I know the feeling all too well. Sitting alone and confused while booking tickets for a flight, staring at the screen trying to justify the cost of business class. We’ve all been there.
In general, I value comfort and convenience more than money (to a point). I have no problem paying extra for a business class seat if it will help to ease the stress of a hectic trip.
That said, there are some times where I just can’t justify the expense. It’s rare, but it happens.
Reasons why I think business class is worth it
I’ll be honest – it’s not very often that I’ll decide that business class isn’t worth it. It happens sometimes (and I’ll explain those reasons in a moment) but for the most part:
- I’ll always opt for business class if the cost to do so isn’t completely obscene. I understand that everyone’s definition of “obscene” is different, so there’s a pretty good chance that you might think I’m crazy for paying what I pay sometimes for the upgrade.
- I’m of the age now where business class on long haul flights is more of a need than a want. I had no problem flying around the world in economy class back in my 20s. My body can’t handle that sort of abuse anymore.
- If I have no choice but to take an inconveniently timed flight (such as 5:30 AM or 1 AM), business class is worth it so that I’ll be able to recover at least a few hours of sleep.
- Special occasions are also a great reason to choose business class. It’s OK to splurge every now and then, and I don’t feel guilty about spending more for a nice business class seat on a trip that I’ve especially been looking forward to.
- If it’s a long flight that occurs mostly during daylight hours, business class is generally worth it because you’ll be awake to experience more of it (food, in-flight entertainment, drinks, etc).
- YOLO baby! The memories I have from each and every one of my long haul business class experiences will live with me forever. Or at least until the day I finally drop dead.
- I enjoy flying just as much as the destination itself, and therefore, I am usually willing to splurge to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. It’s an important part of the overall experience!
Examples of “spendy” business class experiences that I didn’t regret:
- Spending $1000 for a last-minute upgrade for Emirates A380 business class (Los Angeles to Dubai) several years ago was money well spent. That’s a 16 hour flight, and I felt as if I was getting a good deal considering how comfortable and well-fed I would be for that length of time.
- Spending 95,000 American Express Membership Rewards points for Singapore Airlines A350-900 business class from Singapore to Los Angeles was totally worth it. Again, this was an extremely long 15 hour flight, and that’s a long time to be spoiled on what I consider to be one of the world’s best airlines.
Reasons why I think business class is not worth it
I have friends and family who think paying for anything more than a basic economy seat (for a flight of any length) is a total waste of money. I don’t always agree, but I get it. Here are a few reasons why I’d have no problem skipping business class altogether:
- There comes a point where it’s just too expensive to justify. For example, searching Delta.com for flights from the US to Europe using SkyMiles always gives me a migraine. 450,000 SkyMiles for a Delta One ticket from New York to London (or any major European destination)? F that. Delta One on the A330-900 is good, but not that good.
- If I know that the aircraft that I’m flying on has a mediocre business class product, I’ll save the money / points and get an exit row seat back in economy class instead.
- Premium economy is becoming a very cost-effective alternative. Hot take: I’m of the opinion that Air France A350-900 premium economy is 80% as good as business class (for 40% of the price).
An example of a business class experience that was a total waste of money:
My TAP Portugal A320 business class experience from Frankfurt to Lisbon a few years ago was not worth it at all. FYI, business class seats on intra-European flights are exactly the same as economy class seats – but with a blocked middle seat.
Unfortunately, a lonely husband took it upon himself to sit in the empty seat next to me so that he could be next to his wife (who was seated in the aisle seat). They both slept all the way to Lisbon.
Not only that, the seat was uncomfortable and the food was mediocre. I should’ve saved the money and flown economy class instead.
Pros and cons of flying business class
If you’re still not sure if you can justify business class for your next trip, the following list of pros and cons includes a few more things that you might not have thought of:
Pros
- If you’re paying with money instead of points, the bonus points you’ll earn will be massive. Not only will the airline give you up to 2X the number of miles flown, you can even earn up to 5X the dollar amount that you spent if you use a reward-based card such as the American Express Platinum. That’s what I do, and the points add up fast.
- Airport lounge access is a really nice perk when flying business class. For example, I never would’ve been able to hang out in the Air New Zealand Lounge at the Sydney Airport if I never flew Thai Airways 747-400 business class from Sydney to Bangkok.
- You’ll be the first on and off the plane.
- Having a lie-flat seat will help ease the fatigue caused by flying through multiple time zones.
- Sometimes, it just feels good to spoil yourself. Every long-haul business class flight that I’ve ever experienced left me feeling happy to have had the chance to try it.
Cons
- Having a lie-flat business class seat on a long haul flight isn’t a cure for jet lag. Yes, it will help, but it’s still mentally and physically draining to fly around the world – no matter how comfortable the seat is.
- Other than the memories, you can’t take it with you. Some people have a hard time justifying spending thousands of dollars for an experience that lasts mere hours. If you’re that type of person, business class might not be worth it for you.
- Sitting in business class is not a guarantee of a comfortable flight. For example, in China Eastern 777-300/ER business class from Los Angeles to Shanghai, the person sitting two rows behind me had a crying baby that screamed bloody murder for nearly the entire flight. It happens sometimes.
First time reader of the blog. Great article. It’s such a tricky thing to quantify. I always manage to convince myself, even if I don’t have a rock-solid rationale. I use a ‘$50 per hour of flight’ rule for domestic US, but transatlantic/international flights are a different level.
Glad you enjoyed it! There are no right or wrong answers to this, but it’s a fun debate nonetheless. I like the $50 per hour of flight rule. I can agree with that!
Some things I liked:
“Sometimes, it just feels good to spoil yourself.”
“Some people have a hard time justifying spending thousands of dollars for an experience that lasts mere hours…”I am one of them! But I like your rationale.
“Other than the memories, you can’t take it with you.” This remark is making me think again.
“I’m of the age now where business class on long haul international flights is more of a need than a want.” I am getting to think that sounds like me.
“I’ll always opt for business class if the cost to do so isn’t completely obscene.” I think we are at that point now, as I have concluded after being online for a few hours shopping for a flight.
Yeah, the justification will be different for everyone, but overall I think it’s worth the splurge sometimes. Anyway, I hope you found a good flight at a decent price! That’s not an easy thing to do at the moment…
Hello,
Very helpful article. We’re looking to fly from SFO to Narita in the spring. The flight is long and we hate the tiny United seats. Is Nippon air business class worth the extra money?
Hi Mindy – yes, ANA business class is fantastic!! Although I don’t have a review of it, I did get to try it once and it remains as one of the best business class experiences of my life. The seats are pretty good, but it’s the onboard service that makes it better than all the rest.
Just flew from Narita to SFO. We made due with premium economy on the way there which was good. Business class on the way back was ah-mazing. Especially since we left at 11PM at night. It made a 9 hour flight feel like a two hour one (and almost wish it had lasted longer to enjoy the great service).
Glad you had a good time Corinn! Yeah, I learned long ago with that it’s better to fly business class TO Japan, and then premium economy (or economy) on the way back.
For example, flying time from San Francisco to Tokyo is about 10.5 hours. Tokyo to San Francisco on the other hand, is about 8 hours. Those headwinds on the way over are strong!
Hello,
Great and helpful summaries. We are considering business class from Seattle to Rome. Turkish does not have a first class. Does that mean their business class will be compared to first? What are your thoughts on Turkish, Condor for business class?
Hi Sabine – good question. Most airlines are doing away with first class, and making their business class better than ever (equivalent to what first class used to be). Turkish Airlines long haul business class is fantastic BTW, and it’ll be a much better experience than Condor Business class. Condor is still pretty good though, and a decent option if you can’t get into Turkish Business class for whatever reason.
I splurged for Business on a LAX to Johannesburg flight. BIG splurge, like double the cost of upgraded economy. It was two 11 hour flights, ugh. I just knew if I didn’t I would be kicking myself all of those 22 hours. I remembered how on a previous long haul I would have given my left arm for some comfort and sleep! So – no regrets, it’s part of the cost of the vacay.
Sounds like you made the right decision! I’ve definitely put a higher value on comfort and convenience as I’ve gotten older, so I likely would have been right there with you in business class on those flights lol.
Hi Scott, thank you I found your article really interesting and super helpful. I’m flying from London to Brisbane alone to visit family in April and having an internal debate about whether to treat myself to business class….. I’ve flown to Oz many times before but always economy and haven’t flown there for 5 years. I have flown business with Virgin for a work trip to Japan a few years ago so know how good business can be. Any recommendations?
Hi Carrie – that’s a long flight, and a perfect route to justify business class IMHO. Yeah, it’ll be expensive (whether you pay in cash or points), but the convenience, comfort, and the memories will be priceless. I’d recommend flying Qantas if you can. Have fun!
Hi Scott,
This is such a really nice article! For my curiosity, what are your thoughts on First Class seat in Korean Airlines, or Asiana Airlines, from the U.S. to Asia, if you have ever had an experience?
Hey An! Thanks! Yeah, I’ve flown both Asiana business class and first class from the US to Asia before, as well as Korean Air business class from Korea to the US. The Asiana experiences are still (to this day) my most memorable. The only major difference between first and business was the seat – everything else (food, service, etc) was equally phenomenal.
Korean Air business class wasn’t quite as refined as Asiana business IMHO – but it was still one of my best flights ever. You can’t go wrong either way!
I just upgraded on Air Canada from Premium Economy to Business Class for a flight from Toronto to Athens for $550. I was slightly stressed out about the decision but after reading this article I think I’ve made the right choice 🙂
Wow…$55O to upgrade to business class from YYZ to ATH is a fantastic deal! I totally would have done that as well. Enjoy it!
Just booked my flight before reading this article. Going from JFK to Finland with Finnair. 4 people premium economy and return business class from Copenhagen to JFK. Saving $4000 Going with fin airlines. Concern about their old planes and seats in business class. Can anyone respond regarding my decision, still have time to change my premium economy to business class. Can sure use the 4K for car rental for the two weeks. Kind Regards.
I’ve never flown Finnair (not yet anyway), so I can’t comment on the seating situation. However, I will say that even the worst business class seats are better than any premium economy seat. You’ll get nearly unlimited leg room, better blankets/pillows, better food, and unlimited drinks. The ground experience will be better as well (lounge access, priority check in, priority boarding, etc).
It’s a nice way to fly, and totally worth it on longer routes IMHO.
flying to cairo from philadelphia in jan 2024. too early to book flights yet, but looks like business will run me about 3500 compared to 1000 economy. Have the option to go Qatar air at only a little more than others in business or economy Sounds like a lot of money for business… but even economy on Qatar may be worth it
Hi Mary – IMHO, if it’s an important / special trip, $3500 for business in Qatar Airways is absolutely worth it! It’s easily one of the top 5 business class experiences in the sky at the moment, so that’s a really good price for such a good product.
Qatar economy is pretty good as well. I actually prefer Emirates economy over Qatar Airways, but you can’t go wrong with either.
If you’re willing to gamble a bit, book economy and keep your fingers crossed for a discounted offer to business class as the departure date nears. For example, I once booked Emirates economy from Los Angeles to Dubai for a really good price, but they presented me with an offer to upgrade to business class for $1000 as I was checking into the flight online. I did it, and I had no regrets.
Emirates seems to make these offers more than Qatar Airways will, but it’s worth considering.
My sentiments exactly. For me, my journey begins the moment I leave my house so why would I want to be miserable for 14+ hours in an economy seat to Asia or Europe?! Like you, my body just can’t take it in my 50s.
I love that sentiment – the journey starts when you leave the house
I don’t travel much, but my last experience flying from New Zealand to Spain, then Spain to South Africa (with 4 different airlines and self-checkins on that leg which included not being able to find a boarding pass issuer at Lisbon airport, then getting stuck in the wrong processing queue and almost missing my flight at Angola’s very 3rd world airport), then travelling from South Africa to Singapore with a 19 hour layover at Shangi with no hotels available), then having a 5 hour wait at customs at New Zealand airport, almost pushed me to the point of breaking.
Instead of coming back rested and restored from what was supposed to be a fantastic holiday attending a wedding in Spain and seeing family back in South Africa, all I did was curse and praise the heavens once I arrived back, grateful to be home.
I went through all this travel without getting a wink of sleep, which I have come to accept, is not possible for me in Economy or even Premium Economy.
I would like to go to Spain again this year, and this time it will be Business Class only, with one airline, with no additional trip to Africa this time.
I think Business Class is a small price to pay for one’s sanity…
Yikes – that seems like an exhausting trip, but the good thing is that you learned an important lesson from it. There is nothing wrong with paying extra for comfort and convenience while traveling. I hope your next trip is a much better experience!
This is just the information I was looking for! Thank you for including the “sweet spot” of 30-90 days to look for deals. We were originally flying business class on AA with points from JFK to FCO but due to a personal scheduling conflict we had to cancel that (knowing I would get refunded my points) and pay cash to book BOS-AMS-FCO/FCO-BOS on Delta. Prices were pretty high when I booked so I chose premium select for outgoing and business class for return. I’ve been offered a few upgrade opportunities so far – starting at $2700, then $1800 pp – both were an easy no from me! Latest offer is $920 pp, and now they have my attention. This is on an A330-300, so not delta suites and the cabin has 30 out of 34 seats open. Do you think the upgrade price will drop? I have been enjoying your videos! Thanks for the great work
Hi Grace! You have more patience than I do! lol – I probably would have jumped all over that $1800 offer considering how substantial of a discount that is (compared to purchasing it outright at the time of booking). You are correct in that the A330-300 seats aren’t as good as the D1 Suites on newer aircraft, but I still think it’s a decent long haul business class option.
I’d definitely take the upgrade for $920!
One more question – I’m traveling with my daughter and she is a nervous flyer. Do you think we would be better off in the middle two seats, or should we both take windows? Thanks for your input
If you choose window seats, she’ll be on her own (talking / having a conversation will be nearly impossible unless one of you is out of your seat). Sitting in the middle section is better for two people traveling together – it’s much easier to share the experience. I’d recommend that!
I just booked a business class from SFO to Tokyo for 4.5 times the economy fare. The tickets that I booked was categorized as “deep discounted business” fare from United. Do you know why it’s so much more expensive to fly business to Asia than Europe and other areas.
Hey Mike – I’d assume it’s because there are enough people who are willing to pay those higher fares. Cheaper fares do pop up every now and then, but you’ve got to be watching (like every day) to take advantage of them.
Hi Scott
We’re flying SFO to Singapore and then Hong Kong back to SFO. At more than 17 hours, I’m convinced business class is the way to go and really appreciated your article that confirmed what a great experience it can be on Singapore Airlines. My question is whether you think it’s best to book business now or are there any incentives to upgrading later from premium economy. I would love to get 2 of the business bulkhead seats but they’re not available until 3 days out. I definitely don’t want to get shut out of business but I just don’t know how likely that is in early February flying from San Francisco non stop. Any thoughts are appreciated. And thanks again for your insights!
Hi Marian! The only incentive from upgrading to business class from premium economy at the time of check in is that you’ll very likely be able to get it at a highly reduced rate. The downside (of course) is that there is no guarantee that business class seats will be available. Especially on a long route such as SFO-SIN. Those business class seats are going to go fast!
I recommend booking business class now if you can afford it. Then, be ready to pounce on those bulkhead seats the moment they become available for selection. Good luck! And enjoy Singapore Airlines business class – it’s very (very) good.
Hi Scott,
Fellow San Diegan here. Loved the article! It was just what I needed as I’m conflicted over buying a Japan Airlines business class flight SAN –> Narita –> Hanoi. The round trip business class fare is about $5k and there is no availability in premium economy. Economy is available for about $1.8k. What do you think? Book the business class or book economy and play the upgrade game?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Cheers!
Thanks Jessica! Wow – I had no idea economy was going for that much on JAL out of SAN. That’s steep! $2k is a lot of money to pay for economy class, but keep in mind that JAL economy is very good compared to other airlines (legroom is excellent, as is the service).
If you can swing it, JAL business class is fantastic! I’ve tried a lot of international business class products over the years, and JAL is still in the top five for me. It’s so good!
Upgrades are extremely competitive on long haul flights right now, so the chances of scoring one are slim to none IMHO. At least I haven’t had any luck recently.
Book business class if you can! I promise it’ll be good.
I flew Delta One transatlantic (the equivalent of Business Class, I believe) for the first time last year. OMG, I am now ruined for life. I’ve flown domestic First Class and overseas Premium Economy, but this was a whole other experience. When you’re on a 9-1/2 hour flight and you’re disappointed when they announce the descent, you know it’s good! That particular flight was coming home from my trip, and I was relaxing in a comfortable reclining seat watching movies on good size IFE screen – just like being in my own living room – plus I was being pampered delicious meals and lots of little goodies. I knew once we landed I’d be hustling through the airport, standing in line for immigration, waiting for my bags, getting my ride home, etc. I kind of wanted to stay on the plane for a couple more hours and enjoy it. For me, that is huge, because I’m normally relieved to get off the plane, I’ve never WANTED to fly a little longer.
Nice to know you had a great experience, Donna! Delta One is quite good – and it’s amazing to think that there are airlines that do it even better (Emirates, ANA, Singapore Airlines, etc.).
Hi Scott! Just came across this fantastic article of yours! Thank you for writing this!
I’m having a dilemma deciding what to do for my upcoming Emirates flights from LAX to Dubai, then onward to Rome- all on their A380! I’ve already purchased the economy class ticket, but I REALLY want to try their Business class for the first time ever- mostly for the LAX to Dubai leg.
I don’t have any miles to upgrade, so I’d have to pay straight cash. To pay for the Business class upgrade now, it is a juicy $3240 extra for both legs of the flight (they will not allow for just one leg at this time). Should I wait for check in time & hope there will be a Business upgrade offer for the LAX to Dubai leg? How likely is that? My flight is at the end of October. Any advice on what I should do would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Paul! Yes, I struggle a lot with this sort of thing as well. If it were me, there’s no way I would pay $3000 knowing that there’s a chance I’d be able to upgrade at the time of check in for a lot less than that.
If I’m flying in airline that I know for a fact doesn’t offer discounted last-minute upgrades, I’d be more willing to shell out the cash for it. However, Emirates is notorious for last-minute upgrade offers.
What I’ve been doing lately is paying out-of-pocket for premium economy instead. That way, I’m still eligible for last-minute upgrades – but I’ll still be guaranteed a pretty nice seat if the upgrade doesn’t materialize. Long-haul premium economy (especially on Emirates) is really good these days.
Hi Scott! Thank you for such a quick & informative reply! Much appreciated.
I just found out from the Emirates booking Call center that if you book a Premium economy ticket, the last minute Cash upgrade to Business class at check in time is still the same price as if you had a regular economy ticket. They don’t take into account what you’ve already paid for the Premium economy ticket! Nonsensical in my opinion!
However, if you’re upgrading to Business class from Premium economy with Miles, then yes, less Miles are required. They also said that the cost of the Premium Economy ticket will remain the same through to check in time, so that can be purchased at any time. So, in summary, I will stick with my regular economy ticket for now & see what magic happens at Check in time & make the decision then. Such a fun game this is! 🙂 Thank you!
You’re very welcome, Paul! This is good info – and I’d be curious to hear how it all works out for you. Let me know!
Hi Scott,
I am planning on purchasing business class tickets for the first time ever. I just flew to the UK and France this summer Economy Class and swore that I would not do it again for international travel. I am trying to begin checking for flights now (10 months ahead). I am booking for my family (2 adults, 2 kids) and found JAL flights LAX to Japan, Japan to Thailand and Thailand to LAX for $4200 each (for all three flights). Is this a typical price or should I continue to search for cheaper tickets. I don’t know what is considered a good deal since I have never flown business class before.
Hi Leonard! $4200 from LAX to Thailand and back is pretty good actually. Keep in mind that Thailand is a leisure destination for the most part, so business class fares will be cheaper than they are to other parts of Asia. LAX to Taipei or Seoul (for example) is typically nearly double that amount.
I personally don’t think you’re going to find a cheaper fare than that.
Any experience with Swiss Air/ was offered upgrade from premium economy to business class on flight over from Miami to Zurich,
Hi Dayna. Take it! Swiss business class is fantastic, and it’s well worth the cost if it’s not too much of a strain on you financially. I’d do it.
Hi Scott
Great article. I am at the age where business class is a must. I fly between Oz and UK. Look you can be the richest dead person in the graveyard or fly Business. I have a different view Business class is now Comfort class . First class is luxury class.
Thanks Kevin! I’m quickly coming around to that line of thinking as well. Life is too short to be stingy!
My wife and I are planning a trip to Taipei to visit family in May/June time frame. Last year we flew Cathay Pacific in business on their new A350s (DCA JFK HKG TPE). Even with the two stops (and AA econ), it was totally worth it since the two legs at the beginning and end were short and the price was great. We’re looking to go again this year around the same time, but prices are drastically higher than last year and award tickets are especially difficult to find from the US East Coast to Asia. The only thing I can sorta see that could work is the Cathay companion fare (mileage award) – if you buy one revenue ticket in business class (any fare class) you can take a companion for 165K points (R/T from US east coast). I’m waiting for some signup bonus points on Amex Platinum to hit before I can attempt to book it. I’m also just considering paying straight up cash for both tickets on any airline, banking the points, and use them for other award travel. It’s a lot easier to find award travel from the US to Europe than it is to Asia. Do you think paying cash for two biz class tickets now and then using the Amex/Chase + airlines points for other travel is a better option? We’re considering driving to JFK (from Baltimore) in order to fly ANA 777 “The Room” biz class product and then use ANA (+Amex transfer) points later for Europe or other destinations that have more award availability.
Hi Phil! Good question. Yes, paying cash whenever I can’t find an award redemption (and banking the points for future use) is something that I’m starting to do more often. I suspect this is something with a lot of miles and points bloggers would never do, but I’m of the opinion that life is short – and I don’t have the time or patience to do crazy routings (at odd times) to avoid having to pay out of pocket for anything.
The key is to maximize the points you’ll be earning for the purchase. It sounds like you’ve got the right idea, since you’ll earn 5X points for every dollar that you spend with the Amex Platinum. That (combined with the points that you’ll earn from the airline itself) is a nice chunk of points to be applied to something else later on.
Have a great trip!
Most people don’t have enough money to justify an upgrade to business class, because you can spend every dollar only once. So even if the upgrade cost “only” $1,000, it makes only sense if you have run out of better ways to spend $1,000. I made a rough calculation that you need at least $10 million of liquid assets per family member. Otherwise you will likely find better ways to spend your money. Especially if you still need a job for a living and the cost of the upgrade is what you earn in a day or even several days, it makes more sense to take an unpaid vacation instead. Why would somebody work for one days or several days and the spend that money on a more comfortable seat for a few hours? That does not make any sense.
With a taxi it is similar. Some people pay for a taxi o save half an hour, but the cost for the taxi is what they earn in one hour. So they make a net loss of half an hour. It makes only sense if you are on a vacation where every hour is worth much more.
Last year I flew from Auckland to New York City in economy class and it was okay, although I am quite tall. Most flights are much shorter. So why should I waste my money for an upgrade?
I think many people just want to fly business class BECAUSE it is so expensive. They like things that not everybody can afford. That is very irrational though. Usually it makes sense to invest that money in a better hotel instead.
Very good points Mathias – though I slightly disagree about it always being a complete waste of money.
I travel a lot, which can be exhausting (and quite unhealthy). For me, spending more for a better seat not only reduces stress, it reduces body aches and pains as well. I don’t enjoy traveling as much if I am uncomfortable and inconvenienced the entire time. My comfort – and health – is worth something!
Of course, everyone is different (which is why I completely respect your opinion).
Hi Scott,
Do you recommend using travel agents like Arangrant, Skylux, or others to get a lower cost business class tickets? I usually get my tickets from Expedia or the airlines directly.
Thanks,
Mike
I’m not a fan of using travel agents at all. Mostly because there’s very little that you can do if you need to make changes to the reservation.
Not only that, some airlines won’t credit you points/FF miles for purchasing through a third party.
Any cost savings aren’t worth the hassle IMHO.