There is nothing wrong with flying business class. More room, better service and if on a long haul flight, a lay flat bed to sleep on while you are above the clouds. All at a slightly higher price. You purchase your business class ticket, board the plane and expect to receive that experience from gate to gate.
Wrong.
Something that most people don't know about when purchasing business class tickets. Is that your flight can change and so can the type of experience you have on that flight. These aircraft changes go unnoticed by the consumer. You are left to fend for yourself with an unfamiliar plane and type of seat/cabin.
Lets dive deeper into what is happening and why you should know about it before your next flight.
1. Understanding What An Aircraft Change Is
When airlines schedule out their flights they reserve certain aircraft to be used on certain routes and days of the week. They will do this far in advance. Sometimes however, those plans change. Either that plane they scheduled had a mechanical issue or their flight was canceled. There may not be enough crew available to fly your flight with that type of plane the following day. Or simply the airline decided to not put as many bodies on that route the following month.
For whatever reason that aircraft was changed out and a different one put in its place.
When this happens something you need to know is that the business class section can be changed as well. There could be a different seat, different amount of business class seats or the seat you thought you were getting could be changed out for another seat.
In some cases there may be no business class at all. On shorter regional flights you may find yourself on an aircraft that doesn't have business class.
If you are buying a business class ticket always be aware that you may not receive the business class experience you thought you were purchasing.
2. Examples Of People Experiencing Aircraft Changes On Their Business Class Flights
Plenty of travelers have run into this situation. It's easy to fall victim to having your business class experience downgraded due to an aircraft change.
One example is if you purchase a ticket on an aircraft that has lie flat seats. Your flight is then changed to an aircraft that has no lie flat seats. You just ended up buying a lesser version of business class. With less perks than you expected.
Or you purchased your business class seat for your long haul trip. You show up to the airport and are informed you will be sitting in economy. Due to an aircraft change there are less business class seats on the plane you are flying on.
Your business class ticket could turn into a premium economy seat as well. If the aircraft you're being changed to is an older model plane your business class seat may be outdated. Not recline as far or have bad screens. Technically you're sitting in business class but you may not enjoy the flight as much as you thought you would.
Many times when an aircraft is changed it causes you to be re seated. Maybe you're no longer in a window or aisle seat that you selected. Or you're seated further away from the front of the aircraft.
3. Reasons Why An Aircraft Is Changed Out For Another
There are many reasons why an airline will change out an aircraft. Most of the time passengers are not given an answer or told why it happened.
Here are some examples:
- Plane may need to go under maintenance
- Crew that can fly that aircraft may not be available for your flight
- Not enough passengers to fill that size plane on your route/flight
- Airlines want to operate less aircraft to reduce costs. By changing out your flight to one that they already have scheduled on that route.
These are all common reasons an airline will switch out an aircraft for your flight. None of these reasons have anything to do with the passengers comfort.
4. Sometimes Aircraft Changes Are A Good Thing For Your Flight
Another thing you should know about is that sometimes your flight will be upgraded due to an aircraft change.
It's rare but it does happen. An airline will switch out an aircraft that has better amenities for business class travelers than you originally booked. You may not even know it happened.
Your flight can be better than you originally thought.
You may receive a newer style lie-flat seat. That gives you direct access to the aisle. Better screens, more room to store your things. A better feeling seat that you enjoy sitting in.
I have boarded my flight to find I am on a newly refurbished aircraft. Which had better business class seats and cabin overall than I was expecting.
It's always nice when your flight is upgraded and you don't have to spend more money to do it.
5. Why Airlines Switch Aircraft Out.
Airlines change aircraft for many reasons. Most of which have to do with cost.
Business class takes up more room on an aircraft. Outfitting an aircraft with business class can cost millions. Airlines want to maximize that investment by filling as many business class seats as they can.
So keep these things in mind when looking at prices for business class flights.
Aircraft that have newer business class seats are usually more expensive to fly on.
Routes that have older aircraft are usually less expensive but have a lower quality of seat.
Always know what you're getting when you purchase your ticket. Because that ticket can change and so can your experience on that flight.
6. Tips To Know Before Your Next Business Class Flight
If you're someone that enjoys flying business class here are some tips to help you before your next flight.
Know what type of plane you're on before you book your ticket. Every business class seat is not created equal. Even on the same airline.
Make sure to double check your booking after you have booked your ticket. As mentioned earlier your flight can be changed. Many times you will not know.
Contact the airline if you find out your flight has been changed. There may be other flights available that will give you the aircraft you wanted.
Use resources like TravelBusinessClass.com to find out about the seats you are sitting on. Where on the aircraft your sitting can play a big role in your comfort level on the plane.
7. Why Fly Business Class In The First Place
Flying business class allows you to have more space to stretch out on your flight.
Get to the front of the line to check-in, security and board the plane.
Have access to airport lounges.
Eat better food and drink better alcohol.
All of which you will enjoy if you're on the correct aircraft for your business class ticket.
VIPflights.com Can Help You Find That Aircraft
Whether you're trying to compare different airlines and their business class offerings. Or trying to figure out which seat on your current flight will give you the best experience.
VIPflights.com is here to help.
We’ll help you find the best seat on your flight at the lowest price without compromising on comfort.
