Do You Know Why First Class Tickets Are So Expensive?

Flying first-class is every travellers dream!

The free-flowing champagne, comfortable seats and a luxurious treatment at 30000 feet in the air would be on anyone’s ‘Bucket List’.

But these days, first-class airfares have become more expensive than spending an evening at a 5 Star hotel.

Have you ever wondered why?

Well, we did some digging and found out a few reasons why airlines charge you a bomb when you fly first-class.

1.First-Class Perks & Services

The main reason why first-class tickets are kept high is because of the perks that come with it.

Unlike the bland food in economy class, a first class passenger is treated to world-class cuisines prepared by Micheline-Starred Chefs, which they can enjoy in front of a personal entertainment system.

Once you are full, the airline provides you sleepwear to doze off on those comfortable flat beds.

Apart from all these services, some airlines also offer you shower facilities.

Its almost like your personalized bedroom in the sky.

2.Exclusive Access At The Airport

Special treatment is not just confined to airplanes for first-class passengers.

Many international airlines have luxurious first-class lounges at airports to pamper you before and after the flight.

You can grab a drink before you board the airplane or take a shower once you arrive at your destination, at these first-class airport lounges.

If that wasn’t enough, airlines also provide you a chauffeur-driven Mercedes or Porsche to ferry you to and from the airport.

3.Allows Airlines To Offer Discounts

First class prices are kept high so that they can be discounted or promoted.

Airlines bank on corporate deals which offer free upgrades or discounted first-class tickets because these partnerships are profitable.

These days airlines are going beyond corporates and offering lucrative discounts to leisure travellers as well. For example, some airlines offer their passengers free upgrades to first class when they pay full-fare on a  business-class ticket.

4.People Don’t Usually Pay Full Fare

Airlines don’t expect people travelling in first class to pay the full fare.

In fact, you will be surprised to know only a few people travel first class by paying the full ticket amount.

Apart from corporate employees, people use their frequent flyer miles as well to get upgrades or discounts on first-class tickets.

So those Rs 40000 worth first-class seats? Only a few people are actually paying that price!

5.Sense Of Exclusivity

First-class seats are considered a premium product and like all luxury goods, they are expensive.

Airlines try to create an experience where they make the passenger feel special and high prices are necessary to maintain those standards.

You feel like you are getting more than what you expected, which makes the flying experience exclusive.

6.Rising Airline Costs

Air ticket prices have changed from what they were a decade ago. This is because the associated costs of an airline have increased over the years.

According to Global Statistics, the cost of airplane fuel in 1996 was just 55 cents per gallon, however, as of April 2018, airplane fuel costs $2.2 per gallon.

Apart from rising oil prices, airline taxes, security costs and airport maintenance costs have also increased leading to airline pushing that burden onto passengers by increasing airfares.

7.First-Class Takes Up Space

According to a research conducted by travel site, Momondo, on an average, first class seats are 32 inches wide with a seat pitch or length of 92 inches.

This allows the passenger to travel in comfort and have privacy.

On long-haul flights, a first class seat takes up the space of four to six economy seats. That’s why airlines price it four to six times higher or more, considering the demand for economy seats.

The perks are there to help justify the price difference to customers.

8.Dynamic Pricing

Airlines decide their price tickets based on what a customer is willing to pay rather than how much they should pay to cover their “fair share.”

So if you have the money, the price of the tickets won’t make much difference and you can pay a premium for the convenience of first-class.

The concept of dynamic pricing is used in many industries but the airline industry is its best example.

Nowhere will you find, two people using the same service and paying different prices for it, which usually happens in the economy cabin.

Flying first-class is expensive, but if you want to get around it, read about the “10 Ways To Upgrade Your Seat To First-Class”.

Can’t wait to experience the luxury of first-class?

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