Summary

A budget traveler shares their transformative experience flying business class from Brisbane to Bratislava, detailing the benefits and few drawbacks compared to economy class.

Abstract

The author, traditionally a budget-conscious traveler, contrasts their usual economy class experience with a recent business class flight on Emirates from Brisbane to Bratislava via Dubai. They highlight the comfort of having an elevated seat that turns into a bed, the convenience of express security entry and lounge access, and the luxury of the Emirates Business Lounge with its gourmet food and premium beverages. The article emphasizes the value of business class perks such as private aircraft entry, attentive service, and complimentary high-end toiletries, offsetting the additional cost. Despite the lack of in-flight social interaction, the author concludes that the experience has set a new standard for long-haul flights, making it challenging to consider returning to economy class.

Opinions

The author values the comfort and health benefits of flying business class, particularly the ability to keep legs elevated and avoid swelling.
They appreciate the time-saving and convenience of express security entry and private aircraft entry.
The luxury of the Emirates Business Lounge, with its quality food and beverages, is seen as a significant advantage over economy class.
The service in business class is noted to be exceptionally attentive, with the author feeling well-cared for throughout the flight.
The complimentary Bulgari toiletries pack in business class is considered a luxurious touch that enhances the overall experience.
The author believes the additional cost for business class is justified by the value and comfort received.
While acknowledging the social aspect of economy class, the author did not miss it due to the comfort and privacy of their business class pod.
The overall sentiment is that once experienced, the benefits of business class make it difficult to justify flying economy on long-haul flights in the future.

Business Class, Baby!

How I flew business class from Brisbane to Bratislava

I’m a budget traveller. I stay in hostels rather than fork out big bucks on hotels. I have always booked overseas flights using my frequent flyer points and have always maintained I’d rather have two trips travelling economy class than just one trip travelling business.

That was until my last flight to Europe. An economy flight to Europe cost me 60,000 points plus $292 in extra fees. For an extra 68,000 points and $360 more, I flew business. Is it worth it?

After many economy class flights to Europe on points, I have learnt some tricks to make economy travel more comfortable. I’m an expert on getting the most out of an economy class seat.

However, travelling business class takes flying to Europe to a whole new level.

After having travelled business class all the way to Vienna via Dubai with Emirates, I now know how those celebrities arrive in Australia after those long haul flights looking like they’ve just stepped out of a magazine. I, however, having always travelled economy, usually arrive at my destination looking, and feeling, like a stale, smelly lump of bread.

The pros of flying business.

Number 1: I booked business class for one reason. So I could fly with my legs elevated and avoid the swelling that plagues me on long flights; actually plagues me anytime I sit on a bus or a truck or a train for more than a few hours. So that’s the main pro for me. I arrived in Vienna with perfect legs!

Number 2: I was unaware of the express entry through security. None of this lining up for business class travellers! My carry-on even had an Emirates Business label attached to it, as well as an express voucher I was given — just to prove I wasn’t an impostor.

Number 3: Flying business class also allowed me entry to the Emirates Business Lounge. I had visited the Qantas Club with complimentary one-use vouchers before but what I hadn’t counted on was the sheer luxury of the Emirates lounge. And the food! I stared in disbelief as my eyes gazed hungrily on the delicious buffet. I had eaten nothing since breakfast! Not to mention the bar! What do I choose? Moët or Veuve Clicquot? Or whatever takes your fancy?

Number 4: Before I even boarded the aircraft, I had access to the private entry into the aircraft directly from the lounge: no waiting in line here either. Who even knew such a thing existed?

Number 5: And the one I was most looking forward to, and the only reason I booked business, was putting my legs up. I didn’t have a seat — I had a bed — complete with mattress, pillow and blanket! As soon as we had taken off, I lay it flat and slept for 7 hours!

Number 6: Because of the quality and the quantity of food provided both on the aircraft and in the lounges, I didn’t have to spend a cent the whole journey, not even on a cup of coffee. I guess I’d have saved at least $200 by not having to purchase airport food.

Number 7: The service. I swear there was one air hostess for every three business class passengers. No waiting to be served with anything. I didn’t have to wait for mealtime — I could order whatever I wanted to eat.

Number 8: The complimentary toiletries pack. When flying economy, you’re lucky if you get socks, eyemask and disposable toothbrush, the business class pack was filled with Bulgari toiletries — pure luxury!

Are there any cons?

So enough of the pros. What about the cons? Well, the obvious one is the $360 extra upfront. Worth every cent in my opinion!

The only other was a lack of conversation. In economy, I usually chat with the person sitting next to me, but on occasion, I’ve encountered a non-talker, which makes for a very long flight! To be truthful, in my own little comfy business class pod, I didn’t really miss the chatting.

Will I ever fly economy for long haul flights again? Not if I can help it!