07/08/2025

Business Class isn't What It Used to Be

Don’t tell first class

Five years ago, COVID-19 largely brought business travel to a halt. Now companies are getting their employees back in the air, and carriers are reinventing themselves to appeal to post-pandemic fliers willing to pay more.

Airlines worldwide are reconfiguring the real estate on their planes by segmenting their cabins into higher-margin business-class seating. They are beefing up their traditional business cabins to snag higher fares while providing more luxurious premium economy seating for travelers with smaller budgets.

In May, United Airlines revealed new United Polaris Studio business class suites that come with Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, privacy doors and 27-inch seat-back screens—the largest among US carriers. The upgraded accommodations are 25 percent larger than United’s traditional business-class seats and feature living room–style touches, including quartzite tables and seat-belted ottomans for companions.

Please select this link to read the complete article from WIRED.