Is business class worth it? We tried it, here’s what we think

Daftar Isi

Geez, business class tickets can be a real grab out of the wallet compared to economy class fares, so it's a fair dinkum question to be askin', is it worth the extra dough? What it really comes down to, is what you're willin' to shell out for, and what'd make your trip good enough to justify the cost?

– makes a difference.

Food

When flying business, having access to lounge buffettos and a la carte menus, plus top-shelf dining options – for both meals and snacks on the plane, makes it far out from economy class. A real standout for United Polaris is their famous in-flight ice-cream sundae cart, where you can have sundaes made just the way you like them right in your seat. Don't forget the tinnie on offer, with top-notch brands like Laurent-Perrier.

There's this weird feeling you get when taking advantage of the food options on a Qantas flight – you feel like you're getting a freebie. Of course, you've already paid for it, but the novelty and pampering still feels quite nice – and taking 'all you can eat' to new heights isn't a bad thing.

Relaxing in lounges

The hotel has a range of nooks and seating areas, making it suitable for both business visitors and people taking a break.

The real standout, though, is access to shower suites. If you're after a refresh during your layover, take advantage of these comfy spaces with spacious bathrooms, puffy towels, a friendly attendant and luxury amenities available on request.

Getting a good

What's the one thing that makes arriving at your destination a whole lot more manageable? Sleep. Fair dinkum! 83% of international travellers reckon catching up on sleep is a top priority on a flight and 61% choose flights with sleep in mind. If that's you, it's worth knowin' that the Polaris class boasts completely lie-flat beds, with a Saks Fifth Avenue mattress topper and comfy jocks on request. Amenity kits from Therabody are also thrown in, as well as access to devices in select lounges – such as a Theragun and RecoveryAir Jetboots, plus in-air wellness vids on the entertainment screens.

If you aren't too knackered to the point where you need to catch a barney and are able to nod off anywhere you like, then you mightn't need to shell out for an upgrade. A bit of extra wallet-friendly cash invested into the extra legroom of EconomyPlus could be worth it to make your flight a bit more comfy.

Efficiency

Q: Queues. Who in their right mind enjoys waiting in line? The answer's a big fat no, and depending on when you're flying, and how many flights or delays are causing congestion, you'll be singing "sweet home Alabama" from the waiting line. That's why cutting in on the fast lane – literally, can save you a load of hassle. From check-in through to security and then boarding, your priority ticket gets you into the front of the queue.

Peace of mind

One of the most obvious differences when flying business class, is that if there are any issues – which are part and parcel of flying internationally, and often outside the airline's control – you are likely to get priority treatment when it comes to re-booking on the next flight, and often skip the queues of annoyed passengers.

Plus, let's not forget the luxury of hanging out in those lounges while waiting for any flight delays. Interruptions, cancellations, and delays are some of the most frustrating bits of flying, so when you can knock off some of that stress and discomfort, what a win! For me, that's priceless!

So, what's the verdict? Do these factors make a big enough difference that flying Polaris class will give you a better experience? Fair dinkum, it did for us.

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