The history of first class reveals luxury air travel tug-of-war

Air travel classes are well defined today, but it did not start out that way.

Flying was something only the privileged few could afford, and there was only one cabin. In the 1930s, when travellers flew on the twin-engine Douglas DC-3, every one of them expected to be able to sleep on a flat bed.

After the second world war, many military aircraft models were redesigned as commercial planes, and in the 1950s Boeing 377 Stratocruiser set a new standard for luxurious air travel with its extra-wide passenger cabin and gold-appointed dressing rooms, lower deck beverage lounge, and hot meals for up to 100 prepared in the galley. The 28 upper-and-lower bunk units allowed for a restful journey.

As airlines began to seek higher yields, cheaper fares were introduced in the 1940s, separating passengers into haves and have-nots. Some airlines went as far as offering four classes – deluxe (upper first class), first, tourist and economy – but a two-class configuration still dominated the skies.

The Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8, popular models from the late ‘50s through to the ‘70s, ushered in cabin layouts that today’s aircraft still tend to follow. More than 200 people could fly at the same time. First-class passengers, despite no longer sleeping on a flat bed, enjoyed much more space and more comfortable seats.

When Pan Am, the leader in commercial aviation for much of the 20th century, launched the Boeing 747, it offered a well-appointed premium lounge on the upper deck that would not be viable today.

As the world changed, demand emerged to give birth to what would later become known as “business class”. The debate remains as to which airline first introduced it. Some believe British Airways’ “Club Class” introduced in October 1978 was the pioneer while Qantas claims to have launched the world’s first actual Business Class in 1979.