Is business class worth it? We tried it, here’s what we think

Fair dinkum, business class tickets can cost a pretty penny more than economy class tickets, so it’s only natural to wonder if it’s worth the extra dough. What it really comes down to is what’s important to you and what would make your trip worthwhile, mate.

– makes a difference.

Food

When flying business class, having unrestricted access to lounge buffies and à la carte menus, plus top-shelf dining options – for both main meals and in-flight snacks – sets it apart from economy class. A standout feature of United Polaris is their famous in-flight ice-cream sundae cart, where you can enjoy a custom-made sundae tailored to your taste at your seat. Let’s not forget the beverage selection, with premium brands like Laurent-Perrier.

There’s this weird feeling you get when snagging a free feed on Polaris flights. I mean, you’ve already chucked your dosh at the ticket, but the thrill of having a feed on tap still feels top-notch – and takes the ‘all you can eat’ concept to a whole new level.

Relaxing in lounges

It has diverse nooks and seating areas, catering to both business and leisure travellers.

The standout feature, though, is access to shower suites. If you’re after a pick-me-up during your stopover, take advantage of these comfortable spaces with spacious wash areas, fluffy towels, a friendly attendant and luxury amenities available on request.

Getting a good

What makes getting to your destination much easier? Sleep. Seriously. Eighty-three per cent of international travellers reckon getting some shut-eye is crucial on a flight and sixty-one per cent book flights thinking about sleep. If that’s you, then you should know that Polaris class has completely flat beds, with a Saks Fifth Avenue mattress topper and comfy PJs available on request. Amenity kits from Therabody are also provided, as well as access to gadgets in certain lounges – such as a Theragun and RecoveryAir Jetboots, plus in-air wellness videos on the entertainment screens.

If you don’t need to catch a few winks and are one of the lucky ones who can doze off anywhere, then you might not need to splash out on the upgrade. A smaller investment in the extra legroom of EconomyPlus could be worth it to make your flight more comfortable.

Efficiency

Queues are the worst. Who actually enjoys waiting in line? The answer is no one, and depending on the time you’re flying and how many flights and/or delays are affecting traffic at the airport, you could be in for a long, frustrating wait. That’s why jumping into the fast lane – literally – can save you a heap of time. From dropping off your bag through to going through security screening, even boarding your plane, a Polaris ticket gets you priority access.

Peace of mind

One of the most noticeable differences when flying business class is that if there are any hiccups – which are just part of flying internationally, and often not the airline’s fault – you’ll likely get special treatment when it comes to re-booking on the next flight, and often get to skip the queues of unhappy travellers.

Let’s not forget to factor in the convenience of waiting out any delays in those lounges. Interruptions, cancellations and delays are some of the worst things about flying, so when you can increase your comfort and reduce frustration, what’s that really worth to you? For me, it’s as good as gold!

So, is the verdict in? Do these factors make a big enough difference that flying Polaris class will give you a better experience? It certainly did for us.

*

.