Which is best for business travel: Economy, business, or first class?

Choosing the right seat class for corporate flights can be difficult, especially when there are so many factors to consider that directly impact your team's productivity.

The goal of any business trip should be to arrive at your destination in the best possible condition. Arriving at a meeting or conference exhausted from an uncomfortable overnight flight isn’t a great starting point, but is the price jump to a premium cabin always justified for a short domestic flight?

To find out the best class for U.S. business flights, we’re breaking down the differences between economy, business, and first class to help you choose the right option for every trip, from cost to the services and rewards available to U.S. business travelers. 

It’s important to note that when we talk about ‘best’ in this context, it is an indicator of suitability for a specific scenario, not necessarily the single best option overall. Combinations of budget, comfort, productivity, and other traveler needs will all need to be considered, meaning there is never one definitive answer, only what aligns closest to your specific travel needs.

Economy Class: The budget-friendly option

Economy class flights prioritize practicality, getting to the destination quickly and affordably. If your business needs to make frequent domestic or regional flights, like a day trip to Dallas, economy class is an affordable way to make group travel an option for small businesses. 

While most airlines have economy seating, J.D. Power’s 2025 North America Airline Satisfaction Study ranked Southwest, JetBlue, and Delta as the Economy/Basic Economy services with the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Economy passengers will typically get a standard seat with limited recline. On short domestic routes, food and drink are often available for purchase. On longer flights, meals and drinks are typically included. 

Checked bags and other hidden fees may result in extra costs, a key factor to watch out for when booking budget fares.

Best for: Short routes, affordability.

Pros of flying economy for business travelers

• Cost. Low price points will help maximize the travel budget and make group travel an affordable option for small businesses - Fool.com estimates that, in fall 2024, the average domestic plane ticket price in the U.S.was $366.

• Frequency. Economy seats can be found on hundreds of flights from major airports each day, including John F. Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) - offering increased flexibility for short-notice trips and last-minute itinerary changes.

• Domestic travel. Economy class is rarely used for long flights. While space is limited, passengers will likely only be on the flight for 1-2 hours and will not need space to sleep.

Cons of flying economy for business travelers

• Cross-country, international, and ‘red-eye’ travel. Flying on a ‘red-eye’ flight in economy can be uncomfortable and tiring. Not only will it be difficult to rest or work, but travelers will be less likely to hit the ground running on arrival.

• Extra fees. While the ticket itself is inexpensive, additional fees for things like checked bags, seat selections, and food can quickly increase the cost per person.

• Flexibility. While there are more frequent flights, economy tickets often offer less flexibility should plans change.

Business Class: For productive work travel

Booking business class travel provides a great opportunity for U.S. companies that operate globally, as it provides the ability to use travel time for work and rest, helping employees to be fresh and prepared from the moment they step off the plane.

Key to this is increased personal space, access to Wi-Fi, and lie-flat seats. Delta One and United Polaris are two of the most respected examples of the premium travel experience among U.S. airlines, with both including dining and enhanced customer service.

Be aware that business class is a very broad category, which could mean different service levels and costs depending on the airline. Check out Perk’s guide to finding the cheapest business class airlines for more information.

Best for: Productivity and rest

Pros of flying business class

• Airport benefits. When flying from a major U.S. hub like JFK or LAX, on-the-ground business class travel rewards can include fast-track security, increased checked baggage allowance, and lounge access for working, eating, or relaxing before the flight.

• Productivity. The additional space and privacy mean that travelers can focus on their work and make the most out of their hours in the air.

• All-inclusive pricing. The ticket price will include food, lounge, and baggage allowance, making budgeting a trip simple.

Cons of flying business class

• Cost. Business class flights are roughly four times more expensive than economy.

• Inconsistency. Because business class is such a broad area (everything between economy and first class), the experiences and services can vary between airlines and even aircraft types. When booking flights, use the same airline for inbound and outbound flights if you require consistency.

First Class: The ultimate in air travel

When evaluating first class vs. business class, the decision often comes down to the need for exclusivity, privacy, and prestige versus the practicality and comfort of business class.

If luxury is required, then first class travel is the option to choose, with levels of service and privacy that are beyond even the highest quality business class options - just be aware that the price increase is significant. An average first-class round trip from LAX to London could cost around $6,758. 

Examples include First Class suites from Singapore Airlines and Etihad First Apartments. In addition to a luxury suite with additional space and storage, you can expect à la carte fine dining, champagne, and a highly personalized experience. Additional airport benefits for first-class customers can include chauffeur services and exclusive lounges.

Best for: C-suite and VIPs

Pros of flying first class for business travelers

• Comfort and privacy: If you want to ensure total relaxation on arrival, first class provides the most luxurious way to fly.

• Bespoke: The crew will be focused on providing an entirely personalized experience to match your traveler’s requirements.

• Style: If you are hosting executives or important visitors, first class provides an impressive way to begin or conclude your trip.

Cons of flying first class for business travelers

• Extremely high cost. For most business travelers, the additional cost of flying first class can be prohibitive, with business class options providing more of a balance between comfort and cost. 

• Availability. First class is only offered by a few airlines on key international routes from the U.S., like London to New York, Los Angeles, or Hong Kong.

Key differences at a glance

For U.S. domestic and short routes:

Economy or Coach is often the right option for flights of one or two hours. If you are going to travel for longer, a Premium Economy service is a good alternative.

For transatlantic and cross-country:

Business class turns overnight flights into something much more productive than a flying day, with space and privacy to work and rest ahead of important meetings.

For VIPs:

First class is often hard to justify for most businesses due to the cost, but it can be useful for important guests and C-suite travelers looking for a VIP experience.

Travel smarter, with Perk

The best choice of flight class isn’t the most expensive or the most luxurious. It’s the option that delivers the best balance of value and features for your business travelers. By understanding the real-world considerations, travel managers can plan itineraries that keep teams moving and motivated.

Ready to take control of your work travel? Request a demo to see how Perk makes it simple to manage everything from booking flights to setting travel policies, or check out our Corporate Travel Safety guide to learn how Perk supports U.S. business travelers.