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Business class facts for kids

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Business class is a special way to travel on airplanes and some trains. It's usually a step up from regular "economy class." It offers more comfort and better service. You get nicer seats, better food and drinks, and special help at the airport or train station.

Many airlines used to have "first class" as their best option. But now, for many airlines, business class is the most luxurious way to fly!

How Business Class Started

Airlines started to offer different levels of service in the late 1970s. They wanted to treat passengers who paid full price for their tickets differently from those who bought cheaper, discounted tickets.

In 1976, an airline called KLM began offering a special service. Full-fare economy passengers could sit at the front of the economy cabin. Other airlines, like Air Canada, quickly copied this idea.

Then, in October 1978, British Airways introduced "Club World." This was a completely separate cabin with many extra comforts. It helped business travelers feel more special than tourists. Soon after, Air France and Pan Am also started offering business class in November 1978.

Business Class in the United States

In the United States, major airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines offer very comfortable business class. On their larger planes, and some longer-range smaller planes, the seats can lie completely flat. This means you can sleep like you're in a bed! You also get direct access to the aisle, so you don't have to climb over anyone.

After takeoff, you'll get a fancy meal with several courses served on real plates. Depending on how long the flight is, you might get a snack or light meal before landing too. If you're flying internationally in business class, you get to check in and go through security faster. You can also relax in special airport lounges before your flight. United and American even have extra fancy lounges at their main airports with even better food.

Business Class in Europe

European airlines often have a slightly different business class, especially on shorter flights. They usually offer improved economy seats with better service. There might be a curtain to separate business class from economy, depending on how many people are flying. But the seats are in the same main cabin.

Some airlines, like Air France and Lufthansa, use clever seats. In economy, three people sit across. But for business class, the seats can be adjusted. They become two wider seats with a space in between. This gives business class passengers more room.

However, business class is starting to disappear on some short flights. Instead, airlines like KLM and SAS offer full-fare economy and discount economy. On these flights, all the seats are the same. Only the ticket flexibility and the food and drink service are different. For very short flights (less than an hour), many airlines now only offer one class for everyone.

Business Class on Trains

Car 1 business class interior of CR400BF-GZ-5143 (20210625091640)
A business-class cabin on a China Railway CR400BF-GZ train. The seats are arranged in a staggered way, giving passengers more privacy.

On China's high-speed trains, business class is the best service you can get. First class and second class are cheaper options. Business class passengers can use a special lounge before their train leaves, if one is available.

The seats in train business class are very private. They are arranged so there's either one seat on each side (1-1) or two seats on one side and one on the other (2-1). The seats can be fully enclosed for extra privacy. You also get free meals, unlimited snacks, and drinks throughout your journey.

Eurostar trains also have a business class called "Business Premier." The seats are similar to their "Standard Premier" (premium economy) seats. They are wider and have more legroom than regular economy seats. But "Business Premier" also includes faster check-in and boarding. You also get a full meal service and other special features. Chiltern Railways in the UK also offers a "business zone" on some of its trains.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Clase ejecutiva para niños

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