According to an article by The Points Guy, it costs around $50 more, per hour in the air, to fly first class versus coach on a domestic flight. For example, there may be around a $200 price difference between coach and first class for a four-hour flight. So, is it worth the cost?
Certainly many perceive first class to be a prestigious thing. But what do you get for the additional cost? Benefits vary based on distance of flight, airline, type of aircraft, and domestic versus international trips. However, Pink Magazine highlights a few of the more common perks:
- More comfortable seating
- Priority boarding
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages and in-flight meals
- Enhanced in-flight entertainment options
Additionally, the writer of this blog recently took a domestic first-class flight from Omaha, Nebraska to Charlotte, North Carolina, and in addition to the above, experienced the following:
- Dedicated first-class attendant
- Hot towel for additional comfort and refreshment
- Multiple beverage options – first during boarding, and a second option while in the air
- First to get off the plane for more time to reach connecting-flight terminals
- Access to a first-class lavatory
Is Flying First Class Worth the Additional Cost?
Are you a spender or a saver? Should getting there be half the fun? How much comfort are you willing to give up in exchange for paying less? Depending on your answers to these questions, you may be pro or con when it comes to flying first-class.
The Bottom Line
Every person needs to decide for themselves if the amenities that come with first class is worth the money. Also, it’s important to do your research. As mentioned above, not all flights offer the same first-class experience. It all depends on length of flight, plane type, airline used and domestic versus international. It’s recommended that you:
- Contact the airline that you are interested in to learn what exactly you get as a first-class passenger on a specific flight
- Research comparable flights from other airlines that fit your itinerary, so you can do a side-by-side comparison of what you get for your buck
- Weigh the benefits against the cost to determine if it is worth it
Pro Tip: Whether you fly first-class or coach, it’s important to protect the cost of your trip through suitable travel insurance.
Protect Your Investment
Whether you fly first class or coach, it’s an expensive endeavor. Dan Drennen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Travel Insurance Center® recommends using travel insurance to protect flight expenses along with other trip budget items.
Travel insurance can provide protection in the following scenarios:*
- Political instability makes travel ill advised
- Hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis or other natural disasters make your trip unfeasible
- Emergency evacuation of your travel destination
- Emergency medical expenses
- Trip cancellation
Are you in need of travel insurance?
If you are planning to take a trip, Dan Drennen and his team of travel insurance experts at Travel Insurance Center would love the opportunity to help you gain proper travel insurance protection. Travel Insurance Center’s team does the research needed to find suitable insurance options tailored specifically to your needs and budge. Plus, they do it all at no cost to you. Reach out today at 1.866.979.6753 for a complimentary, no-obligation quote.
*Not an exhaustive list.
