Travelling in a premium cabin on a long-haul flight is probably the best it has ever been, thanks to flat seats. Having a seat that converts easily to a bed is attractive to frequent flyers and the well to do holidaymaker.
However, it does make you wonder if there is a space in the market for a business class seat that does not turn into a bed at the push of a button. The way pricing is arranged, you would think there might be room for this.
Isn’t That Called Premium Economy?
People might argue that it already exists in premium economy. This product is priced somewhere between economy class and business class and features better amenities than down the back. Surely this must be the business class without flat seats? Well, no.
A True Business Class Without Flat Seats
What I’m talking about is a true international business class experience without the beds. All the bells and whistles such as the lounge access, higher level of frequent flyer points, much better food with more choices, plus all the drinks.
Stepping back in time, you can see the kind of thing I mean. At the top of this post is British Airways Club in the late 1980s/early 1990s period and below is Pan Am’s Clipper Class, also from the 1980s.
It is akin to what they do on trains, and used to do on flights back in the early to mid 20th century, with the choice between a seat and a sleeping berth. Depending on the price, it could be a winner.
Overall Thoughts
A lot of people will sleep in the flat seats – even on daytime flights – which is why people are often instructed to leave the window blinds down. I get the attractiveness of the product, even though I am not much of a sleeper when flying. Laying down to try to sleep is more relaxing than not having the option to do so.
Even so, with the price of business class being far above most premium economy pricing, it suggests there may be a point in between that is going unnoticed. I know I would pay more to upgrade for all the additional perks offered, even if I didn’t have a flat bed to sleep in. The question is, would other people?
What do you think? Perhaps this is a good idea or maybe you have another that is worth sharing? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Featured image by British Airways via this article on BT.
Pan Am Clipper Class ad via Pinterest.
It would depend upon the price point – I certainly wouldn’t pay the same amount for a J-class recliner seat if a flat-bed was offered on the same route by a competitor at the same price. If it’s the only option, though, I would, as I can get much more comfortable and rest better in a seat that’s a few cm/in wider and with more leg room. The other benefits are also a consideration: the additional status credits/elite miles are valuable to me as requalifying for status is always a goal, so if I have to fly an inferior product on a short- to medium-haul segment to requal, it could be worth it.
I think at the end of the day that’s what it would really come down to. Cost/benefit. I certainly wouldn’t pay the same amount as a flat bed under any circumstances, it just wouldn’t make sense. The additional status and miles are always worth it to me too. Thanks for your comment!
To me, it’s still like domestic first or PE product. It’s not like the service is “that” much better in business over PE on many flights.
It’s true, and at times it can be worse as often the airlines have less Premium Economy seats than Business Class seats. I do think the food offering and so on is markedly better in Business Class though. Thanks for the comment!
I would not pay for that, nor use miles to upgrade to it. For me, the only value in business class is the flat bed. The food on most airplanes (except Cathay Pacific) sucks. The seats are not much more comfortable than coach, and as an elite on Oneworld, I get lounge access whenever I fly longhaul, anyway. Nor am I particularly interested in getting drunk on a plane.
For me, there is no reason for a business class without flat beds.
Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts. I have a feeling the vast majority would probably agree with you – flat beds or no thanks! It makes sense to me. Appreciate the comment!