Why luxury of flying first class can be worth the money
Perks of limousine services, first-class airport lounges and private suites let fliers gain time, energy, productivity – and potentially new relationships
The cost of first-class airfares can be astronomical.
Some first-class prices, such as a US$32,000 trip from New York to Abu Dhabi on Etihad's A380 in a first-class suite, are just as high as the altitude of the planes themselves.
The reasons behind the expensive price tag of first-class airfare include the coveted perks, the sense of luxury, and the fact that the high charges enable airlines to offer other tickets at discounts.
However, with a 70 per cent increase in fares compared with economy – possibly even more if you're flying internationally – are those reasons even worth the steep cost?
Depending on how badly you want a taste of luxury, it might be – especially if you are a savvy traveller who used points to pay for your flight.
For starters, the perks and pampering blow economy class out of the water
First-class passengers have special access to first-class airport lounges, where they can grab a drink preflight, receive free manicures and pedicures, or take a shower upon landing.
Some airlines even shuttle passengers in a Porsche or Mercedes to their connecting flight, where they can then board via priority boarding, of course.