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First Class has long been the Holy Grail of premium travel, but it may not be worth the eye-watering extra cash, all things considered.

It is true that the in-flight experiences of economy and business class often come with unquestionable challenges like a man possibly urinating all over you in business class or watching your hostess being accosted by a spoon-wielding man who wants to open the emergency door midair in economy class.

But none of that really means that forking out for an upgrade to first class is all that it is cracked up to be.  In fact, argues DMARGE, it might just be the biggest scam in the industry.

The answer to the question “Is first class truly worth the exorbitant price tag?” is nicely summarised by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, who believes that the answer is a resounding “no”.

While Carsten Spohr — CEO of Lufthansa — argues that there is still a demand for the luxurious first-class experience, Al Baker contends that the investment in opulent first-class seating does not yield sufficient returns from a business point of view, especially considering the lavish amenities already offered in business-class cabins, saying this:

“Why wouldn’t you invest in a subclass of an airplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you? I don’t see the necessity.”

Indeed, business class now offers many of the same amenities and perks that were once exclusive to the privileged few, such as game-changing levels of additional space, superior service, and enhanced comfort compared to the cramped confines of economy seats.

Airlines have come to recognise the value of catering to the business class traveller and have consequently upped their game to meet the demands of this lucrative market segment. First-class flyers are few and far between, they admit, with many rather opting for private jets now anyway.

First-class tickets can be significantly more expensive than their economy counterparts, particularly on international flights:

As reported on Nerd Wallet in April 2023, a search revealed that an economy ticket from Los Angeles to Paris was priced at $1,180 USD, while the cost of an upgrade to Air France’s spectacular La Premiere product soared to over $18,600 USD, making it more than fifteen times more expensive.

That hurts just to look at. Anyone willing to fork out that much better make tactical use of air miles or points to help to alleviate some of that massive markup.

The question is then, is the product and service you receive really fifteen times as good as that offered in economy? Or even twice as good as that offered in business class?

If we scrutinize what first-class purports to offer, it becomes clear that the markup isn’t really for better food, drinks, or even a better seat; though all of these things are, arguably, marginally improved on business class, what you’re really paying for in first class is an increased level of privacy, whether that be a fully enclosed seat with sliding door or even a private toilet and shower.

Even before you board, you’re likely going to be entitled to airport lounge access, expedited security lines, and fast-track immigration processes. Once again, however, not only does business class offer many if not all of these services already, but isn’t the feeling of exclusivity that these services give you simply that: a feeling?

At the end of the day, though, it’s your money and you can spend it however recklessly you like. But just remember, the hoards of extra cash that airlines are asking from you to travel first class is a useless mock-up of the truly private experience on board a private jet – because that is the kind of privacy that true wealth can afford you.

Meanwhile, someone truly wealthy should also be someone with a rich moral compass (one can only hope), AKA someone who doesn’t fly private because it is so terribly bad for the environment. Take the Disney heiress’ word for it.

[source:dmarge]