Is Business Class Worth the Cost?

This is a question I ask myself each year when I book flights to Africa. When I started going to Africa, it was always in coach. I just couldn't justify the extra cost for business after spending a lot on my trip. But, as I've gotten older my decision is no longer between coach and business. I'm done with coach. Given my height of six feet two inches and shrinking leg room, I just can't do it any longer. Last year I flew 15 hours from Johannesburg to Atlanta in coach. I paid extra for Delta comfort (a larger seat in economy). I should sue Delta because there was nothing comfortable about that experience.There was so little room that I could not open the tray table and fit my laptop on the tray. So now my decision is between Business class and Premium Economy or as Delta calls it, Premium Select. Premium Select is similar to first class on a domestic flight. The seats are larger and recline more than coach. You are in a separate cabin between business and coach. You receive priority boarding. But your seat does not lie flat and you do not receive access to the sky lounge.

What is the difference in cost? It varies of course but here is what I tend to find. Economy fares run between $1,000 and $1,500 r/t. Premium economy runs between $2,000 and $3,000 r/t. Business runs between $3,500 and $9,000.

If I find a business class ticket for less than $5,000, I buy it. I am willing to pay $2,500 more to fly business class over premium economy. But, anything more than that and I choose premium economy.

I justify the added cost based on the overall enjoyment of my trip. When I was flying economy, I dreaded the flight. And, I was worn out upon arrival. For Premium Economy I don't dread the flight. I know it will be comfortable but I probably won't sleep a lot. When flying business class, I actually look forward to the flight. I eat good meals and drink nice wine. I watch movies on a bigger screen and most importantly, I can sleep.

But this is my paradigm. You may have no problem sleeping in a coach seat. I had guests a few years back who took the money they saved flying coach and spent it on an extended stay in London on the return. That trade off makes sense to me.

But here is a warning: Once you turn left on that long haul flight, it makes it a lot harder to turn right on future flights.

Sleeping in business class