Seven secret perks of flying in first class or business

An industry insider reveals the little-known benefits of flying first class and business, from luxe lounges to free chauffeur services.

The benefits of flying in first class or business seem obvious at first glance: bigger seats, better food, extra baggage allowance, priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling. But there’s more to these elevated cabin classes than initially meets the eye. Passengers holding a first class or business class ticket can also expect more space, privacy, lie-flat beds and chef-made meals onboard, access to exclusive lounges before departure, and in some cases, complimentary spa treatments or laundry services at the airport – particularly on international routes. Mark Trim, founder and managing director of business-class travel agent Flat Beds, shares some insider knowledge on how to make the most of your first-class and business-class entitlements.

Why fly in first class or business?

While the cost of a first-class or business-class ticket isn’t always justifiable for domestic flights, it will revolutionise your inflight experience on international and long-haul routes. Passengers enjoy spacious seating that facilitates more restful sleep. Gourmet meals, premium drinks and personalised service ensure a fully-fuelled brain upon arrival. Priority boarding, access to exclusive airport lounges, and extra baggage allowance make the journey smoother and more efficient. Investing in these upgrades transforms long-haul flights into a relaxing and stress-free travel experience.

Suites and amenity kits

The benefits of flying in first class or business go beyond the extra legroom – the seats can often be transformed into private suites by way of fold-away doors and dividers. Tickets can also include free wifi access, and the amenity kits include noise-cancelling headphones, luxe bedding, upmarket toiletries, slippers and even pyjamas. “Several airlines offer complimentary pyjamas,” says Trim. “United Airlines offers sleep suits on their longest ‘Polaris’ flights, but you have to ask. This is available across the Pacific to/from Australia. Other airlines that provide pyjamas include Qatar Airways, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Oman Air, American Airlines, Starlux Airlines, Air Serbia, Air India and Emirates. All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines provide guests with cardigans in business class on long-haul flights, but are for in-flight use only and must be returned.

Read more: The best business class seats for long-haul flights

Complimentary door-to-airport chauffeur service

Some airlines provide first and business-class ticketholders with a complimentary chauffeur to the airport. Emirates, for example, operate the service from more than 70 cities around the world. “Some people book their tickets with Emirates and forget to book their private chauffeurs, leaving hundreds of dollars of value on the table,” says Trim. “Conditions apply, including various kilometres caps in each city, but they will suit most travellers.” Other airlines that provide the same or similar service in select destinations include Etihad Airways first and business, Turkish Airlines business class, Air China first and business, Kuwait Airways first class, Air France first class, and Sri Lankan Airlines business class

Personal airport escort

“Some airlines will personally escort you to the aircraft when travelling in First Class. This includes Lufthansa and SWISS who will drive you across the tarmac in your very own private car, usually a BMW, Porsche or Mercedes, from the lounge directly to the aircraft door before escorting you onboard,” says Trim. “This service is also provided if you are arriving off a short-haul business class sector before connecting to a first-class long-haul flight. Etihad provides a similar lounge-to-gate service for guests in the famed ‘The Residence’, along with the dedicated private lounge space.”

Other airlines that offer similar lounge-to-tarmac benefits of flying in first class include Lufthansa, Air France, American Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways and Air Canada, all in select locations.

Read more: Etihad’s ‘The Residence’ finally available for first-class flyers

Pre-selected or custom meals

The dining benefits of flying in first class or business on some carriers include being able to pre-select your meal or have a meal tailored to your preferences. “The most famous of these is Singapore Airlines’ ‘Book the Cook’ service, which offers an extensive range of speciality dishes, especially when departing from Singapore, where options span from Western to Asian cuisine, with the lobster thermidor being a standout favourite. Other airlines, like Qatar Airways, also provide exclusive dishes on select routes for passengers who pre-select their meals,” says Trim.

In-lounge garment pressing

The benefits of flying first class or business are sometimes the small things, such as being able to refresh your clothes while transiting.
“Flying with SWISS or Lufthansa to Zurich or Frankfurt respectively? They have a nifty arrival lounge that features light refreshments, rest areas, private rooms (first come/first served) and the ‘Magic Cupboard’ service if you take a shower,” says Trim. “That may sound a bit odd, but if you place your clothes in the ‘Magic Cupboard’ and press a button, someone will access them from the other side and press your clothes. It’s designed for business travellers looking to hit the ground running from their flight to a meeting.”

You can find similar services at Cathay Pacific’s ‘The Pier’ and ‘The Wing’ first class lounges in Hong Kong, South Africa Airways Arrival Lounge in select locations, and Qantas First in select locations.

Exclusive lounge access

While rarely advertised, some airlines have business class arrival lounges that are useful for those who haven’t arranged early check-in, says Trim. “Several airlines offer arrival lounge access in London including British Airways and American Airlines; Virgin Atlantic’s Revivals Lounge looks after both their own and Delta’s passengers. United Airlines and Air Canada also share an arrivals lounge at Heathrow. These are typically open in the AM hours until lunchtime, designed to accommodate those who have flown on a long-haul, overnight flight,” says Trim.

“In Paris, Qatar Airways Premium Lounge is available and the Star Alliance lounge is open to those flying with partner carriers. Qatar has a unique arrivals lounge just before a dedicated immigration process for First and Business Class passengers, which can be easily missed as it’s labelled ‘Al Mourjan’ and ‘Al Safwa’ lounge, without any differentiation that it’s for arrivals guests. it’s very subtly located to the side of the main immigration process, but your processing through Doha will be far smoother if you turn left and go through this lounge.”

“In Asia, most lounges are inaccessible on arrival, however, ANA does have a dedicated arrival lounge in Tokyo Haneda. In Sydney, if you have Plaza Premium Lounge access via a membership, an eligible American Express card or opt to pay the $40 fee, you can use their lounge for up to five hours on arrival.”

Read more: A guide to the world’s best airport lounges

Get to know Lufthansa’s rubber duck collectibles

The benefit of flying first class with Lufthansa is the chance to obtain a coveted rubber duck, says Trim. “These collectible ducks, often themed for events like the World Cup, Olympics or Oktoberfest, have become prized by frequent flyers. The tradition began in Lufthansa’s First Class terminal in Frankfurt, where guests frequently took the ducks from the bath service. In response, Lufthansa made them a signature gift for lounge visitors, creating a beloved ritual among travellers.”