Business class is called business class for a reason.

It is designed to cater to people who need to arrive at a destination and work, often more or less straight from the airport.

Of course, it comes with attendant luxuries: better food, better wine and, if you are lucky, a film you have not already watched on Netflix.

But these are optional extras.

‘Obvious point lost in the John Swinney flights row’

The real cost – and value – comes from more space, more quiet and the opportunity to work properly, sleep properly and arrive vaguely resembling a functioning human being.

This rather obvious point has been lost in the row over John Swinney’s trip to the United States during Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years.

The Scottish Government spent almost £100,000 on trips involving the first minister, sports minister Maree Todd and officials.

More than £45,000 went on business-class flights for Mr Swinney and two senior aides, who travelled to Boston before the first minister went on to trade talks in Kentucky.

Predictably, this bill has caused an outcry.

Public finances are tight, taxpayers are being squeezed and £45,000 is a lot of money by any reasonable measure.

There are perfectly legitimate questions about........

© The Courier