Air travel can be an expensive endeavor, especially when comparing the price difference between flying first class versus flying coach. While first class offers additional amenities and more space, flying coach is significantly cheaper. So just how much more does it cost to fly first class?
The Main Differences Between First Class and Coach
First class and coach, also sometimes referred to as economy class, offer very different flight experiences. Here are some of the main differences:
- Seat size – First class seats are much larger and have more legroom. First class seats on international flights may be lay-flat or recline much further.
- Amenities – First class offers amenities like lounge access, priority boarding, in-flight entertainment, power outlets, WiFi, champagne, and better food.
- Service – There is increased attention from airline staff, including flight attendants, dedicated check-in counters, etc.
- Flexibility – First class tickets tend to have more flexible change and cancellation policies.
- Privacy – There are taller seat dividers and fewer middle seats in first class.
While coach seats are smaller, usually with around 31-32 inches of pitch and 17-18 inches in width, first class seats can have 37 inches or more of legroom and be over 20 inches wide. The amenities, service, and comfort provided in first class aim to make the flight experience as premium as possible, with coach simply providing basic transportation.
The Cost Difference Between First Class and Coach
Just how much more expensive is it to fly first class compared to coach? The price difference can vary greatly based on the airline, route, and when you book. However, first class is frequently two to four times higher priced than the basic economy coach fare on the same flight. Here are some examples of the difference in airfare costs:
Flight Route | Coach Fare | First Class Fare | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles to New York | $200 | $600 | 3x more |
Dallas to Miami | $150 | $350 | Over 2x more |
Denver to Seattle | $100 | $375 | Almost 4x more |
As you can see, the price to fly first class ranges from around 2 to 4 times the cost of an economy ticket. Shorter domestic flights tend to have lower multiples while lengthy international routes can be 3-4x. The exact multiple will depend on factors like high season versus low season demand.
How Airline Classes Are Structured
In addition to first class and standard coach, there are also premium economy seats and business class on many flights. Airlines structure their classes like this:
- First class – The most premium seats on an aircraft with the best service.
- Business class – A step down from first with slightly less space but still excellent service.
- Premium economy – Coach with more legroom, recline, and nicer seats. Still no lie-flat.
- Standard economy/coach – Basic coach seats with the lowest ticket prices.
On domestic flights, the classes are usually first class and coach. Long-haul international routes will have first, business, premium economy and regular economy. The more premium classes are always a sizable step up in price from discounted coach.
Factors That Determine First Class vs. Coach Costs
Why is there such a large price gap between booking first class over coach? There are a few important factors that go into the pricing:
1. Limited Supply
There are only a handful of first class seats available on any given flight, far fewer than economy seats. Basic supply and demand leads to higher prices for the limited first class tickets. Airlines want to price first class high enough to cover the elevated service costs.
2. Enhanced Experience
All of the additional amenities in first class – lounge access, champagne, lie-flat seats on international flights, etc. cost extra for airlines to provide. The higher revenue from first class tickets helps fund these offerings.
3. Customer Willingness to Pay
Some business and luxury travelers are willing and able to pay the premium price for first class. The fare prices simply reflect this demand from customers wishing for a superior flying experience.
4. Company Expense Policies
Many companies have generous policies for employee travel expenses. They may allow senior executives and frequent traveling employees to fly first class as a job perk. This also feeds airline demand.
5. Status and Exclusivity
There is an exclusivity aspect to first class that adds to the demand. Some upscale travelers enjoy the status of flying first class and access to luxury amenities not available in coach.
When First Class vs. Coach Prices Converge
While there is typically a large price gap between first and coach, there are instances where first class prices come down closer to economy fares. This usually only occurs when there is low demand for first class and airlines want to entice customers to upgrade.
Some examples of first class deals include:
- Last minute deals when seats are still empty right before departure.
- Special sales around slower travel seasons or off-peak days.
- Lower prices on hub routes where there is a lot of capacity.
- Discounts on new routes an airline is entering to spur demand.
Savvy travelers can find first class deals in these situations where airlines discount prices. The flight comparison site Google Flights even shows this when first class is priced lower and close to economy.
Is First Class Worth the Extra Cost?
At the end of the day, is it worth spending so much extra to fly in first class? There are a few scenarios where it can provide solid value:
- Long international flights, especially overnight, where the lie-flat seat and extra amenities really enhance the experience.
- Employees who travel frequently for work and can benefit from the reduced fatigue and improved productivity after landing.
- As a special occasional splurge for important trips or vacations.
However, for many leisure travelers taking occasional trips, the extra cost is likely not justifiable. The money saved flying economy can pay for a nicer hotel, activities at the destination, etc. Some simple tricks to make economy more tolerable include paying extra for more legroom seats, packing headphones, bringing an inflatable neck pillow, and dressing comfortably for the flight.
For price-sensitive travelers, coach will provide the most value in most cases. But during special occasions or for frequent business travelers, first class can be worth considering if you can find it at a discount.
Tips for Saving on First Class
For travelers who do decide first class is worth the premium price tag in certain cases, here are some tips to save on the fare costs:
- Book far in advance when fares are lower.
- Be flexible with your dates if possible.
- Fly midweek instead of weekends.
- Check alternate nearby airports for cheaper departure points.
- Join airline frequent flyer programs and pay with the airline credit card to earn upgraded seats.
- Book empty leg flights which operate to reposition private jets.
- Watch for airfare sales and off-peak travel discounts.
- Use miles and points to upgrade coach tickets to first class.
While walk-up last minute fares will be very expensive, planning ahead and being a savvy travel shopper opens up ways to experience first class while saving on the airfare costs. The several times higher price tag keeps it out of reach for many flyers, but deals are out there.
The Bottom Line
First class airfare is typically 2 to 4 times higher priced than basic economy fares on the same flight, sometimes reaching over 5 times as expensive on lengthy international routes. While the luxurious amenities and lie-flat seats provide a superior experience in the air, the as much as $2,000 or $3,000 price gap is too steep for many travelers to justify. However, for business travelers, special occasions, and those who especially value the comfort and pampered feel of first class, it can provide strong perks. For flyers seeking deals, first class discounts occasionally happen during airfare sales or when premium demand is very low.
While budget-minded travelers will likely stick to economy seating, flying first class delivers tangible benefits for those who fly frequently or want to indulge in an extra comfortable journey. Understanding when to splurge on first class and how to find deals makes the luxury experience possible for more savvy jetsetters.