This week, American Airlines announced that it is eliminating first class on its international flights.
The reason, according to the company, is that customers are no longer purchasing international first class tickets and are preferring business class. Thus, the company’s plan is to replace first class with more seats in business class.
“The quality of the business class seat has improved significantly. And frankly, by removing [first class], we can provide more seats in business class, which is what our customers want most or are most willing to pay for,” said Vasu Raja, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, in an interview with CNN.
Competing airlines, such as United and Delta, abandoned first class on their international flights years ago, moving forward with more luxurious business class offerings. Delta made the change in 1998, and United did so in 2016.
What is the difference between first class and business class? Although the differences between first class and business class are not as significant as those between economy and first or business, there are still some variables to consider when making your choice.
The first difference is financial. First class typically costs about twice as much as business class. Furthermore, what changes is:
• First class passengers may have a seat that converts into a bed or even their own private apartment, on some airlines.
• Business class may offer more legroom, but does not provide private space;
• Food and drink in business class are typically restaurant-level;
• First class dining is generally on another level, with an award-winning chef setting the menu;
• In Asia, first class lounges are on a different level, but at most airports, the wait is quite similar for business or first class lounges.
The truth is that increasingly, both business and first class seats are becoming better. However, while in first class a passenger may find comforts like double beds, showers, or even an apartment in the sky, very few can afford that luxury, leaving the market quite limited for airlines.
Source: CNN