First Class vs. Business Class
Many airlines have eliminated first class entirely. Where it exists, the gap between first and business varies wildly:
- Domestic US "first" — Barely better than economy. Skip it.
- International business — Lie-flat beds, premium service. Very good.
- True international first — Suites, fine dining, dedicated cabins. Exceptional.
The question is: does the upgrade from business to first justify the extra points?
When First Class Makes Sense
1. Aspirational Products
Some first class products are bucket-list experiences:
- Singapore Suites — Private rooms with double beds
- Emirates First — Shower spas and caviar
- ANA First (The Suite) — Japanese hospitality at its finest
- Lufthansa First — Includes private terminal access
2. The Points Gap Is Reasonable
If business class costs 70,000 miles and first costs 85,000, that 15,000-mile premium might be worth it. If first costs 150,000, probably not.
3. Special Occasions
Honeymoons, milestone birthdays, once-in-a-lifetime trips—these justify the splurge.
Best First Class Sweet Spots
ANA First via Virgin Atlantic
Cost: 55,000 miles one-way
Yes, the same 55,000 that gets you round-trip business can get one-way first. Requires finding availability, but exceptional value.
Japan Airlines First via Alaska
Cost: 70,000 miles one-way
JAL's first class is understated luxury with incredible food and sake service.
Lufthansa First via Avianca
Cost: 87,000 miles one-way
Includes access to the legendary Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt.
When to Skip First Class
- Short flights — You won't experience the product
- Daytime flights — The bed matters less
- Huge points premium — Two business trips often beat one first
- Mediocre products — Not all first class is equal
Modern business class is excellent. First class is a luxury, not a necessity. Book it for the experience, not because it's "better." For most trips, business class delivers 90% of the comfort at 60% of the points.
Key Takeaways
- True international first class is a significant step up from business
- Book first class for exceptional products (Singapore, Emirates, ANA, JAL)
- Consider the points premium—is it worth 2x the miles?
- Reserve first for long-haul flights and special occasions
- Business class is often the smarter play