Does first class have a future?

With ongoing improvements in business, first class needs to outdo itself to survive

Some might consider the mid-20th century as the real “golden era” of travel, when jet aircraft came to the fore. With the launch of the Boeing 747, highflying passengers could leave their seats to explore sizeable onboard bars and lounges. But despite the era’s glitz and glamour, one reality remained true: flying first class across oceans still meant merely reclining in a seat – not lying down.

Over time, first class evolved from that comfortable chair into a bed. In the early stages, there was little focus on privacy. The very novelty of having a bed in the sky was a drawcard, with no need for sliding doors or showers.

Meanwhile, business class made its grand debut back in 1970, but it wasn’t until 2000 that an airline dared put a bed anywhere other than the first class cabin. We can thank

British Airways for setting that standard, which so many travellers now expect of a business class flight.

Business class has even come to surpass the first class of yesteryear. Seats became beds, meals and wine lists became more lavish, and passengers grew accustomed to direct aisle access. It hasn’t stopped there. On some airlines, the privacy previously reserved for first class is now becoming standard in business class, with closing doors for every seat.

It’s clear that business class is no longer just a “practical” product where you’ll do some work and get some rest. It’s now more of a luxury experience, and not just about business. After all, those double beds in Qatar Airways’ Qsuite weren’t exactly designed with work trips in mind. But where does this all leave first class? Are we at a point now where business class is so evolved that first class just can’t beat it? Let’s have a look.

FIRST CLASS OR SECOND BEST

Many airlines continue to push business class to new heights, but there’s less room to innovate in first class. For airlines already offering palatial private suites with all the trimmings, how much further can the envelope really be stretched? Instead, it’s more common to see incremental improvements: wider privacy doors, longer beds, 4K TVs and so on.

Arguably, the first class journey isn’t even so much about the seat. Factors such as separate lounges on the ground, supreme service in the air and better perks all round are part of the enticing offer. I’m mindful of a recent journey of my own, in British Airways First from London to New York. On a plane offering BA’s closing-door Club Suites in business class, I still happily parted with even more miles to fly BA

First instead. It wasn’t the seat that enticed me: let’s be honest, Club Suites offers greater privacy. It was the whole experience, including

Airlines continue to push business class to new heights, but there’s less room to innovate in first class

RIGHT: A passenger enjoys dessert in British Airways First