5 Reasons You'll Never Want to Go Back Once You Fly Business Class

I've been on a few international business-class flights over the years, and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that I'm hooked. So long as it's within my power, I'll happily splurge on business class forevermore.

Settle down, folks, I don't fork over $5,000 a flight -- I use travel rewards credit cards. I'm not rich. Of course, even in points, business-class flights are much more expensive than main cabin seats on the same plane; sometimes going for two , three , or five times more money.

If you've never had the thrill of flying international business class, you may not get why we're willing to throw so many points at what is, arguably, a small portion of our vacations. Well, here are just five of the reasons I'll never go back.

1. You never have to worry about bag space

The only thing I hate more than checking a bag? Having to check a bag because there is no overhead space left on the oversold flight.

When you fly business class, you never have to worry about bag space. The business-class cabin has tons of dedicated overhead space. You also get priority boarding.

For the folks who don't mind -- or even prefer -- checking a bag or two, business has you covered here, too. Most international business-class tickets come with two free checked bags. Oh, and when you hit the carousel to pick them up? Business-class bags typically come out first.

2. The food is miles above typical travel fare

The dining experience in business class is to the main cabin experience as a sit-down restaurant meal is to a fast-food meal. Both can be pleasant, both will fill you up, but one is definitely a more elevated experience.

Business-class menus usually boast of the famous chef who created a bespoke culinary journey. The food arrives on real plates, with actual cutlery. You even get adorable salt and pepper shakers. 

Still hungry? Business-class passengers usually have constant access to a variety of drinks, snacks, and small plates between meals.

3. Even taller folks can stretch out and lie back

Have you ever wondered how all those international business folks fly back and forth from meeting to meeting without falling asleep in the middle of trade negotiations? They sleep in beds in business class.

No, seriously. The seats typically lie flat into beds, complete with sheets and pillows. They give you slippers and an eye mask, sometimes pajamas, and you lay back and get your zzz's.

This is arguably where the biggest value comes from for business class. Instead of spending your first day groggy -- or, worse, sleeping through it -- you can hit the ground running and start your vacation right away.

4. Dedicated crew members means prompt service

The best cabin crew in the world can't make magic happen, and things are never going to be quick when half a dozen people are trying to help several hundred passengers. Up in the business-class cabin, however, that ratio is much, much better.

My last business-class flight, there were about 20 seats -- and two dedicated flight attendants. That meant service was incredibly quick, and you never had to look far to find help with setting up your bed or getting a refill. (I always try to be patient when I'm traveling, but it's really nice when it's not required.)

5. Many little touches add up to an elevated experience

At the risk of sounding a little woo-woo, I have to say that my last reason here is kind of just the "feel" of flying business class. It feels like an elevated, more luxurious experience. Even when I'm flying on an older plane, or the cabin is a little busier, or the food isn't quite as good as the last flight -- it all still feels nicer.

I think this comes down to the little, sometimes overlooked perks. Having a priority check-in lane. Airport lounge access while you wait. The little amenity kit when you board. The calm and quiet of a cabin that isn't packed cheek by jowl. 

And, yes, all of the other things on the list, too. Really, just start to finish, business class blows main cabin travel out of the proverbial water, and I don't think I could do long-haul travel without it. Good thing it's so easy to use my credit cards to travel for free!