First class is about indulgence, and business class is about sleeping and working comfortably, flight expert Gilbert Ott says.
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“When you wake up, and someone is looking over your space, it’s odd,” Gilbert Ott says.
Ott is a seasoned first-class flyer who shared a few tips on etiquette in upgraded cabins.
Here’s what you should know before setting foot on your first business- or first-class flight.
When you board your inaugural first-class flight, act like you’ve been there before. Accept a glass of bubbly without asking what it costs, stick to the overhead bin space above your seat, and please, don’t hover over your fellow upgraded passengers.
When flying up front, etiquette is key for blending in with the first-class crowd, especially if you’ve never been in a premium cabin. The same goes for business class.
Passengers in first and business class may be spoiled with welcome gifts, multicourse meals, and private lounge seats. Although tickets aren’t cheap, credit card and airline rewards programs have made the top-tier cabins accessible to travelers who accumulate points and miles.
If you’re upgrading a flight for the first time, Gilbert Ott, who flies an estimated 200,000 miles a year, has a few tips to help you blend in and avoid annoying more seasoned premium passengers.
Don’t ask whether everything is free in first class.
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“I think the etiquette is that first class is about indulgence,” Ott told Business Insider.
Ott doesn’t recommend asking flight attendants whether each bonus offering is free because everything is complimentary, from meals to sparkling wine.
And there’s nothing wrong with “filling your boots” to make the most of the perks, he added. So don’t be afraid to snag a few extra snacks.
Manage your expectations in business class.
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While first-class passengers often get personalized experiences and may even be greeted by name, business-class flyers shouldn’t expect the same level of attention.
“Business class is about efficiency,” Ott said. “It’s a comfortable seat where you can sleep or work.”
While first-class cabins typically seat fewer than 10 passengers, staff members often serve dozens of people in business class, he added.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into all those meals and drinks,” Ott said. “So if you’re looking for an over-the-top experience, then first class is where you can expect staff to make the flight awesome. “
Don’t hover over passengers in doored seats.
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If you’ve flown recently, you may have noticed that many business- and first-class cabins have added doors to each seat to give passengers more privacy.
Ott said you shouldn’t infringe on another traveler’s space to fetch items from overhead bins.
“Don’t awkwardly hover over the person because the whole idea of doors is that people can’t look in on you,” Ott said. “So when you wake up, and someone is looking over your space, it’s odd.”
Don’t hog the overhead bin space.
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Premium-cabin passengers are often entitled to overhead bin space, with a spot reserved for each seat. In Ott’s experience, the bins are usually not too crowded. However, that doesn’t mean you should bring extra bags and put them wherever you want, as Ott has seen many passengers do.
Instead, Ott suggests keeping your limited belongings in the space above your seat.
