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

With so many options available, choosing the right seat class for corporate flights can be difficult, especially when there are so many factors to consider beyond the cost of the ticket.

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 hop to Europe?

To find out, 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 UK business travellers. 

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 traveller needs will all need to be considered, meaning there is never one definitive answer, only what aligns closest to your specific business travel needs.

Economy Class: The budget-friendly option

Economy class flights prioritise practicality, getting to the destination quickly and affordably. If your business needs to make frequent domestic and European flights, economy class is the affordable way to get UK-based travellers across the continent and makes group travel an option for small businesses. While most airlines have economy seating, Ryanair and easyJet are among the economy airlines flying in and out of the UK.

Economy passengers will get a standard seat with limited recline. On short-haul flights with carriers like Ryanair or easyJet, food and drink are often available for purchase. On long-haul flights, meals and drinks are typically included. 

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

Best for: Short-haul affordability.

Pros of flying economy for business travellers

• Cost. Low price points will help maximise the travel budget and make short flights an affordable option for group travel.

• Frequency. Economy seats can be found on hundreds of flights from major airports each day, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester - offering increased flexibility for short-notice trips and last-minute itinerary changes.

• Short-haul travel. Economy class is rarely used for long-haul flights. While space is limited, passengers may only be on a flight for 1-2 hours.

Cons of flying economy for business travellers

• Long-haul 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 travellers will be less likely to hit the ground running on arrival.

• Extra fees. While the ticket itself is inexpensive, additional fees for things like luggage, 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 UK companies that operate globally - the ability to use travel time for work or 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. British Airways (Club World) and Virgin Atlantic (Upper Class) also provide restaurant-quality meals.

Be aware that business class is a very broad category, which could mean different services and costs by airline. Check out Perk’s guide to finding the cheapest business class airlines.

Best for: Productivity and rest

Pros of flying business class

• Airport benefits. Flying business class from a major UK hub like Heathrow or Manchester includes on-the-ground benefits like 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 travellers 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, lounges and baggage allowance, making budgeting a trip simple.

Cons of flying business class

• Cost. Business class flights are many times more expensive than economy equivalents. Moneyweek estimates that an average business class return to the US could cost around £2,900.

• 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

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. Examples include First Class suites from British Airways or the Emirates A380 First Class.

In addition to a suite with wardrobe storage, you can expect à la carte fine dining, premium champagne, and a highly personalised service. Additional airport services for first-class customers can include chauffeur services and exclusive lounges.

Best for: C-suite and VIP Experience

Pros of flying first class for business travellers

• 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 personalised experience to match your traveller’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 travellers

• Extremely high cost. An average first-class return flight to the US could cost around £4,500. For most work travellers, 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 UK, like London to New York, Los Angeles, or Hong Kong.

Key differences at a glance

For UK domestic and short-haul:

Economy is often the right option for flights of around an hour. If you are going further into Europe, a Premium Economy service would be a good alternative.

For transatlantic and long-haul:

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

For VIPs:

First class can rarely be justified, due to the cost, but it can be useful for important guests and C-suite travellers 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 work travellers. By understanding the real-world considerations, travel managers can plan itineraries that keep teams moving and motivated.

Ready to take control of your business 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 UK business travellers.