ThisFunGuy

What are some lesser known perks/benefits of flying in Biz Class outside of the plane? Noticed that some airports offer fast track going through immigration and security screening but didn't realize it until it was too late and end up waiting through the regular lines... anyone know what airports/airlines offer this and how can I stay on top of these things?

Any other general recommendations from more experienced flyers appreciated!

Jasper2009

Unfortunately it's impossible to provide an easy answer since the availability of special security and/or immigration and/or custom lines varies by country, airport, operating airline and in some cases even time of day and/or terminal/concourse.

In terms of ground experience, the perks that may be available / to watch out for are:

before the flight:

- priority check-in
- priority security
- priority exit immigration (where applicable)
- lounge access
- priority boarding
- boarding directly from the lounge (very few airports/airlines)
- dedicated bus for business class passengers where flights depart from / arrive at remote stands

upon arrival:

- priority immigration line
- priority delivery of checked baggage, and dedicated/separate baggage carousel in some cases (very few airlines/airports)
- priority customs line
- arrival lounge

YEG USER

Jasper2009

Fair point. Usually nothing to "watch out for" since it's outside the passenger's control, though a few airports/airlines have dedicated baggage carousels for premium cabin pax.

TPJ

IMHO dedicated bus happens more frequently on arrival (as logistically it is easier to provide one). I recall only LO in WAW and (sometimes) CA in PEK actually offer a dedicated bus service on (apron) departure.

Just my 2 (Canadian) cents

Swiftler

Hi ThisFunGuy. Are you Kwahi? LOL

If you want more information on airports offering FAST TRACK and/or Priority Screening if your on Business Class, go here: https://www.staralliance.com/en/gold-track

Just click on Security and Immigration tab and enter your destination airport code.

If you pay Business Class and flying outside NA, the AC Signature Lounge in YYZ is amazing! Beef Cheeks and Sablefish is delicious! Also AC Concierge comes in handy when you need an extra hand, like missing your valuable things on the plane.

If your taking domestic flights in China, you will hop on a private bus that'll take you to your plane. It is a zoo in regular bus.

You are literally first in first out and comes in handy when you are running to meetings.

Hope this helps.

travelinmanS

AA_ORDlady

In addition to the benefits others have listed, I like the following perks that are very subjective.

-Relaxing in a larger seat in a quieter cabin with my bag stowed and drinking a PDB, while everyone else is frantically trying to find overhead space and struggling down the aisle to the back of the plane.
-Never that far from the lavatory, I like not having to walk past 20 rows to get there. The lavatory generally gets less use so it is often cleaner.
-Getting off the plane first. I don't like being in the back of the plane and waiting 20 minutes or longer to get off the plane.
-Small point, but I don't like drinking out of plastic cups because they smell weird. Which probably qualifies as a least substantive thing to complain about.

It all adds up to a more pleasurable experience when flying.

canadiancow

The question was "outside the plane"

ricktoronto

There's another big advantage he does not have to fly outside the plane at all.

It would be useful to know where he plans to go, presumably on AC, as YYZ-YVR on a 321 is not a huge deal vs. YYZ-FRA. Lounge and board first.

It would be so nice if priority baggage actually meant that other than CX arriving in HKG.

marke190

Does the ability to post obnoxious posts on social media about being in "first class" count as a perk?

omaralt

absolutely. also being allowed to use the terms gate lice, peasants, and others

ranles

Just to piggyback on this post...
SYD-YVR, then YVR to SAN
90 minute transition. US citizens, checked and carry on luggage. On one reservation. We get off plane in YVR then "rush" to what (signage), where, and do we have special processing? Business class.
Feb 2020, a Friday and arriving on a 77L @7:30am at Term M, departing CR9 Air Canada express jazz at 9am, also Term M. Tell me time is fine, and any special treatment I am do to insure that is so.
Thank you, I know it is too soon to depend on the times.

tcook052

Are you meaning Air Canada business class specifically or all airlines business class in general?

canadiancow

​​​​​​
Follow signs for US connections. I wouldn't worry about rushing unless there's a delay.

You don't need to do anything with your checked bags.