More space, comfort, privacy and personalized service. These are key features of (business) travel in Business Class. But what other perks do airlines have in store, compared to Economy Class? We list the benefits of four major airlines - KLM, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines and Emirates.
Business Class vs. Economy Class at KLM
KLM flies a variety of aircraft types on long-haul flights. Those booking a long-haul flight can end up on the Airbus A330, Boeing 777 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The product in Economy is much the same, with seats offering 31 inches of legroom. In Comfort, for which there is a hefty extra charge, that distance is 34 to 35 inches. Of a very different caliber is World Business class. Since January 2019, all of KLM's large aircraft have had the latest version of this business class. The World Businessclass, whose interior was designed by Hella Jongerius, offers travelers the option to unwind in seats that can be completely folded down. In that position, they form a bed more than two meters long. In addition, the seats have power supplies, a large TV screen and offer plenty of privacy. In the Boeing 787s, the seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, giving each passenger direct aisle access. Unfortunately, this is not the case on Airbus A330s, Boeing 747s and Boeing 777s.
Service on board KLM
KLM serves standard three-course menus created by ever-changing top Dutch chefs. The meals are served on tableware by Marcel Wanders. The toilet kits on board are also designed by a Dutchman: Jan Taminiau, home stylist to Queen Maxima. The icing on the cake is the Delft blue house with Bols, which every traveler in the business class receives.
On the ground, Business travelers can use dedicated check-in counters and the lounges of KLM and its partners. Among them is the brand-new KLM Crown Lounge at Schiphol Airport, which will open soon.
Business Class vs. Economy Class at Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has been praised for years for their top service. The airline flies daily to Schiphol Airport with the modern Airbus A350. The new type is extremely quiet and offers an improved interior climate, allowing travelers to experience better air pressure and humidity. On board there are three cabins: Economy, Premium Economy and Business. In Economy and Premium Economy, 32 and 38 inches of legroom are offered, respectively, with travelers with a Premium Economy ticket not only having more legroom and wider seats, but also priority check-in and better meals. In Business Class, the seats are in a 1-2-1 arrangement, giving each traveler direct aisle access. The seats offer plenty of privacy and have large TV screens for watching movies or listening to music. There are also USB charging stations to charge devices you bring with you. The award-winning cabin crew, when travelers want to sleep, will come and transform the seats into two-meter-long beds, including mattress, blanket and pillow.
Service on board Singapore Airlines
In terms of food and drink, Singapore Airlines offers a choice from an extensive menu. If desired, the so-called Book to Cook service can be used via the website up to 24 hours before departure, whereby a choice can be made in advance, thereby guaranteeing availability on board. On the ground, Singapore Airlines offers passengers in Business access to the lounge after checking in at the dedicated counter. At Schiphol Airport, Star Alliance, to which Singapore Airlines is a member, recently had its own lounge. It is located in the Schengen area, which means travelers must use the transit corridor.
Business Class vs. Economy Class on United Airlines
United Airlines flies direct from Schiphol Airport to Chicago, Houston, Newark, Washington and San Francisco using three different Boeing aircraft types: the 767, 777, and 787. The planes feature Polaris Business Class, Economy Plus, and Economy. In Economy Class, passengers have about 31 inches of legroom. In the new 787-9, which is being used on the San Francisco route, that's a little more: 32 inches. In intermediate Economy Plus class, the pitch is a bit larger at 34 to 35 inches.
In 2016, United Airlines introduced an entirely new Businessclass product: Polaris. With this new product, the airline aims to take the quality of Business Class travel to the next level. All seats in Polaris offer direct aisle access and are adjustable to spacious lie-flat beds at the push of a button. The seats offer plenty of privacy due to their design and technical gadgets. By means of a "do not disturb" light, passengers can let cabin crew know they do not want to be woken.
Service on board United Airlines
On board, United offers an extensive catering selection in Polaris, whose timing of serving is tailored to customer needs. Those who prefer to sleep during the flight can choose to dine already in the Polaris Lounge. These lounges can only be found at Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark and San Francisco airports. United passengers at Schiphol Airport can use the new Star Alliance lounge or the Aspire Lounge.
Business Class vs. Economy Class at Emirates
Emirates flies at least twice a day from Schiphol Airport to Dubai on its Airbus A380. On five days a week, the Gulf carrier operates a third daily flight on a Boeing 777-300ER. Through Dubai, flights can continue to numerous destinations in the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Economy class in both aircraft is similar. Legroom is between 32 and 34 inches. However, the seats in the A380 are slightly wider than those in the 777. In both aircraft, passengers have access to their own screen and to Emirates' award-winning inflight entertainment system ICE. Wi-Fi can be used in both Business and Economy for a fee. For Emirates frequent flyers, this is free of charge. In the Boeing 777, Business Class (and First Class) is located in the front section of the plane as usual. In the A380, the entire upper deck is reserved for premium passengers, with the famous Onboard Lounge (with cocktail bar) as the showpiece. Ideal for stretching your legs and meeting fellow passengers.
Service on board Emirates
In the A380, all Business Class seats have direct aisle access. They are also convertible into full-flat beds. This is not the case in the Business Class of the Boeing 777-300ER: the seats cannot be fully flat. Because of the 2-3-2 configuration, the window and center seats do not offer direct aisle access. At Schiphol Airport, Emirates passengers can use the Aspire Lounge. In Dubai, passengers flying the A380 can board the plane directly from the lounge. Business class passengers can further take advantage of a free chauffeur service. This can be booked up to 48 hours before departure on departures from 75 cities worldwide, including Amsterdam.
This article previously appeared in the Traveletc. #1 2019 by UNIGLOBE
