The Benefits of Business Class - Part 5

Welcome to Part 5 of our blog series - The Benefits of Business Class - where we explore the advantages of spending a little extra money to elevate your travel experience to a whole new level.

Last week we wrote about luggage, weight allowances and Priority Baggage benefits. This week, we’re sticking with that same word; Priority. This is another underrated perk of flying Business Class and manifests itself in several ways. It often includes dedicated check-in areas, expedited security screening and preferential boarding of the flight. So let’s break it down.

When you arrive at the airport, you will often find there is a dedicated check-in area for Business Class passengers. Whilst these may be shared with First Class & Frequent Flyer members (that’s a topic for another week…), you are pretty much guaranteed a shorter queue - if any, in fact - and usually allows you to engage with a member of the airline, instead of a computer screen. Hopefully, this interaction, adorned with all the pleasantries and greetings you’d expect, is the start of your premium experience. This is also when those special Priority tags are fixed to your luggage. 

Once you’ve been checked in and have received your boarding pass, we continue onwards to the next phase which let’s face it, nobody enjoys! You’ll have access to a dedicated line at Airport Security, often referred to as a ‘fast lane’ or FastTrack, which is reserved for the same persons as above - those paying for a premium cabin or a loyal frequent flyer. For example, London Heathrow Terminal 5, features a dedicated speedy security lane at the North end of the terminal. A process that can often take upwards of 30 minutes (or longer during peak travel hours) can be done in less than 10, getting you through the terminal and off to enjoy your lounge, which we covered previously.

After your leisurely moments of relaxing in the lounge, you’ll be heading off to find your gate. Those eager passengers - who seem more eager to board than others - are usually found standing in formation, in animal pen-like sections, marked and separated by certain group numbers. Airlines frequently use group boarding and here is when having a Business Class ticket once again, comes into its own. You are (more often than not) within Group 1, 2 or 3, meaning you board almost immediately. This allows you to avoid the mass stampede, settle into your seat, receive a drink and unpack your essentials before the crowd's board. Then you can sit there with your mimosa, reading your newspaper whilst all those travelling in Economy have to walk past you down the aisle… oh the looks of envy!

Some airlines have taken this one step further, especially on their larger aircraft, by using two separate entry doors. Those in a premium cabin board via a dedicated airbridge, often at the front of the aircraft, meaning boarding is faster for you but also means that other passengers in “the other” cabins can board at the same time, speeding up the departure process. 

Upon arrival at your destination, we know you are eager to get your trip underway, so getting out of the airport is a priority. The general rule? The further forward in the plane you’re sitting, the quicker you get off - we all know it. So when you are flying Business Class you are one of the first passengers to disembark. Therefore, you are one of the first people at passport control, meaning you don’t need to wait behind the other 300 passengers who have been on your flight. You’ll soon be on your way towards the Baggage Hall, where your luggage will be some of the first to appear, thanks to those special Priority tags.

All of these “priority” perks when flying Business Class can save you vast amounts of time at the airport, allowing you to spend more time relaxing before your departure. You’re paying for a premium experience; it has to be stress-free!

Speak to our Personal Travel Consultants about treating yourself to Business Class on your next trip!

(Contributed by Alex Dickinson)