Business Class vs. Economy: Tips to Make the Best Decision

Have you ever been scrunched up in an economy-class seat, wondering why you didn't look into the cost of business class? After all, you had to pass by those very comfy-looking business-class seats as you made your way toward the back of the plane.

Although a business-class ticket typically costs three to four times as much as an economy-class ticket, it's a matter of deciding when it's worth the splurge (and it is sometimes worth the splurge).

Benefits begin before you board

When you fly business class, the pampering begins before you set foot on the plane. In addition to perks like lounge access, you may enjoy priority check-in and an additional baggage allowance.

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If your idea of purgatory is standing in a long queue waiting to make your way on board and fight for overhead space, you're in luck. Business class passengers also receive priority boarding. That's right; you get to skip the long line and make your way to your far more comfortable seat near the front of the plane.

Once aboard, you'll enjoy complimentary beverages, onboard entertainment options, more legroom, and, depending on the flight, a seat that transforms into a bed. Plus, while the folks in economy are eating cold sandwiches, you'll likely be offered a warm meal.

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As great as business class is, it doesn't always make sense to pay extra for it. Asking yourself these three questions can help you decide.

1. How long is my flight?

If you're flying from St. Louis to Chicago, paying cash or trading points for an upgrade may not make sense. However, if your itinerary has you flying cross country from Washington D.C. to San Francisco or internationally, the perks and comfort associated with business class travel may be worth it.

2. Do I have a credit card that will help offset the cost?

As mentioned, the best credit cards are designed to make your life more comfortable when traveling. Many allow you to upgrade your seat and provide more generous rewards for travel-related expenses.

If you're a frequent traveler, having more than one travel-centric credit card may not hurt. While some cards allow you to use rewards while flying various airlines, others give you the biggest bang for your buck when you fly a specific airline and its partners.

3. Do I have comfort concerns?

It goes without saying that it makes sense to consider an upgrade if you have a physical condition that makes flying economy class especially difficult. For one person that may be mobility issues, while another may be so tall they can't comfortably fit into an ever-shrinking economy seat.

There's also the issue of where you're flying and how well you typically sleep on a plane. Let's say you're taking an overnight flight to Frankfurt and have never had much luck getting any shut-eye in economy class. If you're taking a flight that offers business-class seats that pull out into a bed, upgrading to business class may mean the difference between arriving in Germany fresh and ready to go or dead tired.

The truth is, economy and business passengers arrive at their destination at the same time. It's all a matter of how comfortable you want the flight to be and how you'd like to feel when you land.