5 tips for flying business class for the first time

If your first business class flight is coming up, you’re probably excited. I know it’s always been that way – and still is. This is one of those travel upgrades that never gets old.

Some people may want to get the most out of their business class tickets. After all, it’s not cheap, whether you pay in cash or with miles earned using a travel credit card. Here are some simple tips to help you have fun during your flight.

1. Choose your seats and meals in advance

These can be selected on the airline’s website before your flight. Try to choose your seat as early as possible, especially if you’re flying with other people. Business class cabins often have a limited number of seats. It’s nice to have your travel partner right next to you rather than on the other side of the cabin.

We recommend using SeatGuru to select your seats. Select the ‘Seat Map’ option and enter the airline, date and flight number. You’ll see a seat map for your flight, and it’ll tell you if there are any seats you should avoid.

You can also choose your meals on the airline’s website. You should definitely do this if you have dietary restrictions, but we recommend doing it even if you don’t. Airlines may run out of certain in-flight meals. By contacting us in advance, you can be sure to get the product you want.

2. Use priority lanes

Business class passengers have access to the following priority lanes:

• Priority check-in: If you need to check in your baggage or forgot to check in online, you can use this when checking in at the airport.
• Priority security: You will go through the same security checks as everyone else (unless you have TSA PreCheck). However, you can get there through a shorter line.
• Priority boarding: Your boarding group will be one of the first groups called and will usually be able to use a separate lane.

3. Go to an airline lounge

Business class tickets typically include access to airport lounges. Lounges are a comfortable place to wait for your flight and help you get into luxury travel mode. Make sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time so you can use the lounge without rushing.

You can check the lounge locations you have access to on the airline’s website. You can also inquire at the check-in desk at the airport.

Check out the amenities a lounge offers online to see what you can expect. For example, on my last few red-eye flights, I was able to go to a lounge with a shower beforehand. I always use it because I can get ready and change clothes before my flight.

4. Comfortable clothing

Although it’s called business class, it doesn’t mean you have to wear business or business casual attire. Please wear loose and comfortable clothing. One of the benefits of business class is that it’s easy to sleep in, so I sleep in clothes that I don’t mind wearing.

While some airlines offer pajamas to business class passengers, pajamas are much more common in first class. Many hotels include soft socks in their business class amenity kit, so you can keep your feet comfortable. Just to be clear, it’s okay to take off your shoes when boarding a plane. Enjoy your trip as comfortably as possible and get some rest.

5. If you need anything, ask the flight attendant.

Don’t be shy or worry about being a nuisance. Flight attendants are usually happy to help. If you don’t know how something works at your seat, ask to be guided. If you need snacks or drinks, there’s probably plenty available.

You can do this using the cabin crew call button. Flight attendants on U.S. flights may tell you that the call button is for emergencies, but on long-haul international flights, it’s typically used to request service. Please do not use it during meal service.

Business class is a great way to travel. It’s true that family finances are tight, but there are often great sales, and you can get even better deals if you pay with credit card miles. You’ll probably enjoy it no matter what, but you can make the most of the experience by following these tips.

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