Kate

Before 2001 business class was a choice between first class and coach. Does anyone fly business class anymore? Do the majority of airlines even offer it?

Occasionally in another life, I flew quite a bit on business. It was so nice when I could upgrade to business class.

Kate

drew8882

I run my own business and I don't like to spend extra on anything if it isn't needed and doesn't improve my business. Business class isn't something that I deemed important enough to warrant to extra cost. It doesn't get the plane to arrive any earlier. I may get off the plane a bit sooner but overall no big deal.

Artashes

Depends how you look at it. While I have never traveled in business class, I believe its better because just like on a networking event, you might make a connection or meet someone critical for your business. I have heard stories like those.

drew8882

You can and I have met good connections in regular class. Finding good business connections can happen anywhere. Just waiting for a flight or a connection flight in the terminal. It's also important not to seem too pushy when ingaging in business talk. Some may be turned off if you are trying to "sell" them something.

Kate

The advantages of business class were:

The seats were bigger and there weren't as many on each side of the aisle.

The food was better.

It was quieter.

You boarded before coach passengers and you left before coach.

I never paid extra for business class, but I earned enough frequent flyer miles I could upgrade every 4th or 5th trip. That was the year I was traveling one week out of 4.

Kate