Flying in Style: When Splurging on Business Class is Worth It

Flying in Style: When Splurging on Business Class is Worth It - Upgrade Your Long Haul Experience

Upgrading to business class can transform those long haul flights from an exhausting endeavor into a luxurious experience. While it certainly comes at a premium, there are times when paying extra can be well worth it.

On flights longer than 5-6 hours, the comfort and amenities of business class are hard to beat. You'll likely arrive at your destination feeling refreshed rather than weary from being cramped in a standard coach seat. As Gary Leff of View from the Wing said after an upgraded long haul flight, "Having the ability to sleep in a lie flat seat, to get up and walk around the cabin and socialize...it makes a material difference in your energy and effectiveness upon landing."

Many seasoned business travelers cite physical comfort as one of the biggest reasons to fly business rather than economy. On long flights, business class seats are designed for both upright comfort and full lie-flat sleeping. This allows your body to fully rest and recover so you avoid that stiff, sore feeling from being in one position too long. As cowboyjournal travel blogger Michael W Lucas put it after an upgrade, "I felt human enough to be pleasant company, rather than a surly beast with a painful back."

Business class perks extend beyond the seat as well. The amenity kits stocked with lotions, lip balm, eye masks, socks and other pampering goodies can make a long flight feel like a spa retreat. Business class passengers also enjoy premium menus and wine selections - a welcome indulgence when you're stuck on a plane for 10+ hours. As Dan from Live and Let's Fly said of his LAX to Singapore upgrade, "Between the food and drink options alone, it made the flight 3x more enjoyable."

For many travelers, the opportunity to fully lie down and sleep is what makes paying extra worthwhile. Flying business class essentially buys you a night's accommodation above the clouds. Compared to fitful dozing upright in economy class, the flat-bed experience is transformative. TPG Reviews Director Nick Ellis said of his Auckland to Los Angeles redeye, "I left that flight feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running," thanks in large part to getting quality rest.