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How to Fly Business Class Well: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort

How to Fly Business Class Well: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort

There’s nothing like flying business class. Extra space, upgraded meals, privacy, and a lie-flat seat can make all the difference when you're spending hours at a time stuck on board an aircraft.

But booking a ticket in business class doesn’t guarantee you’ll arrive refreshed.

In many cases, the difference between sleeping well and not sleeping well can depend on how you leverage the benefits of traveling premium. Choosing the right seat matters. Timing your sleep properly can help. What you eat and drink makes a difference. What you do before trying to sleep matters.

If you want to get the most out of your business class flight, you need to learn how to fly business class well.

Will Flying Business Class Help You Sleep Better?

Flying business class won’t guarantee you a good night’s sleep, but it can help.

One of the major advantages of business class is the ability to sleep upright or lie flat. Long-haul business class cabins typically offer lie-flat seats, providing passengers with significantly more room than they would get in Economy.

But just because you have more room doesn’t mean you will automatically sleep.

How well you sleep can depend on where you sit, the cabin environment, your flight schedule, your personal sleeping habits, and what you do prior to trying to sleep. So while business class can help you sleep better, it doesn’t guarantee it.

Pick a Good Business Class Seat 

Your seat selection can play a major role in your overall business class experience.

If you plan on sleeping during your flight, study the business class cabin layout when picking your seat. Seats by the lavatories, galley, or near crew compartments may be noisier or move around more.

Picking a window seat can also be helpful when trying to sleep. A window can provide something to lean against while you sleep and means passengers won’t need to walk directly beside you when getting up.

The plane you fly on matters too. 

Seats can vary drastically between two aircraft, even if the same airline operates both flights. Some planes offer fully enclosed suites. Others have more open configurations. Some lie-flat seats are roomier than others. 

Research the aircraft and seats before booking your business class flight. Don’t assume that all business class seats are the same.

Plan Your Sleep Around Your Arrival Time 

One trick you can use to get more out of your business class experience is to plan around your arrival time.

If you’re landing in the morning, sleeping for the duration of your flight might not be your best bet. You may want to break your sleep halfway through the flight and stay awake for the last couple of hours so you can acclimate easier.

If you’re arriving in the evening, sleeping more might be a better idea.

Whatever you do, try to have a plan when it comes to sleeping. Instead of sleeping whenever you feel tired, take into account what time you need to sleep after you land. Structure your flight schedule around that. 

Time Your Meals 

Business class food is another perk of flying premium, but that doesn’t mean you have to let the meal service dictate your sleep schedule.

If sleeping for a few hours is your goal, saving time watching a three-course meal being prepared and served can cut into your sleep time. By the time dinner is served, cleared away, and the cabin is ready for sleep, you may have missed your window.

If you want to sleep right after takeoff, consider eating a meal prior to boarding or having a smaller snack on the flight.

You should also consider speaking to a flight attendant. Let them know you don’t want to be disturbed while you sleep and would like to sleep immediately after takeoff.

The key is to make sure you schedule around your sleep. Don’t forget to enjoy the benefits of flying business, but don’t let your meals dictate your schedule if you don’t have to.

Mind Your Drinks Before Sleep 

What you drink can impact how comfortable you feel on a long-haul flight.

Caffeinated drinks can make it harder to fall asleep, and while alcoholic drinks can make you feel sleepy, they can disrupt your sleep later on in your flight.

Water is always a good option. 

Staying hydrated on a long flight can also be difficult, so keeping a bottle of water handy and taking frequent drinks can keep you more comfortable.

When trying to sleep on a business class flight, don’t make drinks another obstacle to falling asleep.

Dress Appropriately 

Your business class seat will be comfortable but may not feel comfortable if your attire doesn’t let you relax.

Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes can help you get more comfortable on a long flight. Consider dressing in layers as cabin temperatures can fluctuate throughout your flight.

If sleeping is a priority, you may also want to pack a few extras:

  • Eye mask to block out cabin lighting. 
  • Pair of earplugs or noise-canceling headphones 
  • Comfortable socks 
  • Travel pillow (if you use one)
  • You don’t need to go overboard with your sleep kit, but a few choice items can go a long way.

Eat Before Boarding 

If you plan on sleeping right after takeoff, eat a meal before boarding the aircraft.

Airport lounge access can be helpful for this. Eating before boarding allows you to settle into your seat and start your sleep routine instead of waiting for the flight’s dining service to begin.

It can also be helpful to stay active before boarding. Try getting up and walking around instead of sitting at the airport for the entire time leading up to your flight.

You’ll want to get to your seat and get comfortable as soon as you board the plane.

Adjust After Landing 

Arriving in business class can help you land in better shape, but it’s what you do after landing that will help you the most.

If you arrive during daylight hours, try to get outside and expose yourself to as much light as possible. It can help you stay awake until a reasonable bedtime. Walking around can also help you stay awake longer.

Try to plan something for the day you arrive. Even if you’re exhausted, having the expectation of dinner, a walk, or some other low-effort activity can give you something to look forward to and help keep you awake until bedtime.

Focus on adapting to your destination as quickly as you can.

Get the Most Out of Your Business Class Flight

Flying business class gives you the opportunity to sleep better and arrive in better shape, but it’s up to you to take advantage of those benefits.

Before you book a flight, look at more than just the price. Focus on the flight times, aircraft being used, configuration of the business class cabin, seat maps, arrival time, and your opportunities to sleep.

Once onboard, consider your meal times, drinks, what you’re wearing, and sleep routine.

Booking a business class seat is only one part of the experience. To get the most out of that experience, you need to look at all the factors at play.

Find Great Business Class Deals on VIPflights 

Searching for cheap business class deals is great, but picking the cheapest business class ticket isn’t always the right call.

Here at VIPflights, we search for discounted business class deals while helping you sort through different flight schedules, airlines, routes, and fare types.

The right flight can have a huge impact on your entire journey.

Maybe one flight arrives at a better time. Another flight could feature an aircraft with lie-flat seats you’ll love. You could save time by finding a flight that allows you to sleep before arriving.

That’s why we want you to compare options when searching for discounted business class flights.

Looking for cheap business class airfare? Let VIPflights help you find the best flight for your budget and your travel style.

Book with VIPflights and start treating your journey as part of the adventure.

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