You know you’ve made it when you board a flight and turn left, heading toward the pointy end of the plane. You’re in for an upgraded experience, no doubt – but depending on the airline and destination, there are some notable differences when it comes to Business Class vs. First Class cabins (including, of course, the cost).
Here’s what to know about the differences between First and Business Class, whether you’re flying domestically or abroad, including data-backed strategies on when to score the cheapest tickets.
Business and First Class Cabins: How do you know which one you’re booking?
As airlines have added new premium products and shifted their pricing models, the lines have blurred around Business and First Class offerings and what comes with those tickets. As a result, the availability of First and Business Class – and if you’re likely to see one or the other or both on a flight – varies significantly depending on the airline, route, and type of aircraft.
First Class on US domestic routes.
On shorter or regional routes in the US, First Class may be just a better seat with extra legroom, more personalized service, and perks including priority check-in and lounge access. These routes do not offer an actual Business Class suite or lie-flat seats, as is generally case for most International Business Class cabins
As a result, when discussing Business Class pricing on domestic routes, it often means the premium-cabin fare (either First Class, or a premium offering, like Delta’s Premium Economy). Keep in mind that for budget carriers who may promote a premium cabin, it’s not a true Business Class experience. Instead, this is simply a dedicated section toward the front of the aircraft with extra perks.
Business Class on long-haul international routes.
International Business Class, meanwhile, is often the highest cabin available for long-haul international flights. However, some carriers based outside of the US, including Air France, Etihad, Virgin, and Lufthansa, offer both Business and First Class offerings on certain long-haul routes.
Business Class vs First Class: A quick look at which airlines offer what.
Here’s a breakdown of several major US-based carriers and the routes on which they offer Business and First Class cabins.
What to expect on a Business Class flight.
When flying Business Class, it’s important to remember that the experience varies greatly depending on the airline and whether you’re flying domestic or international. In the US, airlines generally use the term First Class when referring to the most expensive cabin available on a domestic flight. On many international flights operated by US-based carriers, the most premium cabin available is Business Class.
Here’s what you can expect on a Business Class flight.
Lounge access: One big perk for Business Class passengers is access to Business Class lounges, which offer some respite from the hustle and bustle of airports.
Spacious seats: Many carriers’ international Business Class cabins, including KLM, Air France, and Singapore Airlines, come with lie-flat seats and a suite-like experience with sliding doors. Another coveted feature is direct aisle access.
Elevated dining: Multi-course meals with wine pairings, cloth napkins, and high quality cutlery help create a notably elevated dining experience compared to Economy.
Looking for the best deal? Check out this handy guide to finding cheap Business Class tickets.
Business Class flights in Europe: What to know.
If you’re considering booking a Business Class flight for a shorter route in Europe, there are a few things to consider. You’ll get significantly more legroom and better meals than the main cabin, as well as a guaranteed window seat or aisle access (because the seat next to you will be kept open).
However, don’t expect lie-flat capabilities or suites on shorter routes within Europe — those experiences are reserved almost strictly for long-haul routes.
What to expect on a First Class flight.
A VIP experience on the ground: Perks include a dedicated check-in and special First Class-only lounges. Some airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Emirates, offer First Class passengers chauffeur service on departure and arrival for long-haul routes.
Private suites on board: Carriers including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and, most recently, Lufthansa are among those that offer First Class suites tailored to their most discerning passengers. These spacious areas are the creme de la creme of commercial aviation, and some suites are designed to accommodate two passengers traveling together. Features include individually controlled heating and cooling; state-of-the-art tech like large TV screens and plenty of charging capabilities; and, of course, plenty of room to spread out.
A distinct culinary experience: First Class passengers are treated to an excellent culinary experience, with menus created by celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs, sommelier-curated wine and spirits pairings, and tasty snacks available whenever a craving strikes. Comfort food also has made a big comeback, as several carriers have introduced burgers onto their First Class menus. Delta has become a fan favorite for its partnership with Shake Shack, serving the chain’s popular cheeseburgers on select First Class flights.
Business Class vs. First Class: When can you find the best deals?
Again, because airlines have different products for First and Business Class (and in booking terminology Business Class might be considered First Class, and vice versa), Business Class vs. First Class price comparisons across airlines often aren’t a helpful metric when trying to compare deals. But the timing of your booking can impact price in a big way.
KAYAK analyzed recent data around the average cost of Business and First Class airfare to help you score big savings on these premium tickets. Here’s what we found:
Disclaimer: These data insights are based on the analysis of searches made on KAYAK.com and associated brands. They cover bookings made between 2024-03-01 and 2025-08-31 for traveling between 2024-09-01 and 2025-08-31 on return flights.
Business Class vs First Class: 7 main differences to know before booking.
When it comes to Business Class vs First Class, travelers should be aware of a few key distinctions between the two. Here are the main considerations passengers should be aware of when choosing between flying Business Class or shelling out for that ultra-premium First Class ticket.
And if you want to make sure you find which flights offer a Business Class, or a First Class, on KAYAK you can find in your search results page the Cabin Class filter. Simply select the cabin class you prefer and see the results update in real-time.
1. Ground experience and lounge access
Business Class: When you book a premium cabin ticket, the luxury experience begins at the airport. Business Class travelers can expect priority check-in and boarding, as well as access to dedicated Business Class lounges that feature complimentary buffet-style food, a bar, and, on occasion, shower cubicles.
First Class: The airport experience is further elevated for additional convenience and privacy. In some cases that means a chauffeur service to the airport (and possibly aircraft), a dedicated First Class check-in counter and First Class lounges, whose amenities can include spa treatments, restaurant-quality meals, and nap rooms with beds.
2. Seats
Business Class: Business Class seats are a huge upgrade from economy, especially in long-haul cabins, though the experience will vary across airlines and aircraft. That said, many carriers have significantly elevated their Business Class experience for long-haul routes. Sliding privacy doors and seats that fully recline into beds are the new norm for Business Class cabins on airlines including Air France, Delta, Etihad, KLM, and Lufthansa.
First Class: Passengers can spread out in their suites in the sky. Increasingly, major carriers are rolling out spacious First Class suites that offer separate areas for sleeping and dining spaces. Some First Class cabins even have their own showers; perhaps, most famously, Emirates’ First Class Apartment.
3. Service
Business Class: Flight attendants in Business Class know their customers — well-traveled, highly discerning passengers willing to pay for a premium experience — well. And you can expect service to reflect that, with dedicated cabin crew who are friendly and efficient.
First Class: Expect VIP service throughout your journey. Some airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa, and Emirates, offer First Class passengers private chauffeur service to the plane. Onboard, flight crew will greet you by name, and you can expect gold-star treatment for the duration of the flight, whether that’s tailoring a meal to your dietary needs or requesting assistance with making your seat into a bed.
4. Food and drink
Business Class: Passengers can expect a big upgrade from Economy, with multi-course meals and menus curated by notable chefs, along with wine pairings and signature cocktails.
First Class: The culinary experience is taken a step further, with more personalized service and, sometimes, a separate menu.
5. Amenities
Business Class: Expect an amenity kit that includes ear plugs, skincare products, and a dental kit, many from beauty top brands, as well as other miniature treats like perfume, lip balm, and aftershave.
First Class: Amenity kits often feature products from luxe wellness brands, and extras include premium pajamas, slippers, and noise-canceling headphones.
6. Price
Business Class: In general, passengers can expect to fork over three times as much for a Business Class ticket over Economy. Pricey? Yes. But it’s still possible to score good deals on Business Class tickets, and the payoff is a significantly improved travel experience, especially on long flights.
First Class: Those private suites, fancy amenities, and five-star levels of service come with a hefty price tag. You can expect a First Class ticket to cost significantly more than a Business Class ticket, and up to five times higher (and sometimes even more) than what you’d pay for an Economy ticket.
7. Availability
Business Class: Business Class cabins usually have a few dozen seats, depending on the airline, aircraft configuration, and route. The longer the flight, the more Business Class seats are usually available. On shorter flights, such as domestic routes in the US or between countries in Europe, a Business Class cabin may only have a handful of seats.
First Class: A separate First Class cabin, when it’s offered, will usually have no more than about 10-12 seats. However, the newest generation of First Class cabins on some airlines, including Lufthansa and Etihad, have introduced luxurious suites on certain routes. This high-end offering only has a handful of seats per aircraft, making it an even more exclusive experience.
Some of our favorite routes for Business Class deals
- Business Class flights to Europe
- Business Class flights to San Francisco
- Business Class flights to Miami
- Business Class flights to Los Angeles
- Business Class flights to New York
Business Class vs First Class FAQ
While prices differ depending on a number of factors, including airline, route, and seasonality, you can generally expect a First Class ticket to cost significantly more than a Business Class one, especially on a long-haul route. Generally speaking, if you’re flying with a major carrier like Air France, Emirates, or Etihad, First Class tickets can easily creep well into five figures.
Yes. For many passengers. lounge access is a key reason for booking these fares — and it can be a game changer if there are travel disruptions. After all, it’s much more pleasant to cope with the inconvenience of a delayed flight when you have access to free food and drinks and a quieter place to work or relax.
Remember, not all flights and airlines offer both Business Class and First Class. But if both cabins are available, First Class will be the most luxurious (and expensive) option. Meanwhile, on US domestic and some international flights, Business Class is usually the highest level of service available. Make sure you do your homework before booking your ticket.
Business Class vs First Class: Final verdict
Needless to say, if you’re debating the merits of Business Class vs First Class for your next flight, you’re already in for a travel experience that’s memorable for all the right reasons. But if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, Business Class gets the vote. With it, you’ll get all the upgraded perks that make premium cabins such a treat — priority check-in, security lines, and boarding; lounge access; lie-flat seats; and an upgraded culinary experience, just to name a few — without paying top dollar for a First Class ticket.
On the rare occasion you can snag a First Class flight for just a little more than a Business Class one, go for it. But otherwise, I’d recommend saving your travel budget for other expenses – perhaps even splurging on a fancy hotel to round out your luxury experience.
Disclaimer: Information and prices are correct as of 01.10.2025 and may vary with time.
