A Spanish airline called Vueling has decided to change its image by going from a low-cost carrier to a semi full-service airline. They are doing this by creating a section of their front rows for a quasi-business class called “Duo.” They plan to not sell the middle seat and offer extra services including complimentary snacks and drinks and luggage space. There is also preferential boarding for Duo Class passengers.

This is the way business class was born some 30-plus years ago. Some say it was Qantas that invented the first business class, but most experts agree that it was KLM who offered a similar zone as Vueling’s. The KLM full-service zone grew to become the business class of today. The growth was fueled by the birth of the jumbo jet (Boeing’s 747).

It is amazing how business class has changed since I have been in the industry. I remember how excited everyone was over British Airways’ cradle seat, which was far from flat. Now we expect and demand flat seats, and when we don’t get them in business class we can get ever so cranky!

Check out Global Traveler‘s annual first- and business-class survey sent with the November issue. It will offer you everything you need to know about premium products.

— Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO