5 Reasons Flying Business Class Is Worth the Cost -- and How to Afford It

On international flights, business class is the option above economy class, and there's quite a difference in the service and perks. Airlines also charge much more for it. Business-class airfare can easily cost over $3,000, although there are ways to get a much better deal. For example, I've paid as little as $0 for it thanks to my travel credit cards.

Some people believe flying business class is a waste. The cliche argument is that you don't get there any faster. I'd argue it's well worth it, especially for long-haul flights. Below, I'll cover the reasons why, and exactly how to book it for less.

1. Lie-flat seats

The biggest advantage of flying in business class is the seating. Many airlines offer lie-flat seats in their business-class cabins, and the difference between that and a regular seat is like night and day.

I'm not one of those people who can fall asleep easily on planes. And honestly, trying to sleep in a standard airline seat is rough. Lie-flat seats are much more comfortable, so they're better for sleeping or just stretching out during your flight.

This is one reason why I think the argument that you don't get there any faster in business class misses the big picture. There's a huge difference between arriving well-rested and arriving sleep deprived with an aching neck.

2. Premium meals and free drinks

If a meal in coach is fast food, business class is fine dining. You get a selection of premium meal options which have had more thought put into them and are served with real cutlery, not plastic utensils. Most importantly, the food quality is much better in business class. I've had some delicious meals at 30,000 feet.

Free drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are also standard in business class. There's the customary glass of champagne before takeoff. During the flight, you'll have your pick of complimentary wines, beers, cocktails, and liquors. Some airlines even have an in-flight bar that business-class passengers can visit.

3. Lounge access at the airport

A business-class ticket normally gets you lounge access at the airport. If you're used to waiting in the general boarding area and overpaying for airport food, you'll be in for a pleasant surprise.

Lounges usually have plenty of comfortable seating options, so you can kick back and relax. There's free food and drinks. Some lounges also have showers, which are a nice way to freshen up before a long flight.

Want to get into lounges without paying for a business-class ticket? Check out our picks for the top credit cards with airport lounge access, including several that get you into over 1,000 lounges worldwide.

4. Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling

With most airlines, business-class passengers can use a priority boarding lane at check-in and get to board the plane earlier. This might not sound like a big deal, but it can be.

During busy travel times, check-in lines can get very long. While you can avoid this by checking in online, you might still need to wait in line if you're checking a bag. I've been able to avoid an hour-long wait in line multiple times thanks to the priority check-in lane, so there are situations where it comes in handy.

Your checked bags will also get a priority tag. Priority bags arrive at baggage claim first, so you won't need to wait nearly as long to collect your luggage.

5. Complimentary amenity kits

Business-class seats usually have a small amenity kit for each passenger. The contents and the quality vary depending on the airline, but they often include:

• A sleep mask
• A small toothbrush and toothpaste
• Ear plugs
• Soft socks
• Moisturizer
• Lip balm

It's nothing you couldn't pack yourself, but it's nice not having to worry about it. You can brush your teeth, take care of your skin, and get to sleep, without any extra packing or digging around in your suitcase.

How to afford business-class airfare

Flying in business class sounds great, until you get to the prices. Luckily, there are ways to pay much less than the standard price. Here are the best methods to save on business-class airfare:

• Book using miles, not cash. A business-class ticket that costs $3,000 may be available for 60,000 to 80,000 miles, plus taxes and fees.
• Get travel credit cards with transferable rewards. Many credit cards earn points that you can transfer to various airlines. This allows you to turn your points into airline miles and use them to book business class.
• Look for special offers and promo fares. Compare flight options on different travel dates, because some days could have these kinds of deals available.
• Book an economy ticket and upgrade it. When business class isn't sold out, airlines will often let you upgrade at a lower price.

These are all easy travel hacks that I've used on my own trips. For example, earlier this year, I saved over $5,000 on airfare by transferring credit card points to Air France and booking business-class airfare.

If you want to fly business class for less, click here to see our expert picks for the best travel rewards cards. Many of these cards have big sign-up bonuses for new cardholders, so it doesn't take long to start earning points you can use for your next trip.