For example, in first class you might even have access to perks like complimentary airport transportation, a full-service bar, in-flight shower, and cozy pajamas. The biggest difference between first and business class is the extra luxury factor. Whether in first or business class, you’ll probably be able to bring on more luggage or check an additional bag, drinks are in real glasses, meals are on real plates, and it’s all complimentary. In either business or first, you’ll have much more legroom (like 60 inches more) than in economy, you may have a lie-flat seat, and you’ll have access to the lounge in the terminal.

That being said, on airlines that have both, business class tickets are usually considerably less expensive than first class.

In fact, on some airlines the highest class of travel is business and there is no first class (though if the plane does have first class, it generally has business as well). There are usually minimal differences between first and business class. On some airlines it also includes better meal service and an increased bag allowance. Many airlines now have a premium economy category, which is in between economy and business/first class and offers seats with extra legroom and more recline. This section is home to the smallest seats and, depending on the airline, you might pay extra for drinks and meals if you’ve opted for the cheapest basic economy ticket, you might even pay for advance seat selection and a carry-on bag. If you are on a long-haul international flight, booking a ticket in first class practically guarantees a delicious (or at least much more delicious than economy) meal and much more comfortable flight.įirst class can also be found on domestic and short haul flights, but the experience is nowhere near as luxurious as first class on international flights on domestic routes, first class seats are larger and more comfortable than economy but they definitely lack the bells and whistles (or lie-flat seats and private compartments) you’ll see on long haul flights.Įconomy is almost always the cheapest way to get from point A to point B. Since there are fewer seats, each passenger gets more individualized attention and service from the flight attendant. For example, while the main (economy) cabin might have rows with nine or ten seats (in a 3-4-3 configuration), first class might have rows with just four seats (in a 1-2-1 configuration).ĭepending on the airline, international first class could include private car service to the airport, a private lounge at the terminal, caviar and champagne on the flight, a lie-flat seat, or even a private compartment with a sitting area and a bed. First class is a category of seating on a plane that has more space and is more comfortable than other seats, often by a factor of ten.

First class on planes