Upgrading to first class on a flight can be a luxurious experience, but it often comes at a steep price. So is it really worth paying the premium? There are pros and cons to weigh when deciding if first class is right for you.
The Perks of Flying First Class
First class seats offer much more space and comfort compared to economy class. You’ll have substantially more legroom, with some first class seats offering over 80 inches of pitch. The seats are also wider and many airlines offer lie-flat seats on long haul international flights. This makes it easier to get actual sleep on overnight flights.
You can expect premium amenities in first class. This includes high-quality blankets, pillows, and noise-cancelling headphones. First class passengers are given priority boarding and deplaning so you can settle in and exit the plane quicker.
The food and drinks in first class are a significant upgrade as well. Airlines offer restaurant-quality multi-course meals along with premium liquors and wines that are not available in economy. You’ll get personalized meal service and can order food on demand rather than being restricted to set meal times.
First class flyers also get expedited security and customs screenings at some airports. This allows you to breeze through the annoying security line hassles. Some airlines also have dedicated first class lounges with free food, drinks, and other amenities. This makes the pre-flight and layover experience much more enjoyable.
You’ll also get the best service from the flight attendants in first class. With fewer passengers to attend to, you can expect more personalized service and attention to detail. The flight attendants are specially trained to provide excellent customer service.
The Downsides of First Class
The biggest downside to flying first class is the high price. A first class seat often costs several times more than an economy seat for the same flight. For example, a first class ticket from New York to London could cost $15,000 roundtrip, compared to $500 for economy.
Unless your company is paying for the flight, the price alone makes first class hard to justify for most travelers. The premium amenities are nice, but may not be worth paying tens of thousands of dollars more over the course of a year’s worth of flights.
First class seats also go fast, so they may not even be available close to your travel dates unless you book far in advance. Demand is highest on popular business routes and holidays, when availability gets snapped up quickly.
Keep in mind first class travel still comes with the usual hassles of flying. You’ll still need to deal with things like flight delays, turbulence, and other annoying factors that are out of your control.
The seats may be comfortable, but long haul international first class flights can still be grueling endeavors that leave you exhausted upon arrival at your destination. The caviar and champagne doesn’t help avoid jet lag.
Some fringe benefits like airport lounge access and expedited security lines are only available at certain airports. So you may not have a consistent first class experience when traveling through different hubs.
When First Class is Worth It
Here are some of the situations where upgrading to first class provides enough extra value to justify the expense:
- Your employer is covering the cost of the flight
- You need to be well-rested upon arrival for an important business meeting or event
- The flight time is over 10 hours
- You have health issues like back pain that make flying in economy very uncomfortable
- You’re flying with a companion and your seats will be next to each other
- You have the financial means and want a special “treat yourself” trip
If someone else is paying, either your company or you can redeem credit card points for the upgrade, then first class is a no-brainer. Lay-flat seats and premium amenities make red-eye flights and marathon international treks much more bearable.
Being well-rested can be critical if you need to hit the ground running for important business activities. The opportunity cost of not being at your best could exceed the price differential from the first class ticket.
Medical conditions like chronic back pain, deep vein thrombosis, and arthritis can make flying in narrow economy seats excruciating. For health reasons it may be worth paying up for first class if you fly frequently.
If you have the financial flexibility, flying first class for special occasions like your honeymoon, birthday trip, or retirement celebration may be money well-spent. You only live once!
Even CEOs and celebrities who can afford first class everyday only fly it when they really value the benefits. The key is weighing the utility you’ll personally get against the large price premium. It comes down to each person’s budget, needs, and preferences.
Tips for Getting Discounted First Class
If you decide first class is worth it for your situation, here are some tips for getting seats at a discount:
- Book as early as possible – prices are highest close to departure
- Be flexible on your dates if possible
- Use miles from credit card rewards programs to book award seats
- Consider a one-way first class ticket for long haul flights
- Use apps like ExpertFlyer to snap up last minute availability
- Book during slower travel seasons when airlines discount prices
Often the first class cabin won’t be full, so airlines will offer discounted seats to entice customers to upgrade and fill the empty seats. The tips above can help you find and take advantage of promotions and unsold inventory.
Even if you don’t see first class award availability when booking, keep checking back often. Due to cancellations and schedule changes, award seats frequently open up close to departure dates.
Is First Class Worth It? The Final Verdict
Here is a quick table summarizing the pros and cons of first class airfare:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
More space and comfort | Very expensive |
Priority boarding and deplaning | Limited availability |
Luxury amenities | Still need to deal with usual flying hassles |
Better service | Expedited security only at some airports |
Higher quality meals and drinks |
The verdict on whether first class is worth it depends on each person’s specific flight. Factors like the length, personal budget, and purpose of the trip all play into the calculation. My advice is to crunch the numbers for your situation. If the utility exceeds the price difference, go for the upgrade!
For many travelers, first class is only worth it on certain long haul flights where they really need the rest and added comfort. For quick domestic hops, the upgrade may not provide enough extra value. Personally, I only fly first class for specific high-priority trips where being well-rested on arrival is critical.
The key is looking at first class objectively. Don’t let the luxury blind you into overspending your budget without good reason. But if you fly frequently for business or have the financial means, first class can be an amazing way to take your travel experience to the next level!