The 3 Business Class Amenities I Care About Most

In this article, I thought it would be fun to talk about my favourite business class features and amenities, since the experience differs widely across airlines. That is, amenities outside from flying in a lie-flat seat.

For what it’s worth, before discovering miles & points, I was always in economy. So consider this a slightly tongue-in-cheek appreciation of the little things that now make a long flight feel extra special.

Top 3 Business Class Amenities

A Sliding Door

There’s a widespread debate over whether having a door in business class is meaningful. The door is usually not the highest, so anyone walking by can see you and the seat, anyway. But having flown multiple business class products with and without a door, I’m firmly on team door.

The Qatar Qsuites door is great, but even the British Airways Club Suite door is useful. At the very least, the door provides a separation between me and the aisle when the beverage cart comes rolling down the aisle.

British Airways Club Suites

In configurations where some seats are closer to the window and others to the aisle, I prefer the former if there’s no door and the latter if there is one. When sitting closer to the aisle, I can use the floor space in front of the table to store my backpack. In this instance, the door provides enough aisle separation and privacy when I’m sleeping. Without a door, I want to be near the window and as far from the aisle as possible for both noise and privacy.

Qatar Qsuites: I prefer 2B/2J over 1A/1K

Pyjamas

Most airlines in business class do not offer pyjamas, so it’s extra special if they do. These are my favourite loungewear to wear at home and always bring back fond memories of the trip itself.

I admit to sometimes picking flights based on whether pyjamas are offered, and I always ask the flight attendant for an extra pair (to varying degrees of success) … even though the extra might sit in storage with my amenity kits.

Starlux business class pyjamas

I want to try all 3 major airlines in Taiwan: EVA, Starlux, and China Airlines. Is China Airlines the lowest priority because there are no pyjamas? Maybe.

The Fun Factor

Some airlines bring a genuine sense of their home country onboard. That, or the onboard vibes are just better in a “je ne sais quoi” way.

Finnair business class is my favourite way to cross the Atlantic, surpassing Air France for me. Finnair uses glassware from Iittala, headquartered in Helsinki. During the flight, the ceiling is lit up with mood lighting reminiscent of the northern lights. Blueberry juice is offered as the pre-departure beverage.

Finnair northern lights ambient lighting

I flew Virgin Atlantic in January in the ancient A330-300 herringbone seats. As I walked on the plane, party 4 u by Charli xcx began playing and I knew the flight would be fun (although I’m not sure the regular business class clientele enjoys it).

I Don’t Care Much About “The Rest”

The above are factors about business class that I would prioritize over the most convenient option. Good food and individual air nozzles are great, but I’m probably still taking the most direct flight I can.

On the topic of food and beverage, business class food — aside from a few standout airlines — is not worth going out of my way for. Rather than being on an airplane, I can just head to a nice restaurant.

I’m also not a big drinker, so the alcohol selection doesn’t matter to me. I actually really like it when airlines put effort into creating a decent mocktail menu (shout out to Qatar Qsuites).

Takeaway

For me, the ideal business class experience comes down to three things: a sliding door, proper pyjamas, and an airline that brings some personality onboard.

What do you care about most aside from being in a lie-flat seat?