Formerly business class was considered the domain of those too great for economy yet not quite well bred enough for first class. With evolution in standards and care it now seems to be shifting closer to the richness associated with first class travel. Airline companies now make most of their revenue from business class travel and this has seen a rise in competition in the sector.

Loyalty is the big incentive for these companies as most business travellers make up to 12 flights a year and so airline companies are trying to implement a more opulent service in the hope of retaining future custom.

The race to offer the smartest business-class flight is very much on then and recent times have seen various airlines make a number of updates to their business-class service. British Airways for instance have rechristened their business-class service “Club World” and brought in much larger 180 degree seats. Air New Zealand have pretty much overhauled their service - calling it “Business Premier” and introducing 10.4" high resolution screens for every passenger, 22" leather armchairs (complete with an ottoman) and seats that convert into 7 foot beds.

However, the winner of the award for best business class airline is Singapore Airlines; a Skytrax world airline survey put them at number one. It is assumed that this is for a number of reasons. Singapore Airlines have the biggest “lie-flat” seats in the sector. Secondly they offer business class flyers a gourmet menu designed by leading chef Alfred Portale. As if that wasn’t enough every flyer receives a Givenchy kit as a gift for using the service.

Virgin Atlantic, who have removed any distinction between first and business class by simply offering "Upper-Class", came in runner-up for business-class travel with onboard therapists offering neck and shoulder massages and luxurious airport lounges with large spa's and hairdressers should you seek a quick pre-flight restyle.

As the standard of service ever improves, so does the completion by agents to provide the cheapest air fares. There are a number of sites out on the world wide web each positioned with its own USP? At one end of the spectrum, cheap Flights focuses on providing cheap flights – no surprise there. Expedia at the other end of the spectrum aim to provide a more tailored and personal experience. However, we compared quotes from both these companies and several others for a range of cheap flights to New York from the former and the best flight to New York from the latter – only to find the greatest variable was in fact the carrier and not the agent.