Now that we have looked at the evolution of premium cabin air travel over the past few decades, let’s analyse the numbers to work out whether the premium paid for First Class services like complimentary massages, onboard showers and chauffeur transfers justify the higher cost versus a flight in a lower class of service.


A closer look at First Class

Part I: The history of First and Business Class
Part II: Is First Class worth the premium over Business and Economy?


Comparing a redemption in First, Business and Economy

To show a comparison of the Qantas Points required for a First, Business and Economy class redemption, I have used the example of a dummy Brisbane to Singapore return flight on an Emirates A380. Taking into account the Qantas changes announced in June 2019, the prices are as follows:

The new rates reflect a cost of 2.5x for Business over Economy and 4x for First over Economy.

Emirates A380 Economy
You can choose to share the cabin with almost 400 other Economy Class passengers…
Emirates A380 Business Class
…or get direct-aisle access from every seat in Business Class

Emirates A380 First Class Shower
or upgrade to an onboard shower in First Class
Ad – Scroll down to continue reading.Minimum spend, terms & conditions apply.

Does a First Class redemption represent good value?

In my opinion, the gap between Business and First Class during 2008-2015 felt like it was rapidly shrinking, given the major advances that were being made to Business Class seats—and it obviously wasn’t just my opinion. Many airlines chose to completely dump their First Class cabins during this period, and that is still continuing today, with United Airlines being one of the latest.

For those airlines that have chosen to shift up a gear and invest heavily in their First Class product, there is now a clear gulf between their Business and First Class cabins, especially with the advent of upgraded ‘Suites’ and ‘Apartment-style’ amenities that we have come to desire and expect.

Summing up

Personally, I can see the value of First over Business—more tailored and individualised service, upgraded dining, unique amenities such as showers and dedicated check-in areas and terminals and, of course, First Class lounges.

Qatar First Class Lounge Doha
Qatar Airways’ flagship First Class Lounge in Doha is so large it can be eerily lonely and quiet sometimes

But there are many similarities too, such as lie-flat seats, direct-aisle access (in most modern Business cabins) and decent dining and lounge facilities (albeit a level below First).

Qantas International Business Lounge
The Qantas International Business Class Lounge in Sydney can get crowded and is due for a makeover

For me, Business is sufficient, especially given the alternatives is Sardine Class or Premium Sardine Class; sufficient enough anyway to pocket the 30-50% saving in frequent flyer points to use for other travels.

Of course, the caveat to that is exactly what happened to me when trying to book my flights to Europe earlier this year, and that is availability. If First is on offer, and no Business Class is available, I wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger and fly First.

Hey, we all need to live little, right?

I would love to get your thoughts on this topic. Are you like me and are happy to fly Business when available, or are you First Class all the way?

Supplementary images courtesy respective airlines.

Is First Class worth the premium over Business and Economy? (Part II) was last modified: August 1st, 2019 by Daniel Sciberras