Business travel looks to be back with pre-pandemic levels expected to return in 2024*. In-line with this, an increasing number of airlines are now also offering more flexibility with scaled-down 'Business Light' tickets meaning corporate travellers can enjoy some of the Business Class comforts at more affordable prices.

This new ticket class comes with the same business class space on-board but fewer of the perks and award-winning airport parking specialist Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has released a guide comparing the different options to help business travellers book the most suitable ticket for their needs.

Available at www.aph.com/businesslight, the guide features seven airlines including Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Finnair and Singapore Airlines comparing baggage allowance, lounge access and refund options as well as priority check-in, security and boarding for all Business Class tickets.

For travellers looking to take checked-in luggage, it's good news for passengers flying with airBaltic, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines which all offer up to two pieces of checked-in luggage ranging from 32kg – 46kg with a Business Light ticket. However, perhaps unsurprisingly, given business travellers' tendency to travel light, Finnair and Zipair do not include any checked luggage with their tickets, meaning travellers can only travel with hand luggage.

The most noteworthy difference between the airline's Business Standard and Light tickets was found to be airport lounges with most airlines removing complimentary lounge access for Business Light passengers. If business travellers do need lounge access, they have a choice of only two of the seven airlines, airBaltic and Singapore Airlines, which still offer complimentary lounge entry for Business Light passengers.

For business travellers looking to enjoy priority security and priority boarding, Zipair has removed both and Qatar Airways does not offer priority security for Business Light passengers. Frequent flyers looking to make the most of their Air Miles should also check ahead with some airlines such as Qatar Airways reducing the value from 125% with a Standard Business ticket to 75% when booking a Business Light ticket. 

Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) said, “It's encouraging to see business travel expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year with companies seeing the many benefits of face-to-face meetings. With an increasing number of airlines now offering business travellers more flexibility when flying in business class, we hope the APH guide helps showcase the differences between the ticket classes and allow fliers the opportunity to choose the right ticket for their needs.”

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) visit www.aph.com

or call 01342 859515.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• *Amadeus 2024 Travel Trends Report - Travel Trends 2024 (amadeus.com)
• APH research conducted in April 2024

Images

• Image Caption 1: Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has released a guide comparing the Business Light options with airlines.
• High-res image downloaded from https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4zecqf5yndj6gxui2tt2j/AOO2kZ18ZawwWCXpbWyrBZ8?rlkey=m9bl0tvtzkt0sk20f2gnsvahv&st=xu8srbah&dl=0

About Airport Parking and Hotels (APH)

Established in 1980, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is an award-winning airport parking operator and retailer, winning the 'Best Airport Parking Company' award at the British Travel Awards 2023 for the thirteenth year running. In addition to APH's own car parks serving Gatwick and Manchester Airports, APH also offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels, airport lounges and via trusted partners other extras such as car hire and travel insurance. APH has worked closely with the World Land Trust since 2005 to help support rainforest conservation by protecting threatened forest habitats.

Media Enquiries

GEC PR

Sarah Salord, Company Director

aph@gecpr.co.uk

020 3907 6824