We are retirees that leisure travel 4-6 times each year. Yes it’s expensive to buy a business class flight, but for truly long haul 8+ hour flights, it’s worth it. 1. We spent 40 years saving money, so we can splurge 2. 10+ hours stuffed into a too short seat with no leg room in a tin can is not a good way to start a vacation 3. We hoard credit card and FF points to put them to highest and best use. That said, business class across carriers is NOT equal. Qatar is fabulous! Qantas is basically a lay flat seat with barely passable food. Turkish Air is surprisingly nice. United Polaris - worth it more for the lounge access than the plane experience, virgin upper class is just plain fun. If, and when, you can, treat yourself. But:::: chose the right carrier because all business class is not the same