business class are definitely worth considering! But how do you choose which class suits you best? Business class and premium comfort class are different classes, each with their own benefits. What exactly these advantages mean and how they differ from each other, you will discover in this blog. So you can make the right comfortable choice for your next flight!

Premium comfort class: what does it entail?

Premium comfort class is still a relatively new concept for many travelers. There are airlines that have implemented premium comfort for some time, but there are also airlines that have recently introduced this class or are still developing it. Want to learn more about the benefits of traveling in premium comfort class by airline? One of my Business Travel colleagues would be happy to tell you more about this class at KLM, Delta Airlines and Air France in this blog! In addition to the companies mentioned above, also Emirates added this class to their offerings, and of course there are many other airlines with intercontinental flights offering this class.

More comfort, the name says it all!

Premium comfort is an on-board class with its own cabin, equipped with comfortable seats, private service and catering. Depending on the type of aircraft and the airline, there are often between twenty and thirty seats available in premium comfort class. These seats are generally wider than economy seats and offer more legroom, a larger screen and a footrest. In addition, the seats can be reclined further for relaxed travel. Premium comfort also stands out in terms of catering. After meals, there is a choice of coffee, tea, liquor and ice cream, snacks are available and cocktails are served. Meals are emphatically modelled on previously successful business class meals.

Not only are there facilities on the plane itself that make the trip pleasant, but also at the airport, airlines offer services that enhance your travel experience, such as extended baggage limits or priority check-in and boarding. However, the services will vary slightly from one airline to another.

Business class and the story behind it

People are often surprised that Business Class has not existed for so long and that its luxury has increased over the years. Seats have now become larger and more comfortable and since the year 2000, the year British Airways introduced the first bed in business class, a whole new concept has emerged which has led to today's luxury business class.

Business class is offered by airlines on both short and long routes, but services vary by route and length. For example, on international or intercontinental flights you will encounter flat beds and the planes often feature an "on board" bar and lounge. On shorter flights where business class is offered, the onboard amenities will be simpler, but the onboard benefits, such as lounge access, remain the same as on international and intercontinental flights.

What's included?

Business class offerings vary by airline and route, but when business class is booked on international or intercontinental flights, the following services are typically included:

Priority check-in and boarding

Access to the respective airline's lounge

'Fast track' or separate customs lane

Increased number of pounds of allowable luggage

Reclining or nearly reclining (160 - 170 degrees) beds

Wider seats than economy or premium economy seats

Larger tables and more storage space

Larger television screens

Attentive and frequent service

Premium food and drink

Larger and better equipped bathroom/toilet facilities

On board lounge and bar areas

More comfortable in both classes, but still a difference!

As you can see, premium comfort class and business class offer different levels of comfort and service while traveling. Business class generally offers a higher level of luxury with larger and more comfortable seats that are often converted into flat beds. In addition, business class passengers benefit from better meals and more personalized service.

Premium comfort class is generally offered less frequently than business class. If this class does get offered by the airline, it usually comes with a lot of comfort and extra amenities, but is less extensive than business class. If you wish to book business class or premium comfort class, it is always advisable to check the specific amenities of the class with the respective airline, as these may vary accordingly.

Overall, premium comfort allows travelers to find more of a balance between comfort and cost, without the elaborate luxury of business class. It offers travelers a more comfortable experience without the higher costs you might experience in business class. It is an attractive option between comfort and cost, especially if company policy places restrictions on booking business class.