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

United is debuting an ultra-premium long-haul Airbus jet. It has sliding doors and a walk-up snack bar — see inside.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
A rendering of United Airlines' A321XLR.
The new A321XLR will have doors but they can't be used until certified by the FAA.

United Airlines

See inside United's new long-haul business class — with doors and an oversize 'Studio' built to rival luxury carriers

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
united new 787 9
united has a new 787 business class.

Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

Someone asked to switch our business seats on a plane. I said yes, and got to take photos with one of my favorite celebrities.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
Keegan-Michael Key and stranger posing for selfie
Denny Balmaceda was asked to switch seats by a woman on a flight, only to realize it was Keegan-Michael Key's wife.

Courtesy of Denny Balmaceda

I spent 26 hours in Qatar Airways' business class. Not all seats are created equally, but I get why it's so beloved.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
Side by side composite of omelet and breakfast meal on tablecloth on Qatar Airways flight next to image of business class section on Qatar Airways flight
Our flights basically cost more than our entire honeymoon, but I had a great time in Qatar Airways' business class.

Rachel Hosie

Lufthansa can finally sell its tricky new Boeing 787 business class after months of flying it mostly empty

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
Lufthansa Allegris cabin.
Lufthansa's new Allegris business class has faced certification issues on the Boeing 787. It appears to have fixed the problem.

MICHAELA STACHE/AFP via Getty Images

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