A first timer's guide to flying in first or business class
Editor's Note
While some have flown in business or first class, not everyone has been able to sip Champagne and lounge in a lie-flat seat at 35,000 feet. So, for those who haven't, TPG wants first-time business or first-class flyers to know how to make the most out of every second of your first experience turning left.
From booking your ticket to getting to your destination, there are ways and means to make every penny, point and mile count the most.
Here are a couple of guides that might help you when deciding which airline to choose for your first premium experience:
Before You Fly
Let's start with before you even get to the airport.
One of the first things to do is check your baggage allowance when you make your booking. Premium cabins are often very lenient, allowing usually two or more checked items. This varies per airline and per route, so double check before you do your packing. Remember that the amenity kits you are given in premium cabins often come with toothpaste and moisturizer. Keep that in mind when packing your liquids in order to save space and weight in your carry-on luggage and make things easier for yourself when going through security.
Related: 7 tips for picking the perfect airplane seat every time
You should also think about your seat selection. Most airlines offer free selection for premium passengers. Even when that's not possible, I'd highly recommend choosing your seats as this can have an impact on your experience — especially if you're traveling with friends or family. Sites like SeatGuru advise on certain seats to avoid if they're near the galley or require straddling the person next to you while they're sleeping just so you can go to the restroom.
Some airlines, such as Emirates, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic, offer a chauffeur service for premium flyers. It's worth checking whether this particular perk is still included, as airlines have cut back on contact services like chauffeurs because of the pandemic. Revenue tickets usually include this at no extra cost, but you are likely to have to pay additional miles for award tickets. In this case, be sure to check the value of using miles against the cash price of getting to the airport yourself.
At the Airport
Premium tickets almost always include lounge access — a favorite perk of mine. Be sure to factor in enough time to visit your lounge for a preflight drink or meal. Unless you have access to the most premium lounges like Lufthansa's First Class Terminal, which is renowned for its incredible preflight a la carte menu, then I would avoid eating too much in the lounge to save room for food in-flight as you'll get wined and dined.
Where there's a choice, like in London's Heathrow Terminal 5, be sure to check out our lounge reviews to see which one is best for you.
Some airlines also offer spa treatments in their lounges. Unfortunately, again due to the pandemic, this perk has been temporarily suspended in most cases. If your lounge continues to or restarts a massage service, availability can often be very limited. So, to avoid disappointment, double-check with your airline or lounge about what they offer and make a reservation early, if possible.
In the Air
Not all aspects of flying in business or first class are offered without first prompting the cabin crew. On my last ever flight onboard a Virgin Atlantic 747, I only found out that pajamas were available because I asked. I ended up being the only passenger who was given them.
On that note, don't think you have to get suited and booted if you're flying in business class or first class. You've paid your money and you deserve to travel in comfort. That said, it doesn't hurt to board the flight in something smart casual, then have something comfortable to switch into once you're in the air.
Don't be afraid to ask for more — whether that's asking for a wine top-up, snacks if you're hungry or even asking the crew if you could eat at a certain time instead of during service. Many airlines offer this dine-on-demand option, but they don't always publicize it. As my favourite Geordie saying goes "shy bairns get nowt" ("It never hurts to ask") — and that holds true even when you're on the plane.
Taking photos is usually fine. Whether it's for the 'Gram or just for memories' sake, don't be shy to take a selfie or two or even ask the crew to take a snap for you. In my experience, cabin crew are usually more than happy to and even sometimes keen to join in.
On Arrival
Depending on your destination and airline, there might be an arrivals lounge. They are great when you're arriving in the morning after an overnight flight and would like to get freshened up and grab breakfast if you decided to sleep through it on the flight.
Access to arrivals lounges can be complicated and depend on your length of flight or whether you were flying in first or business class. If you think you'd like to use an arrivals lounge, make sure you check if one is available before you travel.
Bottom Line
Now more than ever before, we deserve a little bit of luxury in our lives.
Enjoy every second of your first premium cabin flight, and don't be afraid to have a little fun! Always keep in mind to be respectful to the other passengers around you and especially the crew who work tirelessly to make sure you're having the best experience possible.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.