2 startling ways designers are trying to create premium perks in economy class

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
Two people in the Chaise Lounge double-decker lounger.
Chaise Lounge (layout pictured) and Collins Aerospace have designed new economy cabins that bring in more business-class-like perks.

Chaise Lounge

I spent 24 hours flying Emirates' business class. The luxurious experience started long before I boarded the plane.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Alyssa sits in an Emirates business-class seat, holding a glass of juice.
I really enjoyed my experience in Emirates' business class.

Alyssa Jaffer

American, Delta, and United are in a business-class arms race for premium flyers. See how their newest suites compare.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
American, Delta, and United are in an arms race for premium flyers.
United (left), American (middle), and Delta (right) are in an arms race to attract premium flyers.

United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines

Delta is rolling out a new business class suite on Airbus widebody planes. Here's what it will look like.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
Rendering of Delta's new business class.
Delta is introducing a new business class suite for its future Airbus A350-1000s and current A330s as it continues to chase premium revenue.

Delta Air Lines

I spent 11 hours in Korean Air's business-class suites. My seat felt more private than I expected and had cool perks.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Woman smiling taking selfie in mirror with tray table full of food below
I tried the Prestige Suite 2.0 business-class cabin on my Korean Air flight from Seoul to Bangkok.

Amber Gibson

United is rolling out 'basic business class' to make premium flying cheaper. Here's how it will work.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
United wants more people to book its premium seats, so it found a way to make them cheaper — but less flexible.
United wants more people to book its premium seats, so it found a way to make them cheaper — though less flexible.

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

I upgraded to Amtrak's business class for $50. As nice as my 8-hour ride was, I'll probably stick with coach.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Woman taking selfie on Amtrak train
My eight-hour ride in Amtrak's business class allowed me to work on the move while also being quite comfortable.

Alexis Buncich

I compared coach and business class seats on a 4-hour Amtrak ride. One perk made the $120 upgrade worth it.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A split image showing Talia Lakritz and an Amtrak train.
Is upgrading from coach to business class on Amtrak worth it? I traveled in both to find out.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Alaska is rolling out a new business-class experience as it expands further into Europe and Asia. Here's what to expect.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Alaska Airlines new 787 amenities.
Alaska wants its 787s to have a distinct Alaska identity and better compete with rivals American, Delta, and United.

Alaska Airlines

I flew 15 hours in Air China's business class with my toddler. The upgrade was worth every penny.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Grace and her toddler pose in their business-class seats on a flight.
I flew in Air China's business class with my toddler.

Grace Cong Sui

Subscribe to business-class