First vs Business vs Premium E vs Economy

Whenever I go trawling the net for explanations of the difference between what is (and is expected of, say) First vs Business class, they end up talking about "Three class aircraft". But to me theres four...

I'm largely talking about international travel here, I kind of expect a lot of variation on US domestic and certainly same of domestic europe...

Ok, Economy is economy, least seat size, usually a meal or two, drinks till they run out (on virgin at least, I guess same with BA right)

Premium Economy, is supposedly an enhanced Economy experience, right, some of which do well, like Virgin (better meals, better drink service), or others less well (basically bigger seats, same food), BA I believe). Is this ever likely be called Business class by some international airlines? You won't ever get the lounge on this one right?

Business Class, which is UC on virgin. Now I really don't know the difference here between this and First. I think BA might fly four classes right? I know you largely expect a flat bad, better meal, and all the drinks you would want (within reason). Some airlines will refer to this as First Class too (Virgin don't). A lounge is expected, maybe not the top lounge.

Is First class just a separation for those who want to be away from the rest? Will they expect much more in seating? Better branded food and drink? I know theres higher level lounges for likes of BA.

Now, I'm never going to fly First, I know that, but its a confusing topic to me...

Airlines that have international first have distinct differences between business and first - more space, higher staff levels, higher quality food and wine, better service items (onboard and on the ground) and higher frequent flier rewards.

To see the difference take a look at airline Web sites like BA's cabin guide here, or perhaps EK's here. These should give some indication - First is not just a separate cabin area!

Whenever I go trawling the net for explanations of the difference between what is (and is expected of, say) First vs Business class, they end up talking about "Three class aircraft". But to me theres four...

It may be that (as you hint) some of these explanations refer to the US domestic market, where things are different from international products. A lot of US domestic flights have a 2-class First/Economy configuration, in which "First Class" gets you a comfy seat, but not a lie-flat bed, and a few other basic things (food and drink, checked baggage, air [that's a joke]) that you would otherwise have to pay extra for. There are also US domestic flights which have a 3-class configuration (First/Business/Economy) -- the First and Business seats are sometimes the same, sometimes not. At least one US domestic carrier operates a 3-class configuration of First/Business/Premium Economy.

"First Class" in these terms is very different from international travel, which is in a wholly different league and, as slinky says, is certainly not just a separate cabin!

[honey lamb]

Whenever I go trawling the net for explanations of the difference between what is (and is expected of, say) First vs Business class, they end up talking about "Three class aircraft". But to me theres four...

It may be that (as you hint) some of these explanations refer to the US domestic market, where things are different from international products. A lot of US domestic flights have a 2-class First/Economy configuration, in which "First Class" gets you a comfy seat, but not a lie-flat bed, and a few other basic things (food and drink, checked baggage, air [that's a joke]) that you would otherwise have to pay extra for. There are also US domestic flights which have a 3-class configuration (First/Business/Economy) -- the First and Business seats are sometimes the same, sometimes not. At least one US domestic carrier operates a 3-class configuration of First/Business/Premium Economy.

"First Class" in these terms is very different from international travel, which is in a wholly different league and, as slinky says, is certainly not just a separate cabin!

I agree. I've just done two legs in Virgin America First which to my mind is better than the general first class offering in the main legacy carriers. What I got was oodles of legroom, a seat that reclined to an very generous degree, free baggage, free food and on my last trip an unlimited supply of G&T. That was generous. On an upgrade on United a few years ago I got a full can of soda!

Thanks for the replies. The Emirates First Class which reminded me of a railway carriage was incredible. I don't think if I ever could afford such travel, that I'd ever fly FC... Business Class seems enough for me...

Thanks for the replies. The Emirates First Class which reminded me of a railway carriage was incredible. I don't think if I ever could afford such travel, that I'd ever fly FC... Business Class seems enough for me...

You simply cannot compare domestic and international First products as they are completly different products as stated already.
I was fortunate to experience the Emirates First Suite on the A380 last year, and it is indeed incredible (and it's MUCH nicer than any rail carriage ). The food and drink were sublime and the service simply perfect . Having a shower at 35,000 ft is also a rather surreal experience :0 .
IMHO there is a huge difference between First and Business on the international big boys and this is reflected in the difference in the price you pay for the respective tickets.
DL

Thanks for the replies. The Emirates First Class which reminded me of a railway carriage was incredible. I don't think if I ever could afford such travel, that I'd ever fly FC... Business Class seems enough for me...

That's what FF miles are for. Keep saving.