What’s the Difference Between Business Class and First Class?

Even if you’ve never splurged to fly in the fancy seats up front, you’ve no doubt seen and heard all about business and first class. They’re the best seats on the plane, with extra service, better food, and free drinks to boot.

However, business and first class are not created equal. That’s especially true when comparing domestic first class seats you’ll find many airlines flying within the U.S.

Whether you’re using points or paying with cash, it’s important to know what you’re getting into and whether the extra expense is worth it.

Read on to discover just how different these two experiences are.

Don’t Confuse Domestic & International First Class

Before we break down the differences between business class and first class, let’s back up. The most critical difference depends on where you’re flying.

You may find first class cabins on both domestic and international flights. But the first class seat and service you get flying within the U.S. on domestic carriers like Delta, American, or United is very different from what you see on long-haul international flights – especially with the likes of top-rated foreign carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA), and more.

The biggest difference you’ll find between domestic and international first class starts with the seat. When flying on a first class ticket domestically, you can expect your seat to be a slightly bigger version of a standard economy seat. Unless you’re flying on a premier transcontinental route, it’s like a larger recliner seat.

Although these seats won’t lay completely flat like you’ll see with an international first class seat, it will offer substantially more room than what you will find elsewhere on your domestic flight. Sometimes, you may luck out with a fancier lie-flat business class seat flying domestically in the U.S. But generally, this is about as good as it gets.

The Delta Air Lines seats pictured above, for example, are roughly 4 inches to 5 inches wider than what you’ll find in economy, as Delta (and other airlines) cram fewer seats per row into domestic first class. What’s more, you should get an additional 7 inches to 8 inches of legroom than what you would find in a standard economy seat.

There is no question that domestic first class is one of the best ways to fly in the U.S. But compared to international business or first class, it leaves a lot to be desired. Both classes of service are vastly different in terms of seats, service, food and drinks, and the overall experience.

More Space & Privacy in First Class

One key thing to understand is this: Not all flights offer a different business class and first class, but on flights where it is offered, first class is a premium over the business class cabin.

First class is designed to be extravagant and over-the-top, with somewhat ostentatious benefits that are often more to promote sophistication and luxury than substance. First class is better than business class in more ways than one when it comes to luxury – including first class seats, restaurant-level meals, top-shelf drinks, private lounges, and flight service – you name it.

Generally speaking, the biggest difference you are going to find between business class and first class will come from the actual seat you will sit in. First class chairs are generally bigger, more comfortable, more private, and more exclusive.

But it’s important to understand that even when flying first or business class, your experience can vary wildly – exactly what you get varies from airline to airline. These cabins are not created equally, and even on the same airline, it depends on different aircraft types.

If you are flying in business class, you can expect a seat that lies fully flat, with some additional privacy and, in many cases, direct aisle access. But that isn’t always the case with business class. Many older business class seats are still in a 2-2-2 arrangement – or worse. That means either window row has two seats, and the middle section has two. Ultimately, this means that not every business class passenger would have direct aisle access.

While the seats themselves are much nicer than those in economy, they’re less convenient. For reference, take a look at the business class seats in this older Qatar Airways plane. 

Up in international first class, the chairs are typically much larger, fully lie-flat, and more comfortable than what you’ll find even in business class. Not only will you have privacy, but nearly all first class layouts will be in a 1-2-1 layout. Some take it even further, with even fewer seats.

The first class cabin is prime real estate for airlines to show off their most luxurious and comfortable seats. Take, for example, the Etihad Apartments. Not only do you have one of the most comfortable seats in the sky, but you’ll also have a bench that folds down into your own bed and a fully enclosed suite. As the name suggests, this is closer in size to some New York City apartments than it is to an airline seat.

Make sure to read reviews of the airline and specific aircraft you are flying. Those two factors can quite substantially change the experience between the two cabins.

Better Food, Drinks & Service, Too

Whether you are flying business or first, you can generally expect a multi-course meal plated on actual dishes and beverages served in real glassware. When it comes to food, the quality depends on which airline you’re flying – much like many of the other differences we’ve highlighted.

In Japan Airlines business class, the meal was absolutely incredible. Yet Japan Airlines first class took that amazing meal and made it even better with more than seven different courses – each plated beautifully, each tastier than the last. Oh, and a free, $600 bottle of champagne sure didn’t hurt, either.

And that underscores one of the most important differences: On airlines that offer both cabins, they save the absolute best for first class flyers. The best food, the best drinks, the best desserts, and the best service.

There are a few other noticeable differences up in first class. On many airlines, you can order when you want to eat – not just when the airline decides to serve a meal. Many airlines that offer both first or business class services will serve the business class meal at a set time. In first class, it tends to be more open.

On many airlines including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, and more, first class passengers often have the option for caviar service. That’s something you won’t find in business class.

Finally, while both passengers will be provided with complimentary alcohol, most airlines reserve their most expensive and exclusive offerings for first class passengers. That’s true whether you are drinking champagne, wine, or spirits.

For example, Japan Airlines first class passengers can sip on $600 bottles of Salon champagne. In Emirates First Class, you can get a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon.

Cooler Amenities

No matter which airline you’re flying, business class and first class passengers will receive some kind of amenity kit onboard.

Typically, these kits include things like a toothbrush, a sleep mask, compression socks, toiletries, and other goodies. Some first class amenity kits have higher-end toiletries than what you’d get back in business class. But many times, there isn’t a big distinction – the kits are pretty standard.

Both first and business-class passengers will also get blankets and pillows for the long-haul flight. However, many first class flyers will more than likely get some sort of mattress pad to make their lie-flat seat even more comfortable when it is time to sleep. That’s rare in business class.

But perhaps the best business and first class amenities belong to Emirates – the airline that loves to be over the top in almost every single way.

To start with, both business and first class passengers who are flying on the Airbus A380 will have access to the onboard bar and lounge although the top shelf liquor options are reserved for first class passengers. 

However, the prime amenity onboard the Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft is a bathroom with a shower. This amenity is available exclusively for first class passengers. Yes, showering on a plane before landing at your destination is as amazing as it sounds.

Don’t Forget About Airport Lounges

Whether you are flying first class or business class, you’ll have access to an airport lounge. While many airport lounges require holding the right credit card to get in, that’s not the case with a premium cabin flight. Your international ticket alone should get you in.

But just what you’ll find inside depends on your airline, where you’re flying from, and which airport you’re at. Some airlines even have special lounges specifically for first class passengers, while business class passengers get access to a different lounge. At a bare minimum, it’s a space to enjoy free food, drinks, and a more comfortable spot to relax before your flight than what you’ll find in the terminal.

Qatar Airways is one of the top airlines in the world, and it provides a great example of an airline that offers international first and international business class lounges for its passengers departing out of the airline’s hub in Doha (DOH).

Travelers flying in a Qatar Qsuite (or any Qatar Airways business class seat) will have access to the Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge – the space is massive and provides complimentary food and beverages, a business center to get work done, and plenty of comfortable seating to relax before your flight. It’s probably one of the best business class lounges in the world.

But if you are flying Qatar Airways first class, you’ll have access to the Qatar Al Safwa Lounge. And there’s really no better airport lounge in the world. It takes business class lounges and puts those amenities on steroids, with better food and a la carte dining, premium beverages, spa treatments, and much more. Plus, just look at this space.

In fact, the Al Safwa lounge even has sleeping rooms. But calling them sleeping rooms is unfair. It’s more like a miniature hotel available to some travelers with long enough layovers.

Even the worst airport lounge is better than sitting in the terminal at your gate. But while many business class lounges are very nice, what you’ll find in first class passengers-only spaces is generally over the top in almost every way.

It’s another way the airlines can differentiate their first and business class products.

Biz Class is Always Cheaper (& Easier to Book)

While business class is by no means cheap, it is always going to be less expensive than first class when both cabins are an option on your flight. That’s going to be true whether you plan to pay with cash or use credit card points or airline miles. 

Not to mention, business class is generally much easier to book when you’re trying to use points and miles. It’s rare for an airline with a first class cabin to make more than one or two of those seats available to be booked with miles.

With business class, it is much more common to find two or more seats per flight that can be booked with miles. 

Read more: The Best Airlines Miles for Booking Business Class

Which is Better?

The answer to this question hinges on a number of factors, including the airline and aircraft you’re flying and the airport you depart from. What’s your budget – in points or in cash? How many seats do you need?

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either class of service. But it’s important to know the difference before you book.