I Didn't Know This

[jennyjoan]

But I've just read there is a Business and First Class flight available - apart from the prices naturally - what do the flights entail.

I did think they one and the same.

Thanks for answers.

[calmck]

Depends on the airline. First class individual sort of cubicles, seats lie flat. Special checkin and lounge. Business class not as separated as in first but still with lounge and checkin

[Tilly2]

...and flatbeds and lounge access.

Yes, it does depend on the airline.

[jennyjoan]

thanks Calc - is business class a good "grade" up from Economy class - like is there a big difference

[jennyjoan]

I very much know I am way ahead but if my friend in Australia gets home to NI next year I very much would like her to fly in comfort as she so deserves it.

[jennyjoan]

so I'm "crowd-funding" now LOL

[Buenchico]

Business Class is 'ruddy expensive', whereas First Class is 'outrageously expensive'!

BA calls their Business Class 'Club World' (when applied to long-haul flights):
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/travel-classes/business/club-world

For comparison, here's their First Class offering:
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/travel-classes/first/first

See also here:
https://theskinttraveller.com/2019/05/25/british-airways-first-class-vs-business-class

[jennyjoan]

ok Chris - will look at those links later - I'm off to walk Maxie. Thanks to every one else.

[Tilly2]

You are paying, JJ?

[237SJ]

First Class tends to be a smaller, quieter and more exclusive cabin. Dining on demand. A lot of airlines no longer offer First class and many only offer on certain routes where there is demand.

[Buenchico]

As you've effectively got two threads going on broadly the same topic, Jennyjoan, I'll try to cover them both here:

As I wrote previously, the only way to get from Sydney to Belfast with just a single change of plane is by changing at Heathrow. The total journey time is around 27 hours (although it takes somewhat longer getting back). It's too early to book flights for October 2021 at the moment but, based upon fares currently being offered for next May, here's a rough guide to what BA would charge for return flights:

Economy Standard Class: £800
Premium Economy Class: £2,100
Business Class: £3,700
First Class: £6,700

You can tell by their prices that BA obviously aren't too keen on allowing riffraff outside of Economy Standard ;-)

[237SJ]

Don`t on those prices for May. Don`t count on being able to travel at all in May.

[calmck]

Business class on BA usually has flat beds, good menu choice and would be comfortable for a flight from NZ

[Buenchico]

^^^ If Sydney's in NZ, I need a new atlas!
;-)

[calmck]

Sorry thought I saw NZ too much wine!!!

[237SJ]

There won`t me any menu choice at the moment. Most airlines are just giving out a deli bag with a sandwich, water cup and a piece of cake. Even in First class due to the wonderful Covid

[andy-hughes]

I think it depends on the airline, and also the aircraft.

I got a free upgrade to Business Class on my first flight to Montreal, it involved the 'pod' beds and superior food and drink menus, but there was no higher upgrade on that aircraft, it was Business and Standard.

Some airlines have First Class which usually offers wider seats with more leg room and free drinks.

I believe 747's have a First Class Lounge as well.

[douglas9401]

"^^^ If Sydney's in NZ, I need a new atlas! "

Or a very, very old one.

Gondwana baby, yeah!

[Buenchico]

^^^ Like most other airlines, BA no longer uses 747s, Andy. (There are only 30 left, anywhere in the world, that are currently in passenger service):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53426886

[237SJ]

The First Class lounge is in the airport, not on the aircraft.

[douglas9401]

"Some airlines have First Class which usually offers wider seats with more leg room and free drinks. "

The most expensive dumpy cans of lager..............in the world.