You don’t have to be ultra-rich to want some comfort, especially on long trips. With first class, most of us can just dream, but business class may be well within your reach and might be more than enough comfort for most international travelers. At its most basic, the main difference between first class and business class comes down to how many amenities you’re looking for. While first class maximizes comfort and opulence, business class aims to give passengers an extra degree of comfort and convenience through premium offerings unavailable to economy-class passengers.

When choosing between first class and business class, passengers must consider what they hope to get out of their trip. Just as many travelers want to be pampered with a one-of-a-kind experience in first class, others might just seek a few more creature comforts and a little extra breathing room to make their trip all the more bearable, making business class both a more appropriate and more affordable option.

FIRST CLASS

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has turned first-class luxury into a true art form. The airline’s opulent first-class cabins take the form of large suites on the double decker A380 aircraft. Encompassing 50 square feet, these are the largest first-class cabins offered by any airline. Singapore lets guests choose how they want to spend their time in the sky. While many might opt to get some work done at the suite’s desk, others might want to sit in the cabin’s leather recliner and watch a movie on a glorious high-definition television.

Travel-weary passengers can also relax in the suite’s bed, which can be modified into a double for flyers traveling as a couple. Smaller amenities also make Singapore’s first-class experience all the more worthy of its hefty price tag (anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 USD). A tablet computer controls much of the suite’s functions, while guests can also chow down on luxury cuisine crafted by some of the world’s finest chefs.

Qatar Airways

Fine seating and friendly hospitality await those who fly on Qatar Airways‘ first-class offerings. The airline’s first-class cabin is one of the more spacious first-class areas of any aircraft, as Qatar does not divide first-class seating into separate suites. Rather, travelers spend the flight in pod-like recliners that can be completely enclosed on all sides for privacy. First-class seating at Qatar features a large recliner, an ottoman for storage, and an HD television. The recliner can be laid back completely to double as a bed, while designer lamps offer a homey feeling.

What separates Qatar’s first-class offerings from other airlines is its amazing amenities. First-class travelers have their pick of cuisine from around the world and Arabic specialties. Wine and cocktail offerings receive particular praise from Qatar travelers. Meanwhile, first-class passengers are gifted a designer handbag with loads of goodies to remember their time onboard, with passengers on night flights even given their own pair of pajamas.

Air France

Air France’s first-class cabin represents all the glitz and sophistication of one of Europe’s most cultured nations. Rather than waiting in a busy line, first-class passengers are chauffeured from the terminal directly to their plane in a luxury sedan. Upon arriving at their new home for the next few hours, Air France passengers are welcomed by flight attendants who show them to their suite. Separated by curtains, each suite contains a recliner and a smaller seat on the opposite side that can be easily refitted into a bed.

While many passengers might opt to simply settle in and watch movies for the duration of their flight, the airline has turned its first-class offering into a day at the spa for more luxury-minded passengers. Air France lets guests sit in the lap of luxury with facials and other skincare routines, while world-renowned chefs prepare high-end cuisine served alongside fine wine and champagne.

BUSINESS CLASS

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines pulls all the stops to make their business-class experience one of the most memorable trips for travelers. Unlike most carriers, Turkish does not offer first-class seating, placing its business class at the top tier of its flight service. Like any premium offering, business class on Turkish Airlines is not just a seat, it is an experience. Luxury recliners with lie-flat options have foot room to spare for even the tallest passengers.

Meanwhile, the airline has gone out of its way to make sure that guests feel as much at home as possible during their trip. HD TVs with noise-canceling headphones are ready for each guest’s entertainment needs, while complimentary Wi-Fi allows travelers to surf the net at 40,000 feet. Food and drink items, many of which are Turkish signature dishes, are served restaurant style by chefs who prepare your meals on the plane. Amenity kits from luxury brands like Versace and Porsche are also made available to passengers.

Asiana Airlines

Asiana offers some of the most expansive business-class experiences of any major airline. Passengers can choose between two distinct business class options at Asiana Airlines. Those who fly under Business Smartium are treated to a traditional business-class experience. In Business Smartium, guests sit in recliners that double as fold-out beds. Business Suite, in contrast, is Asiana’s closest choice to first-class accommodations, with larger seats and closing doors for maximum privacy.

Guests of the airline quickly find that Asiana’s business class distinguishes itself by its amazing cuisine. Offering both Korean and Western dishes, Asiana’s onboard meals are served over several courses. Attentive flight attendants also serve a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that embrace both Korean and international tastes. Not to be outdone by its competitors, Asiana also provides amenity kits for passengers aimed at ensuring comfort. Soft slippers and luxury lotions are favorite items in most of Asiana’s amenity packs.

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Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s business class features friendly service and relaxing accommodations for travelers looking to explore the world in style. Making use of a traditional herringbone design, seats in Air New Zealand’s business class are both spacious and comfortable. While passengers can enjoy the latest movies and TV shows from the comfort of their chair, when it’s time to rest, seats can be turned into foldout beds with the aid of a flight attendant.

Air New Zealand prides itself on looking out for the wellbeing of its passengers. To that end, the airline provides pillows developed by NASA to help customers stay cool, while the teas that attendants serve during their Bliss Sleep ritual help passengers unwind from a stressful day of getting to the airport. Business-class flyers also have their pick of gourmet meal options. Whether you’re in the mood for a cheeseburger or an exotic plate of New Zealand lamb, chefs with the airline work diligently to make your meal the icing on the cake of a fantastic flight experience.

Did we leave your favorite first- or business-class airline off our list? Tell us about it in the comments below!