Does TUI Have Business Class? All the Seating Options in 2025
Planning your next holiday with TUI and wondering about the seating options? I’ve got all the answers about whether TUI business class exists and what comfort options are actually available on their flights.
Key Takeaways
- TUI Seating Options: Learn about TUI’s actual seating classes – standard economy and premium – and what each includes for your comfort.
- Dreamliner Premium Experience: Find out what the TUI Dreamliner business class equivalent offers, including seat pitch, food, and extra services.
- Value for Money: Get helpful tips on whether upgrading to premium is worth it for your specific travel needs and budget.
What Seating Classes Does TUI Have?
When booking a TUI flight, many passengers wonder if does TUI have business class seats. The simple answer is no – TUI doesn’t offer a traditional business class like other airlines. Instead, they have two main seating categories:
- Standard Economy: The basic seating option available on all TUI Airways flights
- Premium: The upgraded seating experience available on long haul flights
This can be a bit confusing for travellers used to the business class options on other airlines. Let’s look at what TUI actually offers and how it compares to what you might expect from business class.
TUI Economy Seating
The standard economy seating is what most passengers will experience when flying with TUI. These seats are designed to be comfortable yet efficient for short haul and long haul flights.
Standard economy on TUI includes:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seat pitch | 28–33 inches depending on aircraft |
| Luggage allowance | 15–20kg checked-in luggage (varies by package) |
| Hand luggage | One bag up to 10kg |
| Food and drink | Meals included on long haul, purchasable on short haul |
| Entertainment | Available on 787 Dreamliner aircraft |
The economy cabin is where most passengers will travel, and while it doesn’t offer the luxury of business class, it provides all the essentials for a comfortable flight.
Does TUI Dreamliner Have Business Class?
Many people specifically ask “does TUI Dreamliner have business class” since these are TUI’s premium aircraft used for long haul flights. The 787 Dreamliner is indeed TUI’s flagship aircraft, made of composite materials that allow for better cabin pressure and humidity levels, reducing jet lag.
However, even on the Dreamliner, TUI doesn’t offer traditional business class. Instead, they offer their Premium service, which has some similarities to what other airlines might call premium economy, but still falls short of a full business class experience.
TUI Premium Seating
For passengers wondering “does TUI Airways have business class” or “do TUI do business class”, the Premium seating option is the closest alternative. Available on long haul routes, Premium seating offers several upgrades over the standard economy experience.
Here’s what’s included in TUI Premium:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seat pitch | 38 inches of extra space |
| Seat width | Wider seats than economy |
| Check-in | Dedicated check-in desk |
| Luggage allowance | 23kg checked-in luggage |
| Priority | Priority boarding and disembarking |
| Welcome | Welcome drink service |
| Food and drink | Premium meals and complimentary drinks |
| Comfort | Amenity kits on overnight flights |
While this is definitely a step up from economy, there are some key differences between TUI business class seating (which doesn’t exist) and what actual business class typically offers on other airlines:
- No fully flat beds (Premium seats recline but don’t lie flat)
- No separate cabin with increased privacy
- No champagne service or premium alcoholic options
How to Book TUI Premium Seats
If you’re interested in upgrading to Premium, there are several ways to book:
- When making your initial holiday booking either online or through a travel agent
- By logging into “Manage My Booking” after your initial reservation
- At the airport on your departure date (subject to availability)
The cost of upgrading varies depending on the route, departure date, and how far in advance you book. Generally, booking Premium during your initial holiday reservation will give you the best price.
Is TUI Premium Worth the Extra Cost?
Whether Premium is worth it depends on your priorities and budget. For a typical 7-hour flight to destinations from London Gatwick or London Heathrow, you might pay an extra £200-300 each way for Premium over economy.
Factors to consider:
- The length of your flight – more valuable on longer routes
- Your height – taller passengers tend to appreciate the extra legroom more
- How much you value sleep quality while flying
- Your overall holiday budget
- Special occasions (anniversaries, honeymoons)
For many travellers, Premium represents a good compromise between economy and the full business class experience that would cost significantly more on other airlines.
Overall
While TUI doesn’t offer traditional business class seats, their Premium seating provides a comfortable option for travellers looking for extra space and better service on long haul flights. The 787 Dreamliner aircraft offers a modern flying experience with better cabin pressure and humidity levels.
For most holiday travellers, the choice between standard economy and Premium will come down to budget, flight duration, and personal comfort preferences. TUI Premium offers a good middle-ground option that provides enhanced comfort without the full price tag of business class on other airlines.
If you’re specifically looking for a lie-flat business class experience, you’ll need to look beyond TUI to other airlines. However, if you’re simply looking for a more comfortable way to reach your holiday destination, TUI Premium might be exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TUI offer any business class seats at all?
No, TUI doesn’t offer business class on any of their flights. They have economy and Premium seating options only.
What is the difference between TUI Premium and business class?
TUI Premium offers extra legroom and enhanced service but doesn’t include lie-flat seats, separate cabins, or lounge access typically found in business class.
Can I upgrade my TUI flight to Premium after booking?
Yes, you can upgrade to Premium after your initial booking through “Manage My Booking” or at the airport, subject to availability.
Do TUI Premium seats recline fully for sleeping?
No, TUI Premium seats have an enhanced recline but don’t convert to flat beds like business class seats on other airlines.
Is food included on TUI flights?
Food is included on all TUI long haul flights, with Premium passengers receiving an upgraded menu. On short-haul flights, food is available for purchase.
What is the luggage allowance for TUI Premium?
TUI Premium passengers get 23kg of checked luggage included, compared to 15-20kg for standard economy passengers.
Does TUI offer priority boarding?
Yes, Premium passengers receive priority boarding as part of their upgrade.
Are TUI Premium seats available on all flights?
No, Premium seats are only available on long haul routes operated by the 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
How much extra does TUI Premium typically cost?
Premium upgrades usually cost £200-300 each way depending on the route and time of booking.
Does TUI Premium include airport lounge access?
No, airport lounge access is not typically included with TUI Premium seats.
