Let’s confess it – the cost of first-class airfare can be astronomical. For example, the flight from New York to Abu Dhabi in a first-class suite costs $32 000 – and is even as high as the altitude of the plane itself.

We must be realists – the first-class will get you to the same destination as the economy one. From that point of view, it doesn’t worth the money. Let’s take a fresh example from the American Airlines’ website from this month – a flight from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City to Heathrow Airport in the UK. The 7-hour flight on 3,440 miles costs $915 for the economy and $5,407 for first class. Expensive wine, luxurious chocolate, massage, shower, a movie you choose? Remember the article where we explained that it does not matter what kind of food or drink we consume on board – our mucus membranes are dried out and we cannot feel the taste. All of the spa centers in your destination will be happy to offer dozens of massages and procedures that include shower as a bonus. When comes to the movie, you can watch some on your PC in the economy class.

First-class passengers have special access to first-class airport lounges, where they can grab a drink pre-flight, receive free manicure and pedicure or take a shower upon landing. Some airlines even shuttle passengers in a Porsche or Mercedes to their connecting flight.  If so, what happens during flight? The special treatment becomes top-notch personal pampering – starting  with meals by Michelin-starred chefs and free booze as well as luxury provisions such as pyjamas and facial masks alongside people who are at the top of their professions. All of this happens on seats four to six times the size of economy seats with extra legroom. Surrounded by such luxury, it’s easier to land at your destination refreshed and well rested without waiting for deboard.

That’s all hard to come by in economy, where little service, the seats are less comfortable, and there is a longer waiting time to deboard.

Ultimately, the order of the priorities is important.

Author: Savina Danailova