Flying business class is a whole new world. A world of lounges, leg room, proper champagne, celebrity chef-prepared meals and sleep – actual, full body reclined sleep.
But before you get too excited, there are a few things to know about flying business class that can make already very pleasurable experience even more glamorous.
The business class lounge is just the start of your business class journey.
1. Check-In
When checking in at the airline counter, international business class passengers are often granted ‘express entry' cards for customs, making luggage and the check-in to business lounge time a smooth transition.
2. The Business Lounge
Oh yes, the perks before the perks of flying business. Be sure to arrive early enough to enjoy the lounge amenities. Depending on the airline you're flying with, check who that airline partners with internationally to find out which lounge you will have access to, for example, if you're flying Qantas business, you'll have access to the Emirates business class lounge in Dubai. And even if you're flying a smaller airline, say Philippines Airlines from Brisbane, you'll have access to the Qantas lounge.
Sure your business class boarding pass gets you entry into the business lounge, your dress code is what seals the deal between you and bottomless sparkling wine, petit fours and cheese platters.
3. What to wear in Business Class
The general rule of thumb when it comes to the business class dress code for most is to wear smart casual clothes, so you can still get away with your comfortable clothes including your usual flying pants however thongs (flip-flops), beachwear or clothing with offensive images or slogans are not permitted. Basics like a well-fitted white shirt, a nice pair of dress shoes, a classic trench coat and a pair of tailored or wide leg trousers/pants with your carry on bag is a safe outfit choice and won't have you sacrificing comfort. So if you were tossing up on if you should wear your fav Snoop Dogg t shirt with the marijuana leaves all over it, maybe err on the side of caution and don't wear that outfit.
Having your own pod to yourself, yes please!
4. Business Class Etiquette
Once you're in the lounge act cool, but totally help yourself to a couple of pre-flight mimosas, a quick stack of pancakes and barista-made coffee. Remember though, you want to stay hydrated and sober for when you board your flight, so keep it classy and limit your intake of free drinks, because guess what? There's more coming (and other passengers won't want to deal with a noisy passenger)!
5. Drinks on arrival
Remember economy flights? The humiliation of having to walk through business and first class and seeing flight attendants with those bubbling champagne flutes pass you by, as you kept trudging your way to the back of the plane mouth parched? Well, those flutes are now yours. Sit down, relax and get ready to be waited on hand and foot.
Champagne? Don't mind if I do.
6. Hungry? Good.
Business Class serves an entree, main and dessert along with plenty of moreish snacks. The best part? Say goodbye to plastic cutlery; business class is silver service all the way - good luck going back to economy for your next trip.
7. Still thirsty?
Be careful the bubbles and cocktails don't go to your head. We know, it's gotten bigger since flying business, but you don't want the hosts to judge you. They'll happily refill your glass, but aim to keep your blood alcohol at the kind of level where you're sufficiently buzzed enough to enjoy the ride, but not enough that you start telling the person next to you your deepest darkest secrets. A Bloody Mary is always a good option when you'd like another beverage but are trying to appear to be ‘healthy'.
The writer flew business class as a guest of Philippine Airlines and TPBGOVPH.
Talk to a Business Travel consultant about Business Class flights today.
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