I flew on 2 long-haul flights: one in business and another in economy. The 2 cabins couldn't be more different — take a look.

Monica HumphriesMar 29, 2024, 22:00 IST

Business Insider's author sat in both economy and business class for long-haul flights.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I flew business class on an Air New Zealand flight from Los Angeles to Auckland.
Nine months later, I was on a 12-hour flight from Denver to Tokyo in United's economy cabin.

Within one year, I embarked on two of the longest flights of my life.

In the summer of 2022, I hopped on an Air New Zealand flight to Auckland, New Zealand.

In the spring of 2023, I was off to Tokyo. This time on United Airlines.

While both flights hovered around 12 hours, there was one major difference. For Air New Zealand, I was seated in business class. For United, I was in the back of the plane in economy.

The experiences couldn't have been more different. As flight prices continue to skyrocket, deciding whether to spend your money on a cabin class upgrade or in your destination can be tough. Take a look at how the two cabins compare.

A few years ago, I thought flying — no matter the cabin — was a similar experience. Everyone was boarding the same plane, suffering in the same low-humidity cabin, and eating bland airplane food.

Business Insider's author on an economy flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

A few years ago, I thought flying — no matter the cabin — was a similar experience. Everyone was boarding the same plane, suffering in the same low-humidity cabin, and eating bland airplane food.

Then in June 2022, I took my first business-class flight from Los Angeles to Auckland. Nearly nine months later, I hopped on a long-haul economy flight from Denver to Tokyo.

The author in her business-class seat on an Air New Zealand long-haul flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Then in June 2022, I took my first business-class flight from Los Angeles to Auckland. Nearly nine months later, I hopped on a long-haul economy flight from Denver to Tokyo.

After those 12-hour flights, my entire perspective of airplane cabins — and the value of an upgrade — changed.

Side-by-side images of Air New Zealand's business-class cabin and United's economy cabin.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Unsurprisingly, the biggest difference I spotted was the price. At the time of booking, a one-way business-class flight to Auckland on Air New Zealand was about $4,500, according to the airline's website. Today, that cost is closer to $6,000.

A screenshot of a one-way business-class ticket on Air New Zealand.Air New Zealand

Business Insider received a media rate for the round-trip flight to Auckland.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest difference I spotted was the price. At the time of booking, a one-way business-class flight to Auckland on Air New Zealand was about $4,500, according to the airline's website. Today, that cost is closer to $6,000.

Meanwhile, my round-trip ticket to Tokyo was less than $2,500 through United Airlines. Today, it'd be about $2,700. This means I could've flown to and from Tokyo twice for the same price as my one-way business-class ticket.

A screenshot of a United economy flight to Tokyo.United

Meanwhile, my round-trip ticket to Tokyo was less than $2,500 through United Airlines. Today, it'd be about $2,700. This means I could've flown to and from Tokyo twice for the same price as my one-way business-class ticket.

But when it came to the actual experience, the perks of business class started long before I boarded the plane.

The author at the Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

My business-class Air New Zealand ticket granted me access to Los Angeles International Airport's Star Alliance Lounge.

The entrance to the Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

There, I dined on a bowl of ramen, scarfed down plates of salad, and sipped on Champagne. The food and alcohol were included with access to the lounge, so I didn't spend a dollar on my meal.

A bowl of ramen from an airport lounge.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

There, I dined on a bowl of ramen, scarfed down plates of salad, and sipped on Champagne. The food and alcohol were included with access to the lounge, so I didn't spend a dollar on my meal.

I also didn't have to hunt for seating at my gate. Instead, I spent my layover hopping between the lounge's couches and the outdoor patio.

Seating at the airport lounge at Los Angeles International Airport.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

With the economy flight, I didn't have lounge access. Instead, I spent hours in the airport terminal. I paid nearly $8 for a coffee, skipped expensive airport food, and opted for snacks I packed from home.

Business Insider's author packed her own snacks for her economy flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

With the economy flight, I didn't have lounge access. Instead, I spent hours in the airport terminal. I paid nearly $8 for a coffee, skipped expensive airport food, and opted for snacks I packed from home.

I searched the airport terminal for comfy seating — something the lounge had plenty of — but ultimately settled on sitting on the floor so I could stretch out before the flight.

Business Insider's author sat on the floor at her gate while waiting to board her economy flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I searched the airport terminal for comfy seating — something the lounge had plenty of — but ultimately settled on sitting on the floor so I could stretch out before the flight.

When it came to boarding in business class, representatives in the lounge announced when boarding started for my flight.

A representative at the entrance to the Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

For economy, muffled announcements were made over the airport's intercom system. I couldn't hear them, so I kept a close eye on my watch to ensure I didn't miss my boarding call.

The author's gate for her United flight to Tokyo.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

For economy, muffled announcements were made over the airport's intercom system. I couldn't hear them, so I kept a close eye on my watch to ensure I didn't miss my boarding call.

My business-class ticket meant I was the first one to board the plane.

Business Insider's author entered a nearly empty jet bridge when she boarded the Air New Zealand flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I stepped onto a nearly empty plane and had a short walk to my seat. After I got settled, a flight attendant offered me a glass of Champagne.

A glass of sparkling wine at the author's business-class seat.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In economy, I was one of the very last passengers to board.

Business Insider's author at the back of the boarding line for her economy flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Once on the plane, I was handed an alcohol wipe instead of bubbly and walked the entire length of the aircraft to row 50.

Economy class on a long-haul United flight to Tokyo.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

When it came to the physical seats, I spotted major differences.

Economy seats on a United flight to Tokyo.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

As far as plane spaces go, my business-class seat was massive. Beyond two armrests, I had a large TV screen, a large tray table, and a footrest with enough space to stretch my legs comfortably.

Business Insider's author could stretch out her legs in business class.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

As far as plane spaces go, my business-class seat was massive. Beyond two armrests, I had a large TV screen, a large tray table, and a footrest with enough space to stretch my legs comfortably.

My economy seat, by comparison, was small. My tray table had hardly enough room for my laptop, and my legs couldn't comfortably stretch.

The author's legs bumped against the seat in front of her.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I also didn't have the same luxury of reclining. In business class, I could recline without impeding anyone's space since the seats were positioned away from other passengers.

In business class, Business Insider's author could recline far back.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I also didn't have the same luxury of reclining. In business class, I could recline without impeding anyone's space since the seats were positioned away from other passengers.

Reclining in economy meant I was taking up someone else's personal space.

The economy cabin on a United flight from Denver to Tokyo.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Both seats came with amenities.

Air New Zealand business-class passengers are given a pair of over-the-ear, corded headphones.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In business class, I had over-the-ear headphones, a bag of toiletries, a water bottle, a blanket, and a pillow.

Each passenger received a bag of toiletries on the flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In economy, I discovered a blanket and pillow, as well as headphones, at my seat.

The blanket and pillow economy passengers received on a long-haul United flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The biggest perk was that my business-class seat could turn into a lie-flat bed. After dinner service, flight attendants stopped by with extra blankets and pillows and converted my seat into a bed.

After dinner, flight attendants stopped at each seat to convert it into a bed.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The biggest perk was that my business-class seat could turn into a lie-flat bed. After dinner service, flight attendants stopped by with extra blankets and pillows and converted my seat into a bed.

The food and beverages were drastically different.

Side-by-side images of the breakfast on an economy flight versus on a business-class trip.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I could order endless liquor, wine, beer, and soda in business class.

The author's gin and tonic on a business-class flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In economy, I had to pay for liquor. I did receive glasses of complimentary wine, though.

The author's red wine in a plastic cup on an economy flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

My dinner in business class felt like fine dining. I had cloth napkins, metal cutlery, and ceramic plates. A flight attendant stopped by and offered me three choices of warm bread and a little tray of salt, pepper, and olive oil.

The author's first-course meal on her Air New Zealand flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

My dinner in business class felt like fine dining. I had cloth napkins, metal cutlery, and ceramic plates. A flight attendant stopped by and offered me three choices of warm bread and a little tray of salt, pepper, and olive oil.

I also had a menu of dinner choices, which included Alaskan cod and roasted chicken.

The menu on the author's Air New Zealand business-class flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Meanwhile, there wasn't a menu in economy. Instead, flight attendants gave brief descriptions of the dinner options. On my flight to Tokyo, I could choose between chicken and veggies.

The veggie option on a United economy flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Meanwhile, there wasn't a menu in economy. Instead, flight attendants gave brief descriptions of the dinner options. On my flight to Tokyo, I could choose between chicken and veggies.

I picked the veggie option and wondered whether I'd be eating eggplant Parmesan, a grain bowl, or pasta for dinner. When I lifted the foil, I discovered a vegetable stir-fry.

The uncovered veggie meal on a United economy flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I picked the veggie option and wondered whether I'd be eating eggplant Parmesan, a grain bowl, or pasta for dinner. When I lifted the foil, I discovered a vegetable stir-fry.

I also learned that you're not guaranteed your meal choice in economy. Since I was in the back of the plane, flight attendants had run out of one of the meals by the time they reached my seat.

Breakfast on the United economy flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I also learned that you're not guaranteed your meal choice in economy. Since I was in the back of the plane, flight attendants had run out of one of the meals by the time they reached my seat.

As for the bathrooms, they felt similar in size and design. Air New Zealand's business-class restroom had decorative wallpaper.

The bathroom on the Air New Zealand flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

United's bathroom lacked that touch. Besides that, I noticed similar toilets and sinks.

The author in the bathroom on the economy flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

When the plane touched down in Auckland, I was one of the first passengers off.

Passengers on a business-class flight get their bags from the overhead bins.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

When I landed in Tokyo, I had to wait an extra 15 minutes before disembarking from the plane — as the last to board, I was the last to disembark.

Business Insider's author had to wait for other passengers to get off the plane.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Ultimately, the perks of business class changed the way I viewed luxury travel. But those luxuries come at a price — one I don't plan on paying anytime soon.

Insider's author sat in both economy and business class for long-haul flights.Monica Humphries/Insider

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I flew on 2 long-haul flights: one in business and another in economy. The 2 cabins couldn't be more different &mdash; take a look.

A few years ago, I thought flying — no matter the cabin — was a similar experience. Everyone was boarding the same plane, suffering in the same low-humidity cabin, and eating bland airplane food.

Then in June 2022, I took my first business-class flight from Los Angeles to Auckland. Nearly nine months later, I hopped on a long-haul economy flight from Denver to Tokyo.

After those 12-hour flights, my entire perspective of airplane cabins — and the value of an upgrade — changed.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest difference I spotted was the price. At the time of booking, a one-way business-class flight to Auckland on Air New Zealand was about $4,500, according to the airline's website. Today, that cost is closer to $6,000.

Meanwhile, my round-trip ticket to Tokyo was less than $2,500 through United Airlines. Today, it'd be about $2,700. This means I could've flown to and from Tokyo twice for the same price as my one-way business-class ticket.

But when it came to the actual experience, the perks of business class started long before I boarded the plane.

My business-class Air New Zealand ticket granted me access to Los Angeles International Airport's Star Alliance Lounge.

There, I dined on a bowl of ramen, scarfed down plates of salad, and sipped on Champagne. The food and alcohol were included with access to the lounge, so I didn't spend a dollar on my meal.

I also didn't have to hunt for seating at my gate. Instead, I spent my layover hopping between the lounge's couches and the outdoor patio.

With the economy flight, I didn't have lounge access. Instead, I spent hours in the airport terminal. I paid nearly $8 for a coffee, skipped expensive airport food, and opted for snacks I packed from home.

I searched the airport terminal for comfy seating — something the lounge had plenty of — but ultimately settled on sitting on the floor so I could stretch out before the flight.

When it came to boarding in business class, representatives in the lounge announced when boarding started for my flight.

For economy, muffled announcements were made over the airport's intercom system. I couldn't hear them, so I kept a close eye on my watch to ensure I didn't miss my boarding call.

My business-class ticket meant I was the first one to board the plane.

I stepped onto a nearly empty plane and had a short walk to my seat. After I got settled, a flight attendant offered me a glass of Champagne.

In economy, I was one of the very last passengers to board.

Once on the plane, I was handed an alcohol wipe instead of bubbly and walked the entire length of the aircraft to row 50.

When it came to the physical seats, I spotted major differences.

As far as plane spaces go, my business-class seat was massive. Beyond two armrests, I had a large TV screen, a large tray table, and a footrest with enough space to stretch my legs comfortably.

My economy seat, by comparison, was small. My tray table had hardly enough room for my laptop, and my legs couldn't comfortably stretch.

I also didn't have the same luxury of reclining. In business class, I could recline without impeding anyone's space since the seats were positioned away from other passengers.

Reclining in economy meant I was taking up someone else's personal space.

Both seats came with amenities.

In business class, I had over-the-ear headphones, a bag of toiletries, a water bottle, a blanket, and a pillow.

In economy, I discovered a blanket and pillow, as well as headphones, at my seat.

The biggest perk was that my business-class seat could turn into a lie-flat bed. After dinner service, flight attendants stopped by with extra blankets and pillows and converted my seat into a bed.

The food and beverages were drastically different.

I could order endless liquor, wine, beer, and soda in business class.

In economy, I had to pay for liquor. I did receive glasses of complimentary wine, though.

My dinner in business class felt like fine dining. I had cloth napkins, metal cutlery, and ceramic plates. A flight attendant stopped by and offered me three choices of warm bread and a little tray of salt, pepper, and olive oil.

I also had a menu of dinner choices, which included Alaskan cod and roasted chicken.

Meanwhile, there wasn't a menu in economy. Instead, flight attendants gave brief descriptions of the dinner options. On my flight to Tokyo, I could choose between chicken and veggies.

I picked the veggie option and wondered whether I'd be eating eggplant Parmesan, a grain bowl, or pasta for dinner. When I lifted the foil, I discovered a vegetable stir-fry.

I also learned that you're not guaranteed your meal choice in economy. Since I was in the back of the plane, flight attendants had run out of one of the meals by the time they reached my seat.

As for the bathrooms, they felt similar in size and design. Air New Zealand's business-class restroom had decorative wallpaper.

United's bathroom lacked that touch. Besides that, I noticed similar toilets and sinks.

When the plane touched down in Auckland, I was one of the first passengers off.

When I landed in Tokyo, I had to wait an extra 15 minutes before disembarking from the plane — as the last to board, I was the last to disembark.

Ultimately, the perks of business class changed the way I viewed luxury travel. But those luxuries come at a price — one I don't plan on paying anytime soon.

I flew on 2 long-haul flights: one in business and another in economy. The 2 cabins couldn't be more different — take a look.