How Covid-19’s made flying Business Class feel more like Economy

How Covid-19’s made flying Business Class feel more like Economy

Forget the flute of chilled Moet & Chandon before takeoff, mid-flight gin and tonics and a roaming dessert trolley after dinner.

Flying business class isn't what it used to be.

Efforts to minimise human interaction and reduce the risk of infection are taking the shine off the most expensive seats onboard commercial aircraft.

Gone are the multi-course banquets and warm personal service, once the hallmarks of carriers like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways. These days, what's left of premium-grade travel is functional, hygienic and closer to cattle class - only with more legroom.

The limitations are one more headache for an industry grappling with a near-total collapse in demand and follow years of luxury oneupmanship among carriers in a contest for the most profitable passengers.

Suddenly, it's harder to tell