Language 
No results found
Is flying first class actually worth it? Here’s the honest answer
Is first class worth it? Learn when the upgrade truly pays off, when it doesn’t, and why the airline and aircraft matter more than you think.
Yes, first class can be worth it, but only in very specific situations. Sure, it’s super comfortable and an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. But for most travelers, the benefits don’t justify paying several times the price of economy class.
That being said, on certain routes, with certain airlines, or in certain situations, it can be an absolute game-changer.
In this guide, we’re breaking down when first class is worth it and when it’s not, and why the airline and aircraft matter more than you think.
What do you actually get in first class?
Let’s start by breaking down what first class travel actually includes. The key benefits for most travelers are the seat and the privacy.
You get a spacious, ultra-comfortable, lie-flat seat that transforms into a bed. The flight attendants also offer a turn-down service with bed linen and real pillows. Being able to lie down on a long-haul flight is a game-changer. You can get several hours of solid rest instead of 30 minutes of broken sleep and a backache that lingers for days.
But first class doesn’t just get you a better seat. You get a spacious pod or even a private suite, offering the highest level of privacy possible. This makes you feel like you’re sleeping in a hotel, not on a plane.
Other worthwhile benefits include:
- Significantly higher food and drink quality: You get gourmet, restaurant-style meals served on an actual plate with real cutlery. The amount of food and drink you get in first class is also practically unlimited.
- Lounge access and fast track: You don’t have to stand in a queue to board, you walk straight on before anyone else, and sip champagne while the others board. Layovers also become a joyful experience, with access to airport lounges featuring champagne buffets, showers, and sleeping pods.
- VIP service: In first class, the crew-to-passenger ratio is much lower. Flight attendants take care of just a handful of first-class passengers, so you get a much more attentive, personalized service.
- Chauffeur and meet-and-greet services: Some airlines include additional perks, such as chauffeurs to bring you to and from the airport, and even a meet-and-greet service to whisk you straight through security and customs.
So, is first class worth it?
Well, it all depends on which airline you fly with, which route you take, and which plane you get, which we’ll discuss next!
Why airline choice matters more than you think
What many people don’t realize is that first-class travel can look VERY different depending on the airline and the aircraft you’re flying on. That’s because there is no first-class standard.
A “true” first-class product is a fully enclosed suite, which feels like a mini hotel room. Yet some airlines’ first-class offerings are semi-private pods with lie-flat seats, which are in line with other airlines’ business-class offerings.
Secondly, an airline might advertise its first-class product as enclosed suites. However, the reality could be that it’s only available on a specific aircraft. So you might think you’re getting a suite, but end up just a semi-private pod. Suddenly, the thousands of dollars you spent on an upgrade don’t feel worth it anymore.
This is why it’s crucial to research the airline and look up the aircraft used on your specific route. Similarly, if your journey includes a layover flight, take extra caution, as you could get two different aircraft and thus two very different first-class products.
When flying first class is actually worth it
So, based on what you get, is flying first class worth it? Honestly, it all depends on what you value when traveling.
If you’re taking a 15-hour flight and you know you can’t sleep in economy, then the splurge might be worth it. You’ll know that you won’t suffer discomfort for 15 hours, arrive at your destination groggy and sleep-deprived, and battle severe jet lag for half your holiday!
Here are some other scenarios when flying first class is worth it:
- You’re flying overnight and crossing multiple time zones: Getting real sleep is the best way to survive a long-haul flight and reduce that horrible jet lag feeling.
- You’re traveling for work and need to arrive functional: If you’ve got an important meeting or event the day you arrive, you can’t afford to arrive sleep-deprived.
- You’re celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime trip: Many people choose to splurge on first class on their honeymoon or during a special trip.
- You’re using points, miles, or a discounted upgrade: This can significantly reduce the price of a first-class ticket and make it much more accessible, and thus worth it.
- You value privacy and low-stress airport experiences: Let’s be honest, airports can be incredibly stressful, as can sitting sandwiched between two strangers for 10+ hours. There are times when this stress becomes overwhelming, and the peace, privacy, and ease of first class feels truly worth it.
When first class probably isn’t worth the money
There are also many scenarios when first class can actually be a waste of money. For example:
- On short-haul flights: If your flight is just a few hours, there simply isn’t enough time to experience all the benefits of first class.
- On daytime flights where sleep isn’t critical: As the lie-flat seat is one of the key benefits, a first-class ticket is not worth it if you don’t actually sleep on the plane.
- When first class means simply a little extra space: Honestly, save your money until you fly with an airline that offers a real first-class experience.
- You’re paying the full cash price without upgrades or points: First-class tickets can cost up to 15 times more than economy! Business class is typically 3 times the price of economy, so if you’re paying full price, consider business over first class.
An upgrade that is always worth it
First class isn’t always worth the splurge, but reliable internet is.
With a Holafly eSIM, you get fast, unlimited data from the second you land to the moment you head home.
No hunting for SIM cards, no relying on patchy airport Wi-Fi, and no surprise roaming charges. Just a seamless, stress-free journey, every time.
Explore the Holafly eSIM store here.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
Plans that may interest you
Hey, I’m Mika! I’m an SEO specialist with 7+ years of experience and a passion for travel info that actually helps you explore smarter. I write travel guides and tips backed by SEO insights so you can spend less time searching and more time adventuring.
