Making sense of business class

The business class seats vary from airline to airline. While some carriers offer fully flat beds, others have lie-flat, which provides an angular sleeping position. Of course, there is a vast difference between the two. The lie-flats are definitely a no-no for side sleepers, while fully flat beds allow for a better night’s sleep on long-haul flights, allowing travellers to arrive at their destination well-rested and refreshed. In-flight cuisine, privacy and scope for carrying out work should help travellers make up their mind when opting for a particular carrier. BusinessToday sifts through the business class products of some of the airlines that operate from Oman to help frequent fliers make an informed decision.

British Airways
BA is launching its new Club World in November. While the new service is being rolled out across the fleet, some routes will continue to offer the current Club World service. Passengers are provided with dedicated Club World check-in desks, option of pre-flight supper when travelling on the Club World Sleeper Service, and complimentary use of Molton Brown Travel Spas (at Heathrow Terminal 1 and 4, Gatwick and Johannesburg). To settle down for the night there are thick blankets, plump pillows, and soft fully flat beds.

Emirates
Emirates offers business class passengers a complimentary chauffeur-driven service to and from selected airports. The airline has exclusive check-in desks and business class lounge facilities at most airports. The sleeperette seats in the B777 recline 29cm, with plenty of room to spread out and work, with seat rows spaced 117cm apart. For the benefit of frequent business travellers, the menus are changed regularly, and six-course meals are served. Each seat has a personal satellite phone and laptop-recharging points.

Etihad
The Pearl Zone is Etihad’s business class. The seat reclines 180 degrees into a fully flat, 6ft one-inch bed. With an 88-inch pitch and direct access to the aisle, the seat offers plenty of space and privacy. The Pearl Zone seat has a built-in massage facility, USB ports and connection for laptops. A mood lighting system creates a soothing ambience that helps fliers arrive rested and refreshed. Some aircraft also have in-flight telephony. The airline’s menu has an international flavour.

Lufthansa
The German flag carrier says its business class on long-haul flights offers good seat comfort, undisturbed working, varied entertainment, culinary delights, comfortable and fast check-in and boarding and convenient change of booking. The sleeper seat, called PrivateBed, extends to almost two metres and has a seat pitch of 150cm . The seat also doubles up as workstation, which includes a large work table, storage pocket for laptop and files and a PC power point. The airline’s Connoisseurs on Board programme offers first-class menus created by international top chefs every two months.

Oman Air
The sultanate’s flag carrier is rapidly improving its services ahead of its long-haul flights to London, set to commence in November. For starters, business class travellers can avail of the Ahlan lounge facilities at Seeb airport on arrival and departure, where they can enjoy a refreshing drink while their passport and visa formalities are taken care of. Thereafter, they will be escorted through exclusive immigration counters designated only for Oman Air guests to the baggage claim area where their bags loaded on the trolley will be waiting for them. Compli-mentary limousine services will be available to all business class travellers when departing and arriving in London. The airline has not revealed the facilities on board the aircraft for its business class passengers. But highly placed sources say that the finest in comfort will be provided, including lie-flat beds. State-of-the-art in-flight entertainment will be offered, including video on demand and nearly 600 channels.

Qatar
Business class travellers have access to the business class lounge at the Premium Terminal in Doha. Travellers can use the large business centre or freshen up with a shower and choose from a wide selection of hot and cold appetisers as well as a variety of beverages. The business class sleeper seats recline to 160 degrees, and have an independent lumbar support and a foot massage bar. The airline offers a six-course meal.

Swiss
Swiss allows business class fliers collect more bonus miles, exclusive check-in by phone and ‘just in time’ priority boarding. There is a telephone at each seat and connection for laptop. Swiss is now treating its customers to food specialities from Canton Vaud in western Switzerland. The meals have been created by Didier Schneiter, executive chef of the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, for the airline’s ‘Swiss Taste of Switzerland’ in-flight catering programme. The seats are angled lie-flats with a seat pitch of 140cm and width of 51cm. The footrest and headrest are electronically adjustable.