Traveling to faraway destinations is a dream. Getting there is not.
But after taking two long-haul flights — one in business class and the other in economy — I learned that amenities can make or break a trip.
From receiving a complimentary toiletry bag on an Air New Zealand business-class flight to free earbuds on a United economy flight, take a look at all the differences in amenities.
In 2022, I embarked on my first business-class flight between Los Angeles and Auckland, New Zealand. I quickly learned the perks of a business-class ticket started long before I boarded the plane.As a business-class traveler, I had premium check-in, which was a separate, shorter check-in line.When it came to my United economy flight between Denver and Tokyo, checking in looked drastically different. I used a self-check-in computer and waited in a much longer line for bag dropoffs.After checking in and going through security for my flight to New Zealand, I headed to an airport lounge, which I had access to thanks to my business-class ticket. Here, I dined on a buffet and sipped endless drinks.My economy ticket didn’t grant me access to a lounge, so I headed to my boarding gate instead.When it came to the actual flight, the perks continued. In business class, I was one of the first passengers to board the plane.The opposite was true with economy. For my United flight, I was one of the last passengers to board the plane.When I arrived at my business-class seat, a handful of amenities were already waiting for me.There was a footrest, which also served as additional seating if I wanted to chat with another passenger.There was also a plastic water bottle and a pair of over-the-ear headphones.A complimentary toiletry bag full of goodies like lotion, mouthwash, and socks was waiting for me at my business-class seat.In economy, I didn’t get toiletries or a water bottle, but flight attendants did come through the cabin with free earbuds.Both seats had entertainment, but the screens were different. In business class, my screen measured 11 inches and could be moved depending on how I was seated.Meanwhile, my economy screen seemed a bit smaller and didn’t move.It was a similar case with the tray tables. In business class, I fit both food and my laptop on the large tray table.My economy tray table was barely large enough for my meal.Both airlines offered bedding, but it was far more luxurious in business class.For example, on Air New Zealand, I had two pillows, a duvet, and a memory-foam mattress topper for my lie-flat seat.In economy on United, passengers received a blanket and travel pillow — both of which I thought weren’t nearly as cozy as the business-class offerings.The meal service in business class also had perks my economy seat did not. Each passenger was given a steamed towel to wipe their hands and face.And liquor was complimentary.In economy, my complimentary alcoholic beverages included wine and beer.Both seats offered snacks, but in business class, I could order an unlimited amount.I thought the amenities in business class far exceeded the offerings in economy. But either way, items like earbuds and toiletries made the long-haul flights much more bearable.
The post I flew on 2 long-haul flights, one in business and another in economy. The perks were drastically different — take a look. appeared first on Business Insider.
