First time in business class, here are the mistakes not to make
Lately we have read some comments to our news from readers expressing in different words the same concept: "Having it [...]
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Lately we have read some comments to our news from readers expressing in different words the same concept: "To have known earlier." Even the most experienced traveler makes mistakes, it is normal.
We have written articles of this kind before, guides To help people travel better, take advantage of benefits and not miss opportunities. That's one of the goals of our website.
Today we focus on the mistakes of that a passenger should try not to commit when booking a business ticket class. There are mistakes to avoid before buying the ticket and others after the purchase.
#1 Choosing the wrong plane.
Now (almost) all intercontinental flights are operated with business class cabins that offer armchairs that become a bed. However, for the same carrier, there can be huge differences between one aircraft and another in cabin configuration and installed seats.
British Airways' new business class
To understand the difference just compare the new Club World Suite (pictured above) of British Airways with the old Club World (photo below).
British Airways' old business class
Same with Air France's 777s, you can end up in a cabin that holds 4 passengers per row, or One with 7 seats per row. For those departing from Italy with Qatar take a plane configured with or without the QSuite makes a lot of difference. Or even fly in the new flagship of Virgin Atlantic, the A350/1000 in upper class, or on the rest of the fleet where the old chairs are.. These are just a few examples; I could go on with dozens of other cases.
Of course, a machine change can always happen, but the advice is to inquire before buying a ticket. ITA Airways on the Rome-New York route operates flights with two different aircraft models, set up in two different manners. Other companies, for example British, fly from London to the U.S. with five different planes, with two different cabins.
Once you understand what aircraft the routes are flown on, I recommend choosing the one that offers the most comfortable and modern cabin. Except in rare cases, companies do not charge differently if you travel on a more, or less, modern plane. So for the same expense you will have a better experience.
#2 Thinking that all places are equal
Having chosen the right plane, we now have to try to book the best seat. The hardware is the same throughout the plane, but there can be huge differences between one seat and another in the same cabin.
The chair on board this 787 by Air Europa is the same, but the passengers in the last row have as many as 2 fewer windows than all the other passengers. It is not unusual for there to be a row even without a window.
Business class cabins on airplanes are often divided into two, a larger and a smaller one. The second one will therefore be quieter since it accommodates fewer passengers.
If you are traveling in a group, or with children, it makes sense to try to secure (if any) honeymoon seats, i.e., the two seats close together Or book the 4 seats in Qatar Airways' immense Qsuite Instead of the standard chairs.
Then, depending on the configuration of the seats, there are seats that offer more privacy than others, may be closer to the aisle or window as on board Tap Portugal's A330/900neo and all companies that have a similar configuration.
A ride on Seatguru or a read at the review of the flight on this site, can certainly help in choosing the best place according to one's needs.
#3 Buying the ticket in the wrong "place"
This point is perhaps the most difficult to explain and is related to the next point. Every company has its own rules when it comes to accumulating points and miles. I always try to buy tickets through the American Express travel portal for two simple reasons. Every purchase allows me to accumulate extra points and most importantly in case of problems I am a trusted intermediary with the company, much more than any OTA That can be found on the Web. Then the rules of the companies come into play.
For example, Air France is the least generous in terms of miles earned because, like ITA Airways, it multiplies the ticket expense depending on the level in the loyalty program. However, if the same itinerary is also sold by a different company, Through the practice of code-share, I will earn many more miles/points by flying on the same flight.
#4 Not being enrolled in the loyalty program and not earning miles
It doesn't matter that you are not an assiduous frequent flyer, intercontinental travel in business class can allow you to accumulate many points/miles to use perhaps for a second trip for free or, in the case of special promotions, even to get status in one fell swoop. And status gives benefits for at least 12 months, especially when traveling in economy.
For example, my wife and daughter with this ticket to Bangkok obtained the Silver card in Air France/KLM's Flying Blue program, I with this "crazy" itinerary in British Airways I have reached the Gold level in the Executive Club. But status is not everything, it is more important to choose where to credit the flight: depending on the class of travel (which is not the cabin) the same flight can recognize as many as tens of thousands of points more between programs.
#5 Not enjoying the airport experience 100%
If traveling in economy, the advice is to spend as little time as possible at the airport, unless you are an American Express Platinum holder of course, on the contrary if you travel in business arriving earlier allows 100% to take advantage of premium ticket benefits.
When you travel business class you have easy routes from the moment you step foot in the airport. Dedicated check-in desks help you skip the line.
Having shipped the luggage, fast track allows us to go through security without stress and again without a queue. And head immediately to the company's lounge.
Free food and drink is just one of the many benefits airport lounges give passengers. Goodbye uncomfortable chairs or hunting for an outlet to charge your cell phone.
There are lounges that offer free spa treatments, others that have authentic playrooms for children, and much more. All free for the business passenger.
Right down to the ability to shower and freshen up before the flight, perhaps after an intense last day around New York or Bangkok.
#6 Do not take advantage of all the options
There are airlines that allow you to pre-order your meal, some like Air France simply allow the passenger to see the various options and secure their preferred one. This practice also makes sense from the perspective of reducing food and resource waste.
Other companies for example. Singapore Airlines offering premium guests to take advantage of the book the cook service, that is, a true a la carte menu where you can fish between burgers and more refined dishes.
The menu for business class passengers is always sought after, but being able to guarantee a favorite dish is an added benefit included in the ticket price.
#7 Don't be shy, asking is courtesy
If this is your first time traveling on a particular airline and/or cabin, the advice is to ask the crew for a small guided tour of the seat and what you have available.
In economy, the staff has many passengers to handle and few things to explain, as opposed to in business each attendant has fewer passengers to handle and much more information to give.
The first time I flew business class with Singapore, I had to ask how to turn the armchair into a bed. Similar thing to when I flew on the old upper class of Virgin Atlantic.
Seats have many functions and settings, and storage rooms can be hidden in the strangest places on the seat.
If on the menu you are undecided between what to choose, ask to have both, if you like dessert don't mind asking for seconds, if there is you will be given.
#8 Not having a credit card that multiplies benefits and protects against inconvenience
This advice always applies, no matter if you are traveling first class or low-cost. Having insurance that protects against small and large inconveniences is a "must," especially in this post-pandemic world.
Our advice is to take advantage of promotions that allow you to take advantage of the free fee for the first year as for American Express Gold which allows, thanks in part to Amex offers, to save tens of euros in daily expenses.
The best credit card for a traveler, on the other hand, is the American Express Platinum and in this article we explain why.
- 6,000 Mile Registration Bonus
- Collect miles WITH EACH PURCHASE
- Your miles with no expiration*
- No fees for ATM withdrawals and foreign purchases
- Without having to change banks
- Autonomous card activation
- Multi-function mobile application
- Free travel insurance
- Free credit for up to 7 weeks
- Contactless Payment
- Mastercard® SecureCode
- 20€ discount directly in your statement by spending €60 in one or more transactions with Carta on Italotreno.it
- Free fee the 1st year. From the 2nd €5.50 per month
- You can choose to pay in full or in installments
- Premium level of the Italo Più program
- 4 Vouchers per year for access to Italo Club Lounges
- Preferential Access to Italo's Fast Track at the station
- For every 5 purchases of Italo ticketing and/or onboard services made with Italo American Express Credit Card you will receive 1 voucher for room upgrade
- Welcome bonus of 100,000 Volare points upon reaching 6 thousand in spending in the first 3 months after card issuance
- Accumulate 1.5 qualifying Volare points for every euro spent, accumulate an additional 3 non-qualifying Volare points ( for a total of 4.5 Volare points) for every euro spent on ticketing purchases and other services offered by ITA Airways
- Access to the Premium Club of ITA Airways' Volare program.
- ITA Airways Lounge Access
- Free excess baggage
- Points Back