As we know a first-class ticket costs the most when compared to other classes of ticket. With a price tag of more than 5 times the cost of a standard economy class ticket, one might ask what are the perks provided that are exclusive to first class customers. For those who want extra legroom for example, it is already provided at the level of premium economy which generally costs at most double the price of a standard economy seat. For those who want more, seats that turn into beds are given at business class level which is 2 to 3 times the cost of standard economy. This is still cheaper than first class which offers for the most part the same type of seat as is available in business class.
It is true that certain aspects that would be useful for business class customers are also provided more exclusively to first class customers. Free Wi-Fi for example is not always given to businesses class customers but when provided is generally given free to first class customers. Fast track check-in, which would be time saver for business customers, is generally only exclusively given to first class customers. But what about those first-class customers who are not business orientated?
Fine Dining
It does appear that in terms of food and drink, the options offered to first class customers are more pronounced than those offered in other classes. There are a greater number of beverages on offer with a range of wines, spirits, beers and in certain cases alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Before boarding lounges are offered catering specifically to first class passengers and in certain cases a choice give customers more options. Such is the case at London Heathrow airport in the United Kingdom, where British Airways first class customers have a choice of three different lounges.
The airport lounges offered for first class passengers are generally beautifully laid out and offer in most cases sit down dinning and waiter service. Once on board the flight the same service is offered with a greater selection in the choice of food and drink and in addition a dine anytime option. With this, you have a choice as to when you want your meal on the flight with a waiter service as you would have in a traditional restaurant.
Designer Goods and Private Cabins
Another perk of first-class travel are the designer vanity sets and in some cases lounge-wear, which is essentially a comfortable garment that can be worn on board the flight. British Airways for example offers lounge-wear made by Temperley London as well as an amenity set made by the same company with skin care products from the British company Elemis. Emirates offers designer amenity bags made by the European company Bulgari.
In addition to the designer accessories, another perk of the first-class experience is the greater privacy you get on board. Whilst business offers more spacious seating which does not provide much privacy, first class takes privacy to a new level. In most cases first class customers are each offered a small private cabin which provides an exclusive area for them. However, in some cases, as is the case with Emirates, they are effectively given a private suite with an en-suite shower room which gives the first-class customer an opportunity to have a shower on board their flight.
As one can see, first class offers plenty of perks for customers as a reward for the hike in fare. In addition to the fine dining and designer accessories the first-class experience takes privacy and convenience to a new level. Offering a similar service to even business customers may not be possible due to the need for more space on flights. There are however aspects of the service such as free Wi-Fi which could be rolled out to business class customers as well. We have to see how this progresses.
Your blog post was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you for the gentle reminder to practice self-care.