You don’t fly Qantas First Class for the flash; you fly it for the feeling. There’s no gold-plated bling like Emirates, no closing doors or onboard showers. But what you do get is something rarer: space, silence, and the kind of service that makes you feel like the only person onboard. That, and a fillet steak that could go head-to-head with most five-star hotel kitchens… at least for half the journey.

Heathrow Terminal 3 isn’t exactly the most inspiring place to begin a first-class journey, but Qantas’ premium service team quickly lifts the experience. Courtney, an absolute pro, welcomed me at check-in, handled a torn shopping bag situation (saving my M&S tea and chocolates from public embarrassment), and arranged a personal escort through Singapore to skip the usual chaos.

The Qantas First Lounge at Heathrow is hands down the best Oneworld option in the terminal. It’s spacious, much bigger than you’d expect, and while the à la carte menu is tighter than Sydney’s, all the favourites are there, including Neil Perry’s iconic salt and pepper squid. Camden Pale Ale and Camden Hells Lager are on tap, and there’s Bollinger Champagne paired with warm nuts and olives. It’s not quite the ultra-polish of Singapore Airlines' lounges, but it’s close and miles ahead of the Business lounges.

Despite its size, the lounge can fill up when Platinum frequent flyers start filing in for the economy schlep, but seating for First passengers is reserved, so you’ll always find a quiet spot.

Boarding was swift and discreet. The A380 is the only aircraft in Qantas’ fleet to offer First Class, and you immediately feel the difference stepping on board. With only 15 seats in the cabin, it’s quiet, intimate, and immaculately serviced.

Each suite is spacious, easily double the footprint of a Business Suite, with a large LCD screen, endless storage compartments, and a generous dining table that makes mid-air meetings a reality. There’s even a loveseat for anyone planning to chat or dine with a companion at 40,000 feet.

While the layout isn’t the traditional odds-and-evens herringbone, it works. It’s not the most private First product in the sky (don’t expect QSuite levels of seclusion), but it’s comparable to Singapore Airlines First. Privacy screens help if you’re in the centre seats, which I copped on the second leg.

The black PJs and matching slippers are elite. The sleeper kit is a noticeable step up from Business. Everything just feels a little bit more considered. And then there’s the crew...

The crew on this leg were incredible. Young, switched on, super attentive, and genuinely cool. You get the sense the future of Qantas is alive and well in First Class. Nick, who looked after me, was a f**king legend. He anticipated everything, from topping up drinks to setting up meals, and never missed a beat. At one point, it felt like there were more crew than passengers. Not a complaint.

Dinner on the London to Singapore leg was superb. A fillet steak cooked just right, paired with a 2019 South Australian Shiraz. There's even an onboard chef preparing meals for First Class passengers. The soup? So elite I forgot to take a photo. Breakfast? Pancakes and bircher muesli. I didn’t need it, but I couldn't say no.

But here’s the thing. Qantas sold off its catering arm a few years back, so the food quality varies by hub. There’s no consistent global supplier for First Class, so it can be a bit hit or miss. Case in point, the final leg into Sydney was rough. Grouper that was tougher than an old boot. And let’s be honest, if you’re paying $20,000 for a return ticket (not that I was), that’s just not cricket.

This is where Qantas First really pulls away from Business. The bedding is excellent. Thick mattress topper, proper pillows, a heavy double blanket.

Old mate, Nick took five minutes to make the bed while I slipped into my PJs, and when I came back, it looked like something out of a boutique hotel. I was snoring not long after, a few glasses of wine and Bollinger in, headphones still on. Good night, Irene.

Everything in the suite is controlled via a touchscreen remote. It’s responsive enough but maybe less intuitive than Emirates’ ICE system.

The screen’s big, bright and perfect for zoning out, but the lack of Wi-Fi is a real issue. For a flagship product, Qantas is still behind the eight ball. No internet in First Class in 2025? C’mon, mate.

Landing in Singapore, you’re met by a personal concierge, Ryan in my case, who guides you straight to the Qantas First Lounge, books you in for a shower, and seats you in a private dining area. The menu is Singapore-inspired with some Neil Perry staples thrown in (yes, the squid again). Ryan gave me the full rundown on how to skip queues, what routes offer the best shot at a First upgrade, and reassured me boarding hadn’t started yet, so I could properly chill. Class.

Qantas First on the A380 delivers on the things that matter most: space, service, sleep, and that unmistakable Aussie charm. It’s not the flashiest product in the sky, but it’s real, comfortable, and at its best, luxurious. The lack of Wi-Fi and inconsistent catering let it down slightly, but when you’ve got legends like Courtney, Nick, and Ryan looking after you, those rough edges get smoothed out pretty quickly.

Qantas First might just be the airline’s best-kept secret. You just have to catch it on a good day.

Read the full article Qantas First Class Review: 80,000 Points for First Class from London to Sydney… But Is It Worth It? on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Human curiosity has always caused us to explore different lands such as climbing the tallest peaks, diving into the deepest oceans or jet-setting across continents. But now, the ultimate travel destination is not about to be some hidden island or remote jungle. Iat’s about to be space.

What once was confined to astronauts and science fiction is slowly coming closer to a luxury reality. Thanks to deep-pocketed billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson, space tourism is quickly shifting from an impossible dream to an extravagant getaway. And if the latest developments are anything to go by, we’re not far from a world where sipping champagne in zero gravity becomes just another Tuesday for the wealthiest people of the world.

To understand where space tourism is heading, it’s helpful to know where space actually begins. The internationally recognized boundary, certified by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, is the Kármán line, which sits about 60 miles (100 kilometres) above the Earth’s surface. Cross that line, and congratulations, you’re officially in space.

And here’s the exciting part. By the end of 2025, multiple companies are expected to offer both suborbital and orbital flights, making space more accessible — at least for those who can afford the ticket.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been busy turning civilians into astronauts through its Crew Dragon and Starship aircrafts. In September 2021, the company made history with the Inspiration4 mission which was the first all-civilian orbital flight.

Fast forward to September 2024, and the company’s Polaris Dawn mission achieved another milestone with the first private spacewalk — because apparently, floating in space wasn’t thrilling enough on its own. But Musk isn’t stopping there either. With the Starship program, SpaceX is eyeing lunar tourism by the late 2020s and will offer well-funded travellers the chance to follow in the Apollo astronauts’ footsteps.

Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is also all about making space tourism a thrilling yet slightly more accessible experience. The company officially opened ticket sales to the public in 2022, with a price tag of $450,000 USD per seat. Then, in June 2023, Virgin Galactic launched Galactic 01, which was the first commercial space tourism flight and marked another milestone in civilian space travel.

After a brief pause for fleet upgrades, Virgin Galactic plans to resume flights by late 2025 and will offer a revised ticket price of $250,000 USD — still not cheap, but a step toward bringing space tourism beyond just billionaires and hedge fund tycoons. The company will also offer their own signature experience — a 2.5-hour journey which will feature six minutes of weightlessness and a breathtaking view of Earth’s curvature.

Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin has also been part of the space race and has steadily been racking up successful missions with its New Shepard rocket, which has completed 26 flights so far. The first civilian ticket was sold for $28 million USD in a 2021 charity auction, proving that there’s no shortage of people willing to pay obscene amounts for a quick trip to space. More recently, Blue Origin made headlines when Karsen Kitchen became the youngest woman to cross the Kármán line aboard NS-26. This really highlighted the growing diversity of space travellers in recent years.

Short suborbital joyrides are definitely exciting, but the future of space tourism is looking even better. Companies like Orbital Assembly and Axiom Space are already developing space hotels that are set to open by 2030 and promise luxury stays in microgravity. Imagine waking up to an endless view of the Earth from orbit — now that’s a five-star experience.

Meanwhile, the first commercial space station is expected to begin operations between 2027 and 2028 and this will further open up extended research missions and high-end leisure trips. And if all goes according to plan, lunar tourism could soon be a reality, with civilians stepping onto the Moon before the end of the decade.

For now, though, space tourism is accessible only to the extremely wealthy. But just like commercial air travel went from an elite luxury to an everyday convenience, there’s hope that private spaceflight could also follow a similar path. Market numbers are also showing that the space tourism sector is expected to expand by 15-20% annually between 2025 and 2030 and reach a valuation of $10-15 billion USD.

The number of space tourists are also expected to increase from 250-400 in 2025 to over 1,000 by 2030. Naturally this type of growth is getting the attention of global investors and countries like Japan and the UAE are investing billions in their own space tourism projects.

The real problem though is cost. Companies are working to bring prices down but it’ll take years, if not decades, before space travel is anything close to affordable for the average person. But one thing’s clear: the demand is there and space is closer than ever to becoming the next luxury destination.

Read the full article Your Next First Class Flight Might Not Be on a Plane on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Airlines have long experimented with first-class cabin designs, with some fading into obscurity and others setting new benchmarks. But now, Air France has gone all in with its latest La Première suite which is designed to attract even the most selective travellers.

The first-class cabin has a sophisticated grey and red-accented interior and offers an unparalleled mix of space, comfort, and technology. There are only four pairs of beds and seats per aircraft and this new concept represents a complete reimagining of what luxury air travel can be, offering levels of privacy and comfort that have been unheard of before.

Bigger is better, and Air France knows it because the new La Première suite gives 3.5 square meters of personal space — 25% more than its predecessor. Each suite comes with a dual-configuration layout with a seat and chaise longue positioned opposite each other. Whether you're dining, sleeping, or simply enjoying the ride, this design can adapt to your every need.

Privacy is covered too with floor-to-ceiling curtains that ensure total seclusion. The side suites also get a rare airline luxury—five windows for amazing views throughout your journey. Air France has taken couples into consideration as well with center suites that have full-height electric sliding partitions, allowing for a mix of shared and private experiences.

The company has used technology to provide their passengers with the ultimate luxury experience. The suites will have dual 32-inch 4K screens that offer over 1,500 hours of entertainment and Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones. Travelers will also be easily able to control their seat position, lighting, and window shades through a wireless touchscreen tablet.

Wireless charging stations, multiple USB ports, and traditional power outlets have all been installed to make sure your devices stay charged throughout the flight. Other than that, over-head bins have also been replaced with a sleek floor-level storage system which includes a spacious sliding drawer for carry-ons and additional compartments under the chaise longue for smaller essentials.

The luxury doesn't just start at take-off. La Première passengers receive VIP treatment from the moment they arrive at the airport. They are offered private check-in, dedicated security lanes, and access to the exclusive La Première lounge where the passengers can get gourmet meals and Sisley spa treatments. Onboard, the dining experience is nothing short of haute cuisine, with three Michelin-starred chefs making multi-course meals and serving them on Bernardaud porcelain with Christofle silverware. Ben Smith, who is the CEO of Air France, explained it best:

"A large percentage of the customers are flying for business reasons … Many of them have the choice of a private jet or flying in first class," adding, "What is new for us over the last few years is a marked increase in the number of luxury customers that are flying for leisure purposes."

The new suites will debut on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in spring 2025 and will initially be serving the Paris-Charles de Gaulle to New York-JFK route, before expanding to Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda. This strategic move positions Air France at the forefront of European airline luxury and directly challenges competitors like British Airways and Lufthansa.

Air France is doubling down on the luxury travel market and has set its sights on the elite flyers who demand more than just a seat — they want an experience. And with La Première, it looks like they're going to get it.

Read the full article Air France Introduces Revolutionary First-Class Suite Promising Unmatched Luxury in the Skies on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Flight attendants have to deal with all sorts of passenger requests. Now, some have taken to the internet to recount some of the more amusing and obscure requests they’ve received. 

For those accustomed to air travel, arriving sane at your destination turns on an ability to deal with body odour, dodge a cold war over shared armrests, or tolerate any of the other social ills that economy throws at you. Yet according to stories being shared online, the biggest babies on board mightn’t be the ones screaming for iPads back in coach but those sipping bourbons up in first.

Their experiences range from the humorous, like one passenger calling for the crew to sing happy birthday to her boyfriend over the intercom, to the downright disturbing, like a young couple offering cash to swing at a nude beach once they land. It turns out Daddy’s money can’t buy you class! 

It is not uncommon for travellers to disembark having “felt a connection” with female crew members, passing hotel keys, cash and handwritten notes on napkins back to hostesses – trying to ensure that the plane won't be the only thing getting serviced once they get to the gate...

WATCH an ex-first class flight attendant explain what it takes to be working at the pointy end of the plane.

And these aren’t the only times travellers have insisted attendants check their body parts. Air dispatcher Maia Medena recounted one particularly memorable flight on Quora, where an older passenger had disturbed the cabin with muttered requests to ensure “his eye” was on board.

His seemingly crazed antics set off quite the scene onboard before it was revealed the man was on-route to receive a corneal transplant and was indeed checking to see if the donor organ had made it onto the flight as cargo. Couldn’t have seen that one coming!

We’ve come a long way since the era of hostesses asking passengers ,“steak or chicken?” In-flight meals today now cater to a broader selection of diets, and even more so for premium travellers, with airlines like Qantas even partnering with celebrity chefs for their luxury cabin and lounge menus. That isn’t to say all passengers are satisfied, with one peckish customer on a flight even asking attendant Douglas Scott, “well, what about your food, do you have something I can eat?” Picky much?

To make sure trainees aren’t under any illusions that their job will be all high-flying, induction is filled with cautionary tales from veteran attendants of all kinds of needy creatures onboard. Some crowd favourites include pouring a cup of water for a falcon mascot and a woman who’d resorted to breastfeeding her cat after a request for milk to feed her companion animal was denied.

​​It seems first-class passengers don’t just roll eyes with the requests they make, but also with the requests they ignore. The internet is rife with footage of elite tantrums taking place behind the high-flier curtains, exposing customers losing it over martinis that have two olives not three. It is surprisingly not uncommon for passengers to prove unable to tolerate small inconveniences like not wearing a mask or making phone calls during safety demonstrations.

One man even struggled on a Frontier Airlines flight to follow directions to keep his hands to himself, needing instead to be taped to his seat for time out in a naughty corner after groping two female staff. Yikes. 

As more crew members turn to the internet fed up with outrageous in-flight behaviour, outsized egos are rightfully becoming too big for carry-on. Sadly for some people, there’s no amount of money that’ll turn a 747 into a personal genie lamp.

Read the full article First Class Passengers Weirdest Requests, According To Flight Attendants on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

The pointy end is full of terrors. From the crippling pressure to make the most of it to being driven mad by your valet’s attention, first-class can (sometimes) be more stressful than business.

Unless you’re flying Air France, however, in which case passengers will – apparently – do anything to avoid the airline’s “abysmal” business class offering.

Enter: a hilarious open letter from James Asquith, the Guinness World Record holder for being the youngest male to visit all 196 countries, a bestselling author, and a frequent first and business class flyer.

Asquith on Wednesday took issue with Air France allegedly selling first class “fake fares” to stimulate demand, then downgrading those who bought them to business. Asquith claims this is not the first time during the pandemic they have done this, and they “have a history of doing this for years.”

Asquith purchased a first class fare, but was downgraded to business class.

Asquith told DMARGE this penny-pinching tactic does happen “to smaller degrees” across the industry, but “no one is anywhere near as bad at this practice as Air France.”

“Last year CX [Cathay Pacific] had ‘mistake fares’ and honoured them all. Air France… doesn’t. Goodness for if the unwashed peasants like myself were to sit in their carpentry shop built ‘la premiere’ first class seats, and my derriere was to be sat in the same place as the Renault CEO.”

“BUT $2,200 isn’t even a mistake fare, it’s still a lot. Just good value versus normal.”

“BA, Lufthansa and American Airlines have all had similar deals for First Class recently,” Asquith added.

DMARGE has reached out to Air France to seek a response, but is yet to get through. In the meantime, we urge you to read the full open letter (see: Asquith’s Instagram post above) or the abridged version we have included below.

Dear Ms Rigail,

I feel the need to write an open letter to Air France after your airline basically ran away and hid from tickets you sold to many passengers – very akin to Napolean in the battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Just to introduce myself, my name is James, and I’m just a guy that flies quite a bit. I travel with a mini stuffed koala bear called Tony (he’s kind of a big deal) and he’s into the finer things in life, unlike myself who is a bit of a peasant really.

So, when I suggested to Tony that we fly on Air France First Class (La Premiere as you so eloquently put it dans Francaise), he initially said he would rather sit on a baguette than fly Air France. Don’t worry, I disciplined him for this, but he then said, and I quote: ‘I would rather dunk my fluffy face in a tub of Camembert than fly Air France.’

I digress. A while later, after convincing Tony that Air France first class has a curtain divider akin to an IKEA shower curtain, and a few mid to average fine wines onboard, he came round to the idea… Regardless we passed over our hard earned $2,200 to book an Air France ticket, which considering the current awful situation for aviation, one would expect that is great revenue for Air France, potentially keeping more staff employed.

Now, again, I’m a peasant and have flown perhaps over 1,000 economy flights in my lifetime, on all sorts of airlines. I know luxury items are quite the ‘thing’ in France, but to be honest, I’m very un-materialistic and simply occassionally like to fly in a nice seat.

Therefore, I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but your business class cabin sucks. It’s truly abysmal. I would indeed rather flush my head down a toilet than fly Air France business class (and you don’t even want to know what Tony said). You can therefore imagine my dismay when you send an email downgrading all the tickets because of your ‘mistake fare.’ This is not the first time you have done this to me during pandemic…

…not only have you done it to me several times, but many other people too. I really don’t care too much about myself or flying Air France, but employees need support from people, why are you trying your hardest to antagonise paying customers. How many people have you done this to?

Furthermore, under EC261, you are entitled to pay all these downgraded passengers compensation, not just tell them you have downgraded them and expect them to feel grateful, so please, for goodness sake, stop ripping off people supporting your airline in tough times.

Now, I have a solution regarding my ticket. I was once quoted in the media as saying: ‘I would rather get waterboarded (again) than fly on Air France’ – yet here we are again. Being a bit of a sadist, here’s my proposal to you: downgrade me yet AGAIN, into economy, and donate 10,000 baguettes (or the equivalent, which at €0.90 a baguette on average I calculate to be €9,000, to the humanitarian food crisis in Yemen). This way it will be part me and part you contributing to a good cause. This is Air France’s chance to shine, just how Napolean couldn’t.

The cursing from Tony as I write this is ridiculous, the thought of Air France economy is palpably nauseating to him, but I’m happy to do it for a good cause. 

I will even wear a French beret and striped shirt, whilst walking around with a little French flag to plug the world’s 80th best airline, whilst singing Joe Le Taxi and randomly belting out Vive La France.

His chances of success? When DMARGE reached out to Asquith, he said, “I would estimate there is about a crumb of a baguette’s chance they come good on it.”

A Christmas miracle indeed.

Read the full article Air France First Class Controversy Leaves One American Traveller Fuming on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

It's been over two decades since the last commercial flight was taken by the Concorde, a 'supersonic' passenger aircraft that flew faster than the speed of sound. But if recent developments are anything to go by, the world is racing back into the high-speed skies at, well, supersonic speed, and we may soon be surrounded by the fastest and latest jets capable of breaking the sound barrier.

Our analysis is based on the stories that we have been hearing for some time. From the world's first supersonic private jet flight to Bombardier's Global 8000 and China's mind-bending 12,000 mph engine, the industry is buzzing with innovation. The question now is: are we on the verge of making hours-long flights a thing of the past?

Before diving deeper into these developments, it's essential to understand what we mean by supersonic speed. The Mach number is defined as a plane's speed divided by the speed at which sound waves move through the air. For planes that fly less than 0.8, they're known as Subsonic - this includes most commercial aircraft today. Supersonic flights occur when the Mach number is between 1 and 5.0. Aircrafts designed for a supersonic flight feature thin airfoils, sharp edges, and canards to manage aerodynamics at extreme speeds.

On 28 January, American company Boom Supersonic flew faster than the speed of sound with its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft, reaching Mach 1.1 at an altitude of 35,000 feet over California's Mojave Desert. What makes this special is that unlike Concorde or military jets, the XB-1 is the first privately developed, piloted aircraft to go supersonic.

Boom has already announced that the company aims to revive supersonic travel with a new airliner by 2030, so we could say that its latest supersonic flight is right in its ambitious direction.

The Boom's XB-1 is designed to carry 64 to 80 passengers, making it smaller than the average commercial airliner today. The company said that it plans to operate Overture at Mach 0.94 over land and over water, where it would speed up to Mach 1.7 (over 2000 km/h) which is twice the speed of today's fastest commercial aircraft built by Airbus or Boeing. Imagine flying from Sydney to New York in half the time!

With a price tag of $200 million USD per jet, Boom is partnering with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to develop engines inspired by F-22 and F-35 fighter jets. Airlines are already taking notice—American Airlines and Japan Airlines have placed orders for 130 aircraft, covering Boom's first five years of production.

However, as exciting as it all sounds, the supersonic flight planes are going to face challenges ­­– ones that Concorde struggled with decades ago - including high fuel consumption and high noise which severely limited the Concorde's operation in the past and contributed towards its demise.

Noise pollution remains a major concern because when the Concorde was in operation, it made a thunderous noise when flying faster than Mach 1. This meant it was limited to flying faster than the speed of sound over the sea with only two routes, London to New York and Paris to New York. Boom Supersonic claims to have solved this with "Boomless Cruise" technology, but whether it can truly eliminate the disruptive noise remains to be seen.

Environmental concerns also loom large. Supersonic jets burn significantly more fuel than subsonic aircraft, raising concerns about carbon emissions at a time when the aviation industry is under pressure to go green. Several companies, including Aerion Supersonic and Exosonic, have already shut down due to financial and regulatory difficulties, proving just how tough this market can be.

High costs are another challenge. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, tickets cost up to $12,000 round-trip, which would equal about $20,000 today when adjusted for inflation.

Boom expects the airlines to be profitable at about $5,000 USD a seat, which of course is a high price tag, and the company may find it hard to fill its plane seats with those who are willing to pay this price. First class passengers should expect to pay even more for the luxury of a premium cabin, although Boom hasn't yet crunched those numbers.

Despite the roadblocks, the race to dominate high-speed commercial aviation intensifies as companies like Spike Aerospace are also developing their own supersonic designs, determined to bring high-speed travel back for good. The big question is whether these companies can succeed where the Concorde failed? Their fate will ultimately depend on whether they can balance speed, sustainability, and affordability.

Read the full article First Class Tickets On New $1 Billion Concorde Project Will Cost A Small Fortune on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Airbus may have pulled the plug on its A380 production back in 2021, but the double-decker “superjumbo” will remain a fixture of global aviation for many years yet... and with it comes the thrill of first-class travel done right.

When this colossal aircraft first took flight, it opened the floodgates for a fresh wave of airborne opulence: private suites with sliding doors, sophisticated lounges and cocktail bars, in-flight showers, and even an on-board duty-free shop courtesy of Korean Air.

Etihad went one step further, rolling out a three-room Residence suite that promised a hotel-style experience at 35,000 feet.

Airbus set the tone as early as December 2000, showcasing eye-popping mock-ups of what it called “super first class”: sleek compartments reminiscent of modern European sleeper trains, with separate seating and full-length beds.

Airlines like Singapore and Lufthansa later adapted these ideas for their own first-class cabins, cleverly blending privacy with perks like onboard bars and sprawling lounge areas for mid-air socialising.

Although Richard Branson’s grand plans for a gym, casino, and beauty parlour on Virgin Atlantic’s (ultimately unrealised) A380 never saw the light of day, other carriers followed Airbus’s lead by installing everything from shower-equipped first-class bathrooms to spacious social hubs.

Plenty of futuristic concepts were floated... quite literally.

One early Airbus design for the upper deck imagined an open-plan ‘club’ for first-class flyers, complete with curved seating, a big dining counter, and cosy spots scattered around for chatting or a quick coffee break.

Later, design agencies such as Acumen and Yellow Window refined these ideas, conjuring up “First Place” suites with leather recliners and chaise lounges.

Meanwhile, French designer Jacques Pierrejean dreamed up a high-end “lobby” and private dining room, where first-class passengers could wine and dine as if in a boutique hotel.

Though the A380’s days are over, its lavish legacy endures.

Read the full article Airbus A380 Superjumbo Concepts Reveal The Ultra-Luxury Future Of First Class Air Travel on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Here are the airlines offering first-class seats flying out of Australia, and how we reckon they stack up.

A first class seat remains the holy grail for many travellers, but most airlines have discontinued the cabin type. Now, just a handful of carriers, including Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Qatar, British Airways, and Japan Airlines, offer first class on their flights to and from Australia. 

While the choice is small, these six airlines all do first class in their own way, so if you are lucky enough to fly first class, there is some reasonable product variety. If your winter travel plans include flying at the front of the plane, here's a summary of the airlines, routes, and aircraft types offering first class seats to and from Australia.

Emirates offers first class on their A380 and B777 flights between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Dubai. You can also pick up a first class seat on the Emirates fifth freedom flights between Sydney - Christchurch and Melbourne - Singapore.

There may be free-flowing Dom Perignon. However, the headline act in the Emirates A380 first class cabin are the two showers. Alas, you'll need to use the showers in the lounge if you are flying first class on an Emirates B777.

Emirates awards bookings are available via the Qantas website using Qantas frequent flyer points. But Emirates first class award redemptions in and out of Australia can be elusive, and Emirates is known for its excessively high redemption fees and taxes.

Qatar offers first class on their A380s, which the airline uses on its Sydney and Perth routes. You might ask why fly first class on Qatar when they have the Qsuite, but unfortunately, Qatar hasn't installed the Qsuite on its A380s.

Qatar Airways first class isn't as flashy as the Emirates offer, and the seats don't feature sliding doors. However, you do get Krug champagne, exceptional bed linen, and arguably the best walk-up bar in the sky (which you share with the business-class riff-raff). 

Australian frequent flyers can use Qantas and Virgin Australia frequent flyers points to book Qatar Airways award seats. But due to the bad blood between Qatar and Qantas, Qatar is restricting the supply of premium cabin award seats to Qantas. Virgin Australia frequent flyers will have more luck, although the fees and taxes are hefty.

Qantas also offers first class on its A380s, which fly from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles and Sydney to London Heathrow via Singapore. Qantas first class isn't the flashiest cabin on the market – it's a bit like the Qatar first class product without the nice purple mood lighting/ But Qantas first class remains a deeply comfortable flight experience.

The Qantas first class seats are huge and more private than they appear. While not as look-at-me as the Gulf carriers, the food and beverage offerings are more than good, and sometimes it's just nice to have an Australian cabin crew.

Qantas frequent flyers are in the box seat for award redemptions, although the airline also makes them available to Oneworld carriers and other partners. Recently, DMARGE spied some first class classic award availability on the Sydney – Los Angeles route, starting at 162,800 points plus fees and taxes.

Japan Airlines currently offers first class on its B777s scooting between Sydney and Tokyo Haneda. But buyer beware, JAL do seasonal equipment swaps on this route, and typically, JAL first class in and out of Sydney is not available year round.

Similar to Qantas, JAL first class is understated and aging (gracefully), but it transforms into a 199-centimetre flat-bed, and you have a choice of four windows to look out. However, the real star of the JAL first class flight experience is the refined Japanese food. It may not be your cup of tea, but plenty of people rave about it.

As a Oneworld member, Qantas frequent flyers can redeem JAL award tickets via the Qantas website. An added bonus is first class passengers can use the excellent Qantas first class lounge in Sydney and JAL's first class lounge at Haneda.

Singapore Airlines offers first class seats on its B777 flights from Sydney and Melbourne and first class suites on its A380 flights from the same cities. Aircraft servicing other Singapore Airlines Australian ports don't offer first class.

While the B777 first class seat product is outstanding, the suites on the A380s are the best first class product servicing the Australian market. Ignoring the already exceptional soft product, we're talking about a mini cabin with an upholstered leather swivel chair and a separate bed. Depending on your booked suite number, a double-bed configuration is also possible. 

Members of Singapore's Krisflyer program get first dibs at award redemptions, but members of other Star Alliance frequent flyer programs also get access, as do Virgin Australia Velocity members. As an added bonus, Singapore usually makes a decent number of redemptions available to Velocity members.

Over the winter, British Airways runs one of its B787-9's down to Sydney via Singapore daily. While the BA business class product on this particular aircraft type is rubbish, it does have first class, which isn't rubbish.

This is a good, if unexceptional first class product. The seats are good, the bedding is good, the food is good, the wine list is good, the cabin crew are (usually) good. Everything is good, which is fine, but it's not compelling enough to make me want a flight diversion to Darwin and a few more hours in the sky.

While there isn't a lot of first class product put into the Australia market, there are three options on the Melbourne – Singapore and Sydney – Singapore routes, and each of the competitors has a distinct first class product. At least it's not a choice of the same thing.

Etihad first class (along with its Residence apartment), Korean Air first class, and American Airlines first class are no longer deployed into the Australian market. There is some talk Etihad may resume A380 flights to Sydney, which would see the return of first class. Fingers crossed.

Read the full article Which Airlines Offer First Class Travel? on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

An Australian millionaire bought the most expensive plane ticket ever for the maiden flight of the Airbus A380.

Travel has always been an expensive pastime, especially for Australians. If you're looking to cut costs, we've got a tonne of underrated travel hacks at your disposal. However, for one particular Aussie, it seems that this was far from being a concern after he dropped over $100,000 on a one-way ticket...

In a commendable display of philanthropy, an Australian millionaire has made headlines by purchasing the most expensive plane ticket ever sold. Julian Hayward, the winning bidder, spent a staggering $123,000 AUD to secure two first-class seats on the maiden flight of the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft.

Organized by Singapore Airlines, the auction was designed to generate some buzz for the new aircraft while raising funds for charity. The bidding started at a modest $380 AUD but escalated fast, ultimately culminating in Hayward's winning bid. The exclusive ticket granted him access to Singapore Airlines' luxurious first-class suites on its inaugural flight from Sydney to Singapore.

The A380, celebrated for its spacious, comfortable and quiet cabins, as well as industry-leading fuel efficiency, marked a significant milestone in commercial aviation when it was launched in 2007. Despite its undeniable grandeur and technological advancements, production of the A380 ceased in 2021 due to various challenges, including rising fuel costs and ongoing environmental debates.

The aircraft's legacy, however, remains intact, and Hayward's journey symbolises the lasting allure and impact of this aviation marvel. As Airbus explores sustainable aviation solutions — such as the hydrogen-powered engine slated for testing on an A380 in 2026 — the story of the world's most expensive plane tickets is one that will keep the original A380 in our hearts for a long while yet.

While it needn't always cost $123,000 AUD, flying first class is aways synonymous with luxury and comfort. While the price of a first-class ticket varies widely, several factors determine the cost...

In Australia, Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia are the primary carriers offering pointy-end services. Qantas provides first-class passengers with dedicated lounges, fine dining, and private cabins, with tickets from Australia to Europe costing around $14,500-$15,000 AUD. Virgin Australia, although it rebranded its first-class service to "The Business," offers similar luxury, with tickets from Australia to the US averaging $20,000 AUD.

Several international airlines also offer first-class services in Australia. Emirates, for example, is renowned for its private suites and onboard shower spas, with ticket prices ranging from $10,000 to $18,000 AUD. Singapore Airlines offers luxurious suites with fully flat beds and gourmet dining, with long-haul flights costing up to $19,000 AUD. Cathay Pacific, known for its private suites and gourmet meals, charges between $3,000 for short-haul and $20,000 AUD for long-haul flights.

A wide range of things means that first-class tickets, as with any cabin class, are often fluctuating in price. A Few factors include...

A first-class round-the-world ticket can cost between $20,000 and $50,000 AUD, depending on the airline and booking details. One-way tickets without a return flight are generally half the price.

Read the full article Man Spends $125,000 On Most Expensive Plane Ticket Ever Sold on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

American Airlines passengers were outraged over first-class receiving preferential service during turbulence while coach passengers were denied for safety reasons.

Turbulence has been on the tip of everyone's tongue after the lethal Singapore Airlines incident went viral last week — if you're wondering which aircraft are safest to fly, take a look at our data — but now some passengers flying across the USA have put American Airlines in the firing line after they clocked first-class passengers receiving preferential service during 'dangerous turbulence'.

Unsurprisingly, the incident has sparked controversy and debate among passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike. A TikTok video by a passenger went viral, expressing frustration over the disparity in service between first class and coach. According to the passenger, while those in coach were denied drink service due to safety concerns, first-class passengers continued to be served. Scandalous stuff...

The issue stems from the logistics and safety protocols involved in serving drinks during turbulence. In coach, drinks are typically served from a heavy and unwieldy galley cart, which can be dangerous to maneuver during severe turbulence. In contrast, first class, with its smaller cabin of just 2-5 rows depending on the aircraft, allows flight attendants to deliver drinks individually, making it easier to manage even in turbulent conditions.

Despite the TikTok creator's claim that there "wasn’t any turbulence at all," safety protocols are based on precautionary measures advised by the captain/pilot, often informed by reports from other aircraft or radar indications of upcoming storms. This precaution ensures the safety of both passengers and cabin crew, who can quickly return to their seats in first class, whereas in coach stowing the galley cart can be a long and cumbersome task that slows down their return to safety.

As with any situation where people perceive themselves to be getting the rough end of the stick, the situation has left commenters torn. Some argue that first class perks, like drink service during turbulence, highlight the advantages of paying a premium. Others feel it underscores an uncomfortable truth about inequality and the value placed on the safety of coach passengers versus those in first class.

There's an increased level of passenger sensitivity after a lethal incident on Singapore Airlines last week. Passengers on a flight from London to Singapore experienced a terrifying incident when very severe turbulence struck, with tragic consequences.

The turbulence hit unexpectedly as meal service was underway, causing the plane to drop over 1000 feet very suddenly. Geoff Kitchen, a 73-year-old British passenger, died from a suspected heart attack, and over 30 others were injured as people and objects were violently thrown around the cabin.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reported that eight Australians on board — out of a total of 56 Aussie passengers — were hospitalised in Bangkok due to their injuries.

After the chaotic breakfast service, the Boeing 777-300ER was forced to divert to Bangkok, where it made an emergency landing at 3:45 pm local time on Tuesday. The turbulence is said to have been so severe that passengers were launched into the ceiling of the cabin, causing severe injuries and denting overhead baggage compartments.

Does all of this turbulence talk, drinks-related or otherwise, put you off air travel? Or are you getting that vacation, no matter the risks involved?

Read the full article American Airlines Flyers Rage After First Class Gets Preferential Treatment During ‘Dangerous’ Turbulence on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Air France's new 'La Premiere' first-class cabin, debuting in 2024, promises unparalleled luxury with fully private modular seats and advanced in-seat technology.

While there may be a small army of airlines tearing out their apparently 'pointless' first-class cabins, some carriers have decided to double down on their pointy end offer. Now, a newly upgraded product revealed by Air France may challenge Air Japan's recent tech-packed for the position of best first class cabin going, especially thanks to its vast size...

It's almost two years since Air France got the aviation world talking by announcing an industry-leading first class product. While details were initially sparse, anticipation has slowly but surely been building and we are now under a year from its expected service debut. Last week, Air France dropped more hints about this luxurious overhaul, taking the buzz among frequent flyers and luxury travel enthusiasts alike to unprecedented new levels...

The new first class — aptly named "La Premiere" — could be a genuine game-changer in the world of premium travel. Set to be the longest cabin in the world of commercial travel, each passenger will enjoy the comfort of five windows, offering pretty much unrivalled views and space. Privacy is also a key feature, with the new seats enclosed by floor-to-ceiling walls, a significant upgrade from the current curtain setup used on select Boeing 777-300ERs.

Air France is also pushing the boundaries with a modular seat design that includes three distinct living spaces: a seat, a chaise lounge, and a flatbed. This setup allows passengers to tailor their experience to their needs, whether they wish to relax, work, or sleep. The cabin also boasts some pretty advanced technology with two video screens and a wireless tablet for controlling seat functions.

One of the most exciting aspects of the new La Premiere is its exclusivity. The cabin will consist of just three seats arranged in a 1-1-1 configuration, making it one of the most intimate first class experiences going. However, Air France decidedly isn't the first to the punch in this regard, with other carriers like Emirates and Japan Airlines also adopting layouts that put passenger space and privacy first.

From a customer service perspective, maintaining high levels of personalised attention with such a small cabin will present both a challenge and an opportunity for Air France. Ben Schallpig from One Mile At A Time reckons that the airline is likely to deploy two flight attendants for first class, ensuring that each passenger receives very close attention. This could lead to a genuinely world-class experience for passengers, but it won't come cheap for the airline.

Looking ahead, Air France plans to extend its first class offering to more aircraft, specifically into its substantial Airbus A350 fleet. This expansion is a promising development for committed luxury travellers, as increased availability will level-up the overall appeal of Air France's premium service.

This revolutionary first class cabin could redefine luxury air travel, offering a blend of exclusivity, advanced technology, and unmatched comfort that will see it rival the best in terms of quality and scale. Will Air Frane's new footprint see it become synonymous with pointy-end pleasures, or do they have a way to go? TIme, as they say, will tell.

Read the full article Air France Unveils World’s Biggest First Class Cabin With 5-Window ‘La Premiere’ Overhaul on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Fifth-freedom flights could be the easiest way to nab a cheap business-class seat that most Australians have never heard of.

Put simply, a fifth-freedom flight is a fight between countries A and B operated by an airline not from either country. For example, Qantas flying between Auckland and New York. Because travellers gravitate towards national carriers, fifth-freedom flights can be keenly priced from a cash and points perspective.

This article covers some of the well-known and not-so-well-known fifth-freedom flights to and from Australia...

The big daddy of Australia’s fifth-freedom flights is the daily return Emirates A380-800 service between Sydney and Auckland. Why such a big deal? Besides the fact that it’s an A380, which for some reason continues to get some people all hot under the collar, Emirates has a knockout business and first-class cabin on this aircraft type.

At 64,500 Qantas points (plus AUD186 in fees and taxes), this is one of the more affordable ways to wriggle your way into Emirates first class. Unfortunately, because people like me promote this redemption sweet spot, first-class redemptions are increasingly hard to come by. 

But business class redemptions (which are available) on the sector cost 43,800 points (plus AUD186 in fees and taxes). Frankly, when the alternative is Qantas B737-800 business class or all-economy Airbus narrowbodies on Air New Zealand or Jetstar, I know which I’d choose. 

Taiwan’s China Airlines operates an A350-900 between Brisbane and Auckland every day except Monday and Wednesday. The flight has a civilised lunchtime pushback from Brisbane and an early evening departure out of Auckland. Qantas, Air New Zealand, and Jetstar also fly the route. 

The China Airlines A350 has a striking 32-seat business class cabin in a 1-2-1 layout, with wide seats, great pitch, unrestricted footwells, lie-flat seats, and a walk-up bar. 

China Airlines is a SkyTeam member, Australia’s least popular airline alliance. However, China Airlines has a codeshare arrangement with Qantas, allowing QFF members to pay as little as 43,500 points (plus AUD164 in fees and taxes) for a one-way trans-Tasman flight. This is roughly 700 points more than a redemption on the evening Qantas B737 service out of Brisbane or 3,000 points less than the morning Qantas A330 flight.

But why would you want to fly on either of those when there is an A350-900 available?

Emirates also has a daily fifth freedom flight between Melbourne and Singapore, which DMARGE cannot recommend because it pushes back at Tullamarine at 2.30 a.m., and the 2-3-2 business class seat layout is a premium cabin horror show despite the best efforts of the lovely Emirate flight attendants.

The flight down to Melbourne is a more interesting option. Despite the lousy J cabin layout, it is a daytime flight, and these can be hard to come by between Asia and Australia. You can redeem QFF for these Emirates flights, and this may be a case where an economy class redemption (30,200 points plus AUD329 in fees and taxes) easily trumps the business class redemption price of 75,200 points plus a staggering AUD1,226 in fees and taxes. No thanks.

British Airways has an equivalent daily fifth-freedom service running between Sydney and Singapore, right down to the subpar B787-9 business-class cabin. That may change later this year when BA will probably swap out the Dreamliner for the B777-300ER with its up-to-the-minute business suites.

However, in the meantime, the superior Qantas and Singapore Airlines premium cabin products are available and better.

Out of Perth, Batik Air flies a B737-800 four times per week to and from Auckland. It’s not the greatest business-class product on the market, but the alternative, Air New Zealand’s B787-9's product isn’t so flash either.

The Batik Air business class proposition gets traction because it is roughly half the price (AUD2,000 return) of the Air New Zealand fare (circa AUD4,000 return). The tradeoff is you get a domestic business class recliner instead of a lie-flat bed, but for the saving, that is a tradeoff many people may be happy to make.

Nauru Airlines is another carrier that might not be top of your airline short-list. However, Nauru is starting a fifth-freedom B737 flight between Brisbane and Palau (Roror), a top-tier albeit under-visited destination for divers and people who simply want to tune out for a week. Flights start towards the end of May and run overnight, which isn’t ideal. On the plus side, Nauru Airlines does have a business class cabin, albeit in the domestic recliner style rather than lie-flat.

There are other fifth-freedom flights to and from Australia. They are typically, but not always, cheaper than the local airlines. It's a pattern that's repeated around the world. If you are looking for a premium cabin experience at an affordable price, fifth-freedom flights could be the answer.

Read the full article Fifth Freedom Flights: The Ultimate Travel Hack For Cheap Business Class Seats on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

We've written extensively on the army of airlines ditching first class cabins in favour of elevated premium economy and business class seats, but never has this trend been summarised so succinctly as this move from American Airlines, who have added new seats that rank 'above' business class only months after ditching first class.

This week, American Airlines unveiled a new class of seats that technically sits within its business class cabins but is being marketed as distinctly better than business class, catchily coined the 'Flagship Suite Preferred Seat'. This new category represents a wider shift in airline seating hierarchy and the collapse of the distinction between first and business classes.

WATCH: Business Class Dad Savaged After 'Spoilt Brat' Spoon-Fed By Cabin Crew

Set to debut on a Boeing 787-9 in October 2024, the new Flagship Suites will be featured on flights between Dallas and Brisbane. The rollout will involve retrofitting Boeing 777-300ER jets which will be entirely gutted of their first-class provision.

Notable features of these suites include extra space offered in the first row, luxury amenities such as Nest Bedding mattress pads, throw blankets, memory foam lumbar pillows, pyjamas, and even an exclusive amenity kit by Thirteen Lune and Joanna Vargas. Interestingly, they also have an identical food and drink offer to the recently-ditched first class cabin.

This move reflects a broader trend in the industry, with other airlines like United and Lufthansa also investing in similar changes, opting to level up the business class experience that will likely attract a broader segment of premium travellers and eliminate the massive costs associated with maintaining a separate first class cabin.

Some carriers, like Air France and SWISS, stand firm and continue to offer distinct first class services.

It seems that for American — but also the industry at large — the future lies in a more inclusive but differentiated business class experience, rather than the classic separation of service tiers.

Here's an exert from one of our previous articles that explores what really lies behind this shift from first class hegemony to business class brilliance:

What lies behind all of this, as you might expect from a sector looking to secure future profits in an increasingly precarious post-pandemic world, is profit margins. The real reason that first-class seats are being scrapped is one that might surprise you, given the exceptionally high cost of first-class seats, especially for long-haul routes: they barely make the airline any money. 

This was confirmed by Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker last year, who referred to first-class seats as “very expensive real estate” that doesn’t yield particularly attractive returns for airline shareholders.

This can be proven by the widespread nature of change; the trend isn’t confined to Cathay Pacific, with Air Canada, United Airlines, and Delta all discontinuing first-class services on non-domestic flights. When you consider that Qatar is rolling out a similar reconfiguration, we can expect this to be a global phenomenon in pretty short order.

Interestingly, it was also Akbar Al Baker who first declared that declared first class to be “pointless”. In contrast with other airlines like Lufthansa, Qantas and Air France, who have all doubled down on their high-end offer in recent years, Al Baker’s rationale stems from his belief that the investment in opulent first-class seating fails to yield sufficient returns compared to the much-cheaper-but-still-immense perks offered in business class:

“Why [wouldn’t] you invest in a subclass of an airplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you? I don’t see the necessity.”

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO

For Al Baker, the future lies in business class, specifically the airline’s Q-suite product. His high-stakes vision has led the airline to exclude first-class cabins from its next-generation Boeing 777X aircraft, which will become the largest in the airline’s fleet once all ten of its Airbus A380s (which still feature eight first-class seats) are eventually retired.

Read the full article American Airlines New ‘Business Plus’ Seats Prove First Class Is A Thing Of The Past on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Cathay Pacific is phasing out First Class and replacing it with high-privacy business class pods as an industry-wide trend sweeps airlines around the world.

It's barely been a week since we last reported on airlines ditching first-class cabins, but now it seems that after germinating aboard Middle Eastern characters before spreading to the US, Hong Kong's leading carrier, Cathay Pacific, is following suit.

Announcing a pivotal shift in cabin class strategy, Cathay Pacific is waving goodbye to First Class on its 777-300ER fleet. This move marks a new dawn for an airline going all-in on the burgeoning demand for high-privacy business class pods — embodied by its industry-leading Aria Suites — which will see first-class relegated to a niche offering only available on its forthcoming Boeing 777-9 jets.

Revealed by Vivian Lo — Cathay Pacific’s General Manager of Customer Experience and Design — during a recent interview, the strategy is part of a wider transition towards a 'three-cabin configuration': Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Aiming to address the changing needs of the contemporary traveller, this move is all about offering privacy and bespoke service over traditional class-based distinctions.

The decision to phase out First Class on the 777-300ERs aligns with a much broader industry trend as airlines reassess the viability of their most luxurious offerings. Cathay Pacific's First Class cabins, although revered among the industry — have faced the inevitable: the advancement of business class offerings that now rival the first-class experience of yesteryear and a premium economy class that comes to fill the void that the overhaul of old-style business class leaves behind.

The retrofitting process — beginning later this year and stretching to mid-2027 — signifies Cathay's commitment to enhancing passenger experience across the board. While their total number of business class seats is expected to remain pretty consistent, the expansion of the premium economy section from 32 to 48 seats indicates a very solid strategic bet on the growth of the segment.

What lies behind all of this, as you might expect from a sector looking to secure future profits in an increasingly precarious post-pandemic world, is profit margins. The real reason that first-class seats are being scrapped is one that might surprise you, given the exceptionally high cost of first-class seats, especially for long-haul routes: they barely make the airline any money. This was confirmed by Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker last year, who referred to first-class seats as “very expensive real estate” that doesn’t yield particularly attractive returns for airline shareholders.

This can be proven by the widespread nature of change; the trend isn’t confined to Cathay Pacific, with American Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines, and Delta all discontinuing first-class services on non-domestic flights. When you consider that Qatar is rolling out a similar reconfiguration, we can expect this to be a global phenomenon in pretty short order.

Interestingly, it was also Akbar Al Baker who first declared that declared first class to be “pointless”. In contrast with other airlines like Lufthansa, Qantas and Air France, who have all doubled down on their high-end offer in recent years, Al Baker’s rationale stems from his belief that the investment in opulent first-class seating fails to yield sufficient returns compared to the much-cheaper-but-still-immense perks offered in business class:

“Why [wouldn’t] you invest in a subclass of an airplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you? I don’t see the necessity.”

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO

For Al Baker, the future lies in business class, specifically the airline’s Q-suite product. His high-stakes vision has led the airline to exclude first-class cabins from its next-generation Boeing 777X aircraft, which will become the largest in the airline’s fleet once all ten of its Airbus A380s (which still feature eight first-class seats) are eventually retired.

Are you gutted about the gutting of first-class cabins? Or do you consider this to be a long overdue democratisation of air travel? Let us know.

Read the full article Cathay Pacific Join The Army Of Airlines Ditching First Class Cabins Forever on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Australia's most beloved airline, Qantas, may have been snubbed from a list of the Best First Class Airlines, but plans for the coming year could see them reinstated in the premium travel top spot.

Following hot on the heels of news that Qantas is slashing business class fares for domestic journeys, the carrier has been snubbed from a list of the World's Best First Class Airlines, curated by one of the internet's most respected aviation critics: Ben Schlappig, founder of One Mile At A Time.

Schlappig has garnered quite a reputation over his sixteen years in the business, reviewing pretty much every airline, cabin class, lounge, credit card, and frequent flyer program under the sun. What makes him so trustworthy amongst aviation journos? He pays for all his flights himself, free from any financial relationship with the airlines he reviews.

However, this hard-earned integrity only serves to make this blow sting a little more intensely for Aussies with a fondness for their national airline. Sharing details of his first-hand experiences on what he considers to be the ten best first-class cabins — along with swathes of original images and insight — Schlappig's final ranking can be summarised as follows...

At the top of the list is Emirates' first class on the Boeing 777-300ER, featuring fully enclosed suites with floor-to-ceiling privacy, spacious seating, a huge TV screen, and a bed with customisable lighting and temperature. The airline also offers free-flowing Dom Perignon and a dine-on-demand menu with unlimited caviar.

‘First Class Only’ Airline Raises Record Funding… But Totally Misses The Point Of Premium Travel

Japan Airlines' first class on the Airbus A350-1000 ranks second, with a massive suite that includes a couch, an ottoman, and a 43" 4K television. The service is apparently impeccable while the food and drinks are exquisite. Air France's first class on the Boeing 777-300ER is third, known for its elegant cabin, exceptional food, flawless service, and comfortable bedding.

Singapore Airlines' Suites on the Airbus A380 offer both a seat and a separate bed, with the option to create a double suite for those travelling with a companion. Schlappig calls the soft product "outstanding", with excellent catering and champagne selection.

Etihad Airways' first class on the Airbus A380, All Nippon Airways' first class on the Boeing 777-300ER, Cathay Pacific's first class on the Boeing 777-300ER, Garuda Indonesia's first class on the Boeing 777-300ER, SWISS' first class on the Boeing 777-300ER, Korean Air's first class on the Boeing 747-8, Lufthansa's first class on the Boeing 747-8, and Oman Air's first class on the Boeing 787-9 complete the list.

While Schlappig mentions at the very end of his piece that were he to extend the list to include three more carriers Qantas would definitely be among them, any Aussie worth their salty won't be content with 12th place. Lucky for us, Qantas has big plans in store that we think could see them launched back up the list. It all hinges on the long-awaited Project Sunrise.

In 2017, Qantas announced the project which aimed for direct flights from Australia's east coast to Europe and New York. The Airbus A350-1000 was selected for the challenge and after 12 were ordered in May 2022, we're now only 18 months away from non-stop Sydney to New York flights that could reduce travel time by up to 4 hours and, we hope, offer an unparalleled flying experience.

The latter promise could hinge on the standard of its pointy-end cabins but, judging by the materials Qantas have shared so far and the industry response, we seem to be in sade hands in that regard. The new A350s boast six enclosed First Suites, offering 50% more space than the A380. Each suite comes equipped with a lie-flat bed, a separate reclining armchair, and a large, flexible work and dining area for one or two passengers.

The suites also boast a full-length wardrobe, multiple personal storage spaces, and high-tech amenities like USB-A and C, AC and wireless charging outlets, a touchscreen suite controller, and a 32” entertainment touchscreen with Bluetooth audio connectivity. The suite's 57” high walls and sliding door ensure total privacy, while customizable LED lighting and an adjustable bed backrest enhance comfort.

Suffice to say, if these first suites are even half as good as they look, they'll be able to give Emirates and Japan Airlines a good run for their money. If you then factor in the genuinely pioneering nature of the non-stop, ultra-long-haul flights on top of that, this really could be both a world first and a world beater...

Read the full article Qantas First Class Snubbed By Airline Critics, But Iconic Carrier Has An Ace Up Its Sleeve on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

American Airlines was the first US carrier to scrap first-class seats but it seems the trend is set to take hold across the country, and the reason why is guaranteed to come as something of a surprise.

For as long as air travel has been around, first class has been synonymous with the epitome of luxury that carriers can offer their customers. Usually perched at the very front of the aircraft, these exclusive (and expensive...) seats offer passengers ample space, enhanced customer service, and heightened privacy.

Especially prevalent on long-haul routes where airlines once embraced the opportunity to provide amenities rivalling those of a five-star hotel, first class also boasts expansive reclining seats, personal workstations, and top-end entertainment systems, all ensconced by private dividers or, in some cases, within totally separate rooms or 'suites'.

WATCH: Emirates Launches Limited-Edition Onboard Whiskey Exclusively For First & Business Class

However, we find ourselves in the midst of a landmark shift, with many airlines opting to phase out first-class cabins in favour of revamped business class and ever-fancier premium economy seats. With modern business class seats flexing convertible lie-flat beds that were once the exclusive domain of first-class — Qatar Airways' QSuites, for instance, presents a business class experience that closely mirrors the luxuries of first class — many feel that first class is becoming somewhat 'pointless'...

But that's not the only reason that first class is disappearing: the post-pandemic era has seen an ongoing surge in the price of airfares, leading to a more price-conscious traveller who increasingly opts for the slightly more affordable indulgence of business class or the ever-more enhanced comforts of premium economy.

However, the real reason that first-class seats are being scrapped is one that might surprise you, given the exceptionally high cost of first-class seats, especially for long-haul routes: they barely make the airline any money. This was confirmed by Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker last year, who referred to first-class seats as "very expensive real estate" that doesn't yield particularly attractive returns for airline shareholders.

This trend isn't confined to American Airlines, with Air Canada, United Airlines, and Delta all discontinuing first-class services on non-domestic flights. When you consider that Qatar is rolling out a similar reconfiguration, we can expect this to be a global phenomenon in pretty short order.

Interestingly, it was also Akbar Al Baker who first declared that declared first class to be "pointless". In contrast with other airlines like Lufthansa, Qantas and Air France, who have all doubled down on their high-end offer in recent years, Al Baker’s rationale stems from his belief that the investment in opulent first-class seating fails to yield sufficient returns compared to the much-cheaper-but-still-immense perks offered in business class:

“Why [wouldn’t] you invest in a subclass of an airplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you? I don’t see the necessity.”

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO

For Al Baker, the future lies in business class, specifically the airline’s Q-suite product. His high-stakes vision has led the airline to exclude first-class cabins from its next-generation Boeing 777X aircraft, which will become the largest in the airline’s fleet once all ten of its Airbus A380s (which still feature eight first-class seats) are eventually retired.

So, if you consider yourself a frequent first-class flyer — a moniker for which I envy you dearly — it might be time to reconsider your options. Fear not, as there are plenty of world-beating business-class options out there, but the days of first-class seats are numbered...

Read the full article US Airlines Are Scrapping First Class Cabins on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Singapore Airlines is introducing amenity kits in Premium Economy alongside more Champagne and food options... but here's why that spells the bitter end for first-class travellers.

Singapore Airlines is set to level up its Premium Economy service from 31st March this year, marking its first major update to the cabin class since its introduction in 2015. The revamp not only includes upgraded catering and beverage options — most notably a massive range of champagnes and sparkling wines for flyers to enjoy — but also the introduction of amenity kits for passengers on flights longer than seven hours.

The new amenity kit, produced in partnership with self-proclaimed sustainable brand Out of the Woods, features eco-friendly eyeshades, slippers, and lip balm. Premium Economy passengers can also look forward to an upgraded selection of Champagne and wines, including a new non-vintage Charles de Cazanove Brut Tradition Tête de Cuvée Champagne.

“We have undertaken this comprehensive revamp of our Premium Economy Class in-flight offerings, which we believe will delight our customers. The result reflects Singapore Airlines’ dedication to enhancing the Premium Economy Class experience to a class of its own.” 

Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Of Customer Experience, quoted in Mainly Miles

Dining will also enjoy over 200 new appetizers, main courses, and desserts, served on linen-lined trays with porcelain dishes. The 'Book The Cook' menu will be expanded, offering up to 20 dishes for pre-order.

RELATED: Emirates Finally Bows To Qantas Peer Pressure With New Business Class Drip

While the cabin's hard product won't see an upgrade until the second-generation seat rolls out on the Boeing 777-9, it is safe to say that these enhancements go a long way to elevate the Premium Economy experience to new heights...

But could that be bad news for those further up the pointy end?

Back in 2019, Harry Hohmeister — now chairman of Eurowings and formerly board member at Lufthansa — gave premium economy an enviable new moniker: "A money-generating machine".

Business Class Vs. Premium Economy – Meet The New “Money-Making Machine”

Since he first made this comment way back in 2019, premium economy has continually proven to be a lucrative endeavour for airlines. If you stop to think about it, it shouldn’t really come as a surprise: premium economy allows airlines to maximize revenue without the need for all the additional luxuries and services you’d expect from business class.

A typical premium economy seat generates a massive 33% more revenue than a traditional economy seat and — more shockingly — 6% more than a business-class seat, all while occupying a near-identical amount of cabin space.

Perhaps this bumper profit margin also goes someway to explaining why airlines have been so keen to push their new ‘in-between class’ seating options — a handy moniker coined by The Sydney Morning Herald — potentially viewing them as a way to double-down on this model of maximising profits with as little spatial or financial investment as possible.

These new seats — known variously as Economy Plus, Comfort+, Main Cabin Extra, and Economy Space — primarily focused on offering extra legroom for those passengers that want or need it, but could transform into a money-making machine of their own should airlines be able to tweak the offer enough to coax in customers.

But what does this have to do with amenity kits on Singapore Airlines? My theory is this: Singapore Airlines, and many others soon to follow, are looking to continually upgrade the amenities available on their increasingly profitable 'inbetween classes' because they're looking to phase out their much-less-profitable first-class cabins.

In fact, it's a process that some airlines have already begun...

Last year, Qatar Airways announced that it will no longer offer first-class seats on its next generation of long-haul aircraft. This decision came directly from their CEO, who believes that the investment in luxurious first-class seats does not justify the returns...

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker declared that the airline will no longer provide first-class seats for its planes in a strategically risky and divergent move that starkly contrasts with other airlines like Lufthansa, Qantas and Air France, who have all doubled down on their high-end offer in recent years.

While Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa, believes that more travellers are seeking a special treat, creating higher demand for the first-class experience — and, for the record, Lufthansa’s first-class cabins have never been fuller — Al Baker’s rationale stems from his belief that the investment in opulent first-class seating fails to yield sufficient returns, especially considering the immense perks offered in their business class.

Al Baker puts it this way:

“Why [wouldn’t] you invest in a subclass of an airplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you? I don’t see the necessity.”

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO

Following this rationale, we think that airlines will be looking to slowly phase out first class seats, subsequently elevate business class into the hallowed position that first-clas once held, begin to market premium economy as the 'new' business class, and make a hell of a lot more money in the process by ditching their least profitable pointy-end seats.

And that's precisely what Singapore's latest move marks: they're phasing in business-class-level amenities into premium economy as a means to slowly but surely increase its profile before first class gets the chop... do you think we're onto something? or do we need to take a break from our tin foil hats? Let us know...

Read the full article Singapore Airlines Boosts Premium Economy Amenities: What It Means for First Class on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Flying economy is not always comfortable for everyone, and the lack of leg space is notorious on almost every airline. For those who wish to travel in high comfort, there are two options to choose from: Business Class and First Class. Both options offer high-end amenities that allow air passengers to travel in style and enjoy their flight.

Although some airlines offer First-Class lever services to those flying with Business Class, most have notable differences between the two. In this article, you will learn more about first class and business class so you can make the appropriate choice.

First-Class flights offer top-of-the-line amenities to those who wish to travel in supreme comfort. That said, it’s important to note that First Class can differ depending on the airline you take and the route you go on. For instance, while international First-Class flights might offer cabins with fully reclining seats that turn into beds, domestic ones may not always provide this kind of benefit. 

Most First-Class flights offer dedicated lounges and premium features such as fully flat sleeping beds, gourmet dining, priority boarding, and more. Some First-Class flights (for example, those operated by Etihad or Emirates) even offer luxurious amenities such as in-flight showering or quick passing through immigration. It’s usually recommended to check with the airline to see what first-class features you’ll get for your route.

Business Class is often less expensive than First Class, but the features received often depend on who you are flying with and where. For instance, Business Class may be regarded as First Class if you travel domestically. The two may only differ if you decide to fly over a greater distance.

Created with business air passengers in mind, this type of service offers features such as gourmet dining, spacious seating that can be turned into beds, entertainment options, and more. Some airlines, such as Virgin Australia, have cancelled their First-Class offerings, relaunching and labelling them as “Business” instead. That said, many of the First-Class services they previously provided still stand in this scenario.

We know Business and first classes have similarities and differences, but we only briefly touched upon them. Below, you can learn more about how these types of services differ.

Depending on the route you are flying through, Business Class and First Class have different seating configurations. For instance, the Business Class offers spacious seating areas with reclining seats that can be turned into a bed. Upon request, the flight attendant can also provide blankets, pillows, and earplugs to improve seating comfort even more.

For most domestic flights, this same configuration also applies to First Class. However, many airlines kick their First Class up a notch for long-haul flights by offering private cabins or suites. This makes the passengers feel like they are in their own private studios, without outside noise bothering them. The feature is often present in some airlines such as Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad for Business Class, but this also depends on the flight length.

Ground service is similar when it comes to First Class and Business Class, with both options enjoying priority. Someone possessing those kinds of tickets has access to premium lounging, priority services (i.e., check-in and boarding), and more.

For the most part, the First-Class group takes priority over Business Class, which means they will go first through customs. That said, if the flight you are going with does not offer First Class, then Business may as well be considered that way. The ground services often depend on the amenities of the airport, but both options are usually high-end.

Both Business Class and First Class offer top-notch dining options, usually cooked by top chefs from Michelin-rated restaurants. The menus vary depending on the airline you are going with, and change based on the length of the flight and available options. Still, their “fineness” depends on the taste of the air passenger, as some may find Business Class meals more appealing than First Class. 

The main difference is in the presentation, with First Class having the food delivered on fine China plates. Other than that, the foods and drinks provided are often similar. Both Business and First Class receive multiple-course food options, fine beverages, and quality snacking options.

First and Business classes offer amenities that travellers can enjoy, such as skincare, toiletries, and travel-sized treats like perfume. However, First Class usually takes it up a notch by offering benefits such as premium PJs and slightly more luxurious brands. 

Some First-Class options also include showering cabins for those with such a ticket. This service is not usually available for Business Class, as most showers are in private First-Class suites. This can vary from one airline and route to another, so it is a good idea to check with them first. Most of the time, Business Class gives access to lounges at the airport, where passengers can grab a quick shower.

The price is likely the most notable difference, although it might also depend on the route and circumstances. For the most part, First-Class tickets have a higher price tag than Business, but that depends on the airline and boarded aircraft. The season of travel and the moment of purchase could also affect the price.

In some cases, a First-Class domestic flight and a Business-Class one has similar prices. Still, going on the long haul and requesting finer suites can bump the cost of First Class. That said, a First-Class long-haul ticket booked ahead of time and a Business Class booked on short notice could share similar prices.

Overall, First Class is usually superior to Business Class, but this depends on various factors. First Class often provides higher-rated amenities on the long haul, but the two services might be the same on the short haul. It’s worth contacting the airline first to see what benefits are offered on that specific Business or First-Class flight.

Read the full article What’s the Difference Between First Class and Business Class? on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Things can get really messy when you have a long flight ahead of you. For instance, a plane ride from Australia to Africa can last for 14 hours or even more if there’s a delay. After sleeping, eating, or keeping busy on the flight for that long, you’re bound to want to shower. Such a service is often provided for those who book a first-class ticket. 

This brings us to the question: are there showers in all first-class cabins? Well, that depends. Like with every flight, it’s difficult to predict what you will get or won’t get until you get in contact with the airline. Their rules frequently change, which means you might not get a shower on board. That said, you can calculate your odds of getting a shower if you know what to look for...

There are different types of aircraft offering first-class flights with premium features. Some have showers, whereas others don’t, depending on the circumstances. One thing to remember is that even if you have a first-class pass, there is no guarantee of getting access to a shower. In some cases, this service might be restricted. 

This is why you should check with the airline and see if the shower option is available for you, even if the aircraft technically has the amenities. The ones below are known to have showers on board, and they might offer the service, depending on the package you opt for and the cabin you get.

Known as the world’s biggest plane, this aircraft has premium cabins where first-class ticket holders can occasionally take a shower. Most airlines operating in Australia have some of these planes in their fleet. It is not to be confused with the Airbus A380s that may offer first-class seating but does not have a shower.

The Boeing 777-300ER is also commonly present in airlines offering first-class tickets. Remember that even if you are on this type of aircraft in first class, it doesn’t guarantee you will get a cabin with a shower. This can depend on the airline, route, and more, so you’re not guaranteed a place to shower (even if the plane technically has the amenity).

While a rare beauty amongst aircraft, this line has limited planes available. Many big airlines have at least one on their fleet, but not on all routes. Moreover, the airlines that have this type of aircraft may or may not decide to make the showers available for the passengers.

When it comes to airlines offering showers for their first-class passengers, there are several options to choose from. While the leading Australian carrier, Qantas Airways, does provide first-class tickets, showers are not included in their list of services. However, here are some non-Australian carriers that operate in Australia and feature this type of luxury service:  

Emirates is an airline company that is well-known for its top-quality services. While only two such cabins are available for the 14 Class Suites, they are fairly large and are equipped with anything you might need. Shower spa attendants are also available to ensure every expectation is met.

Like Emirates, Etihad Airways also offers shower amenities if passengers opt for the bathroom suite. Air passengers have five minutes’ worth of hot water running in the shower, so they’ll only be able to get a quick clean. Etihad has multiple types of aircraft in its fleet that offer showers, but the premium option is more common for those flying on an Airbus A380 plane.

Qatar Airways has planes that are equipped with shower cabins, such as the Boeing 77-300ER and the Airbus A380. The bathrooms are quite opulent, with waterfall showers and beautiful mood lighting. That said, the shower service is offered only on Airbus A380 and on specific flights. If you are looking for the shower experience, it’s best to talk with the airline first and check the dates or routes where it might be available.

Singapore Airlines uses Airbus A380 aircraft, which have been equipped with showers. The perk only applies to the passengers who get a suite – one of the three available. However, these suites are not always available since the service depends on the route and configuration of the flight. 

Very often, it’s difficult to predict which airline has showers, as it might depend on the route and other factors. So, it’s always a good idea to contact the airline and check firsthand if the cabin or suite has a bathroom with a shower. These are the factors that could suggest whether or not you get a shower on board:

Most airlines only offer showers for long-haul flights, usually passing 8 hours or more. During the short- or middle-haul flights, airlines deem it not worth running the showers, which is why these cabins are not offered.

The policy of the airline may also decide whether or not the passengers get showers while on board. For instance, showers are standard amenities on airlines such as Emirates, no matter the aircraft, but other companies might choose planes with no shower amenities (regardless of distance).

Air passengers may decide whether or not they want the shower option. In instances where there is a high demand for shower services, their use and availability might be limited.

As a passenger flying first class, there may be instances when you can get access to a shower. However, this depends on various factors, such as the choice of airline, the route, the aircraft, the airline’s policy and demand. So, it’s always best to talk to the airline first if having a shower is a priority for you.

Read the full article Showers In First Class Cabins: Which Airlines Have Them And Which Do Not on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Travelling by aeroplane has always been the fastest way to get from one destination to the other. However, flying economy or other lower classes is rarely appealing, as the conditions are not always stellar. They are noisy, the food is not always great, and the leg space is severely lacking. 

To fly in full comfort, first class is always recommended. You get many amenities, privacy, and various benefits that make short- and long-haul flights more comfortable. But how much does it really cost to fly first class?

When it comes to travelling first class, Australia offers a couple of options that passengers could try, such as:

Qantas Airways is one of the top airlines in Australia that offers first-class services to those who want to travel in style. Their services include dedicated lounges with all the amenities, fine dining options, and luxurious bedding. Passengers have access to their own cabins, offering a sense of privacy for those who wish to fly quietly. For instance, flying from Australia to Europe first class with Qantas Airways costs around $14,500-$15,000, but it depends on many factors that we’ll explain a bit later.

Virgin Australia is also an airline that offers top-of-the-line services to anyone wanting to fly in luxury. Technically speaking, its current label is “The Business” instead of First Class, as they discontinued first-class in 2014. However, while the label may not be there, the offerings are in the same range as other first-class flights, including luxury lounge access, priority check-in, gourmet dining, and lie-flat beds. For instance, the average ticket that takes you from Australia to the US is around $20,000.

Aside from the Australian carriers, international carriers also land at and depart from Australian airports, offering first-class service. The most popular options used by travellers include: 

Emirates offers top-of-the-line first-class services for passengers who want to enjoy unparalleled experiences. Like other Australian airlines, you get cabins where you are entitled to your own privacy and comfort, along with an on-board shower spa. For those who enjoy having a shower 40,000 feet in the sky, the average price in AUD for a long-haul flight is somewhere between $10,000 and $18,000.

Like other first-class carriers, Singapore Airlines also provides private suites with fully flat beds, luxurious dining options, and in-flight entertainment. Not only do you have access to a wide selection of movies, but the luxurious amenities also make you feel like you are flying in a cloud. It may not offer on-flight showers like Emirates does, but you still get complimentary toiletries to improve comfort. The average price for a short-haul ticket is somewhere between $2,000 and $4,500, whereas a long-haul flight can reach $19,000.

Cathay Pacific is yet another airline known for its premium offerings. You get private suites, priority services, gourmet meals made by top chefs, and numerous entertainment options. The cabins also have a minibar and a lot of storage space, allowing people to fly in full comfort. Short-haul tickets start around $3,000, but long-haul ones from other continents to Australia can go as high as $20,000.

Here are some aspects that influence the price of a first-class ticket:

Each airline has its own prices for first-class tickets, depending on the distance, the amenities, and other factors they consider a priority. In Australia, you have Qantas and Virgin Australia, along with other non-Australian carriers that could charge their own prices. So, the company you choose can significantly impact the ticket cost.

The route and distance could also significantly impact the price of the first-class ticket. For instance, a domestic flight is usually cheaper than one over the distance, as the distance covered is much smaller. It’s not very easy to come up with a price, as the costs can change from one day to another, but the table below can provide a rough estimate for a one-way trip based on the route:

Bear in mind that these are only estimates that are common in 2024. This can change in only a few months, with the high season often charging higher fares. It’s always best to contact the airline directly to see exactly how much they charge for a flight.

The time of booking could also significantly affect how much you will have to pay for a first-class ticket. For instance, if you want to get a good price on it, it’s always best to schedule the flight ahead of time. Last-minute bookings, especially during peak season, are always the most expensive.

Demand could also greatly impact the final price, with the same distance having different prices. For instance, many people travel during the weekend, as this is when they have free time. The same applies to peak travel season or holidays. If more individuals tend to fly around that time, airlines will mirror that. 

This is why first-class ticket prices are lower in February but higher in August. You could also pay a high fare when travelling on the 28th of December when everyone is heading towards their New Year’s celebration. On the other hand, if you choose the evening of the 31st, demand is lower as travellers are already celebrating somewhere – which means the first-class tickets might not be that expensive.

The amenities are also considered when the airline chooses the price for a flight. For instance, while most of the first-class options offer private cabins, full beds, lounge access, and gourmet dining, not all of them have on-board showers. On our list, that only applies to Emirates. For this reason, their prices are higher.

Promotions or frequent flyer miles can significantly affect the price of a first-class ticket. For example, Qantas offers occasional promotions that allow air passengers to get the first-class ticket at a low price. Bear in mind that they are only valid if purchased within a specific timeframe.

The condition of the market could also impact the price of the ticket. For instance, the war in Ukraine led to a fuel crisis, which ultimately caused airlines to increase their ticket prices. Competition could also play a role in this, as most airlines tend to match one another to stay ahead.

The cost of flying around the world first-class varies from one airline to another. Going around the globe usually depends on which airline you are using, along with the moment you book the flight and the demand. Travellers can expect to pay somewhere between $20,000 and $50,000 (28,000-70,000 AUD) for an around-the-world plane journey on most flights. A one-way ticket, without the return flight, is charged for half of that.

There is no exact price to flying first class, as the cost depends on various factors. You need to consider the airline, the services they provide, and the distance you want to travel. Bear in mind that the prices can quickly change from one day to the other, so you should book with a strategy in mind.

Read the full article How Much Does It Really Cost To Fly First Class? on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

One of premium travel's defining perks, especially for those lucky enough to be perched in business class, has long been the reclining seat. However, it seems that lie-flat tech may not be long for this world...

Airlines are beginning to remove lie-flat seats from their business class cabins, in part to combat ever more common incidents of 'recline rage' among passengers. Instead of opting for somewhat archaic, non-recline technology, the shift marks a significant departure from the luxuries associated with pointy-end travel for the past three decades.

Of course, non-reclining seats aren't new to the aviation industry. Quite the opposite, in fact. Low-cost carriers have favoured these seats since their inception thanks to the cost-effectiveness and reduced maintenance requirements.

WATCH: Recline Rage Sparks Fight Amongst Passengers

However, the adoption of such seats in business class is an unprecedented phenomenon. Finnair has led the charge with its Collins' Aerospace AirLounge seats, which offer a 'cocoon-like' that provides the space for lie-flat sleep without a recline function. Measuring almost a metre across at their widest point, the seats have been welcomed by most passengers, so far...

In part, the decision to remove lie-flat seats stems from a growing trend of 'recline-related disputes' among passengers. With passengers confined to such close quarters — even in business class, when you consider the extended duration of said trips — tensions can quickly rise and even lead to physical confrontations as often-exhausted travellers vie for limited personal space.

By eliminating the recline feature altogether, airlines aim to cultivate a more harmonious travel environment.

While the response from passengers has largely been positive — with many appreciating the elimination of the recline dilemma, enjoying a calmer and significantly more predictable flight experience — others have been open about their mourning the loss of the traditional lie-flat luxury, rueing the prioritisation of peace over hard-earned opulence.

With lie-flat luxury disappearing from mainstream carriers, it raises the question of whether the new breed of challenger, 'premium only' or 'business only' airlines will step in to fill that void, picking up customers who want their precious recline tech.

We thought it was worth returning to a previous article of ours from August 2023 about BermudAir, one of the first 'All Business Class' airlines offering 76 lie-flat seats on board in a 2-2 configuration...

Only a matter of weeks after we reported on the ‘first class only’ airline that was purportedly offering a first-class experience for all its passengers that we think slightly missed the mark, a new airline — BermudAir — has announced that it’s launching ‘business class only’ planes on a handful of routes from the USA.

This new airline, which seems to fly in the face of the wider trend whereby premium economy is becoming the new ‘money-making machine‘ — as announced by the Emirates CEO — will soon have a special fleet of jets flying from Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and New York to Bermuda from $199 USD per ticket.

While the airline is set to begin flying on August 31st, minor supply-chain issues mean that the airline’s custom-designed pods won’t actually be rolled out until the 1st of November. From hereon out, however, BermudAir’s planes — all E175s — will be fitted out with only thirty seats across the entire jet.

Laid out in fifteen rows of a 1:1 configuration, BermudAir aims to replicate the space, comfort, and amenities that would normally be reserved for passengers paying a hefty premium on larger carriers for all of their passengers at a significantly lower price point.

While tickets will go up to $999 USD once the retrofitting is complete in November, seats come equipped with in-seat power, free Wi-Fi, and enough storage space for both a carry-on and personal item. Notably, overhead lockers will be done away with in order to create a more spacious and airy feeling throughout the cabin.

In addition, all onboard food — including treats from Bermuda-based French bakery l’Artisan Boulangerie and Ahmani’s Cookie Company — as well as all beverages — including the airline’s featured “Dark ‘n’ Stormy” cocktail, a mix of Goslings Black Seal Rum, ginger beer, and lime — are included free of charge, as reported by AFAR.

BermudAir founder and CEO Adam Scott had this to say about the launch:

“We are excited to launch BermudAir as Bermuda’s first carrier, maintaining our commitment to start filling seasonal service gaps and establish frequency of service to and from the island this fall… Our mission to elevate the travel experience for everyone and provide well-timed, traveler-centric, stress-free flights on these new routes is just the beginning.”

Adam Scott

Will you mourn the passing of lie-flat tech, or do you see this is a brave, peaceful new world, devoid of a tech that did nothing but spark disputes? Let us know.

Read the full article Airlines Remove Lie-Flat Seats From Business Class as Recline Seats Gain Popularity on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Aussies love a loyalty program, and airline frequent flyer programs are no exception. Over 15 million people are members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer (QFF) program, while Virgin Australia's Velocity program has signed up almost 12 million customers...

But let's not beat around the bush here: these programs are not created to benefit customers. They are designed to drive business and revenue to the airline. To claim otherwise is just marketing spin, pure and simple.

There is a lot of consumer anger about the difficulties of redeeming flights and some of the prices charged, especially for premium cabin redemptions into markets like Europe and North America. Some of this aggro is valid, while some of it is misplaced...

The three-hour jaunt in first class between Sydney and Christchurch (or vice versa) on the Emirates A380 for the widely touted price of 64,500 points (plus about A$200 in charges) is an example of a really well-advertised deal in the QFF program. 

The problem is that QFF members have Buckley's chance of actually picking up a ticket at this price, with Qantas consistently pricing its first-class redemptions on this sector at over 280,000 points for the remainder of 2024. Unsurprisingly, this doesn't go down well with customers.

Steve Hui from iFLYFlat, a points redemption concierge service, told DMARGE that redeeming points is like going fishing: you cast the net out and see what gets caught. He says you need to be flexible and start searching for flights as early as possible.

Working about six months out, this author has recently obtained business class flights on Qantas between Sydney and Jakarta for the advertised lead-in price of 68,000 points plus around A$200 in fees. There is also an upcoming business class redemption on a Singapore Airlines A380 from Hong Kong to Sydney via Singapore purchased for 78,000 Velocity points plus around A$400 in charges.

Velocity boss Nick Rohrlach told DMARGE that its partner airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and ANA, deliver very good reward seat availability. "That's something we are really proud of," he said.

One of the quirks of frequent flyer redemptions everywhere is that a simple point-to-point redemption on a busy truck route, say Melbourne—Singapore, may be difficult to source or only available at a ridiculous price. But if you start the trip in a regional port such as Launceston or Newcastle, availability can open up. Equally, if you tap in Kuala Lumpur or Penang as the destination port rather than Singapore if chasing a Velocity redemption, reasonably priced fares may also mysteriously materialise.

If you find the Qantas search engine laughing in your face when you try to redeem a Sydney—London flight, starting the trip in a QantasLink port such as Orange or Bendigo can sometimes produce more satisfactory results. Or tell it you want to go to Birmingham instead of Heathrow.

The general rule is the shorter the sector, the poorer the redemption value. It's why most potential passengers want to redeem their points for expensive long-haul flights. But there are exceptions. The cash price for the short flight between Sydney and Lord Howe Island is notoriously expensive.

However, the sector is less than 600 miles, meaning you can redeem flights from 8,000 QFF points (plus around A$150 in charges). Are there any available, or is this just another Christchurch jig? The Qantas search engine shows selected dates in June when you can jag the lead in fare, with availability becoming more common after that. As Hui says, get in early.

New Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson says QFF members should start to see some changes later this year. DMARGE also asked the boss of Qantas Loyalty to contribute to this article. However, she did not respond.

Hui says even if frequent flyer members get frustrated with a lack of fairly priced redemptions, they should resist the urge to waste points on poor-value redemptions like hotel stays or points plus pay redemptions, which he describes as lousy value for money.

He says Velocity members looking for long-haul premium cabin redemptions should look at Singapore Airlines and Qatar, while Qantas frequent flyers may need to think outside the box and look at partner airlines such as the surprisingly good China Eastern and Cathay Pacific for availability. If you are sitting on a pile of points and eyeing a trip somewhere nice, iFLYFlat can help you find the best value redemption opportunities in all cabin classes.

Rohrlach says if you are new to the points game, work out how to earn points on everyday spending:

"We have had many members fund around-the-world trips exclusively by transferring their Flybuys points to Velocity."

Nick Rohrlach, Velocity CEO. Image Virgin

He also advises people to set redemption goals. If you want to fly business to Japan in 2025, work out how much it will cost and how you can earn those points. Break the target down into smaller goals, like earning 10,000 points per month.

Of course, if neither program floats your boat, there are alternatives. Two of the better ones for Australians include Singapore's Krisflyer program, which allows you to tap into redemptions across the Star Alliance network. Qatar's Avios-based Privilege Club offers the same benefits across the Oneworld alliance.

The downside of both programs is neither has the number of local partners and, therefore, point-earning opportunities that Velocity and QFF have...

Read the full article How To Make Frequent Flyer Programs Work For You on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

In the first of what will be a monthly update of travel news and tips, DMARGE brings you a wrap of open status match offers, flight resumptions, hotel openings, and some opportunities lost.

Garuda Indonesia (SkyTeam) and Turkish Airlines (Star Alliance) have status match options available to Qantas Gold and Platinum frequent flyers.

It’s not open slather. The matches come with conditions, including granting status for an interim period and expecting you to do one or more flights in that time to lock in status for 12 months. However, it is a sweet deal if you plan to fly on either airline soon.

WATCH: ex-Qantas CEO Alan Joyce Roasts Karl Stefanovic

If you fly Qantas regularly, you’ll know the airline blocks-off the front seats in every cabin for its top frequent flyers. However, 80 hours before the flight, any unsold seats in the cabin class open up to everyone. Known as T-80 — around 79 hours and 55 minutes before your flight departs — go onto the Qantas website, into the manage booking section, and you can switch out of 28B into 4A at no cost. 

Getting up the front of the cabin gets you more legroom, first dibs on what passes for Qantas economy catering, and allows for quicker disembarking. A word to the wise: This trick works best on off-peak non-trunk routes. Jagging 4A is far easier on the 11:05 Maroochydore to Sydney flight than the 18:00 Adelaide to Melbourne flight. T-80 also works on international flights.

Perth is receiving some airline love, with several international carriers recently resuming flights and others planning to restart or increase services.

In December, Thai Airways resumed flights on the Bangkok—Perth sector, while Vietnam Airlines debuted flights to and from Ho Chi Minh. China Eastern is testing market demand with flights to and from Shanghai Pudong over the WA summer.

After a lengthy absence, South African Airways will resume flights to Johannesburg in April. Later in the year, Emirates will return to pre-pandemic flying frequencies with double dailies out of Perth using a mix of A380s and B777-300ERs. Emirates will start using A380s on both its twice-daily flights out of Brisbane later this year.

The planned 2024 start for El Al’s Melbourne flights is up in the air because the airline has paused all flights over Saudi airspace. Using Saudi (and Omani) airspace allows El Al’s B787 Dreamliners to cover the distance between Tel Aviv and Melbourne in a single flight.

When the airline announced the flights in 2023, Saudi Arabia had recently opened its airspace to Israeli carriers, making the nonstop flights doable. However, due to the current situation in Israel, Israeli airlines are once again no longer flying over Saudi Arabia. Until this changes, the chances of the Melbourne flights starting are slight.

Melbourne's hotel options continue to grow in leaps and bounds, with another Veriu hotel recently opening its doors to guests in Johnson Street, Collingwood. Tim Gurner, whose company built the property and retains ownership, says people thought he was mad to build there but said:

"This is where the culture is, and wealth follows culture; that's been the evolution in every major city in the world."

Tim Gurner

Hilton has added Melbourne’s 255-room Next Hotel in Collins Street to its Curio portfolio. It is Hilton’s third property in the city, alongside the Doubletree across from Flinders Street Station and the Hilton Little Queen Street.

Also expected to open in Melbourne this year is 1 Hotel as part of the redevelopment of Northbank Wharf and the Shangri-La near Carlton Gardens.

Further west, Adelaide is getting a Marriott in May, with the hotel opening as part of the GPO redevelopment. The 285-room hotel will include a club lounge, offering Bonvoy elites a place to sleep along with free drinks every evening while in town.

Regional Express (REX) has axed lounge access and the extra baggage allowance for passengers who upgrade from economy to business class via BidUp.

BidUp allows economy class passengers to sit up the front, usually for around A$50–100 on top of the initial fare. Until mid-December, it also allowed successful bidders to enjoy some quiet time in Rex’s lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Now, it's back to mixing with the hoi polloi in the terminal.

Korean Air has ended its seasonal B747-8 flights to Sydney, converting back to B777-300ERs in mid-January. There are now no B747 passenger flights in and out of Australia. However, B747 fans can still pick up Korean B747 flights from Incheon to Atlanta, Honolulu, New York, and Paris.

Korean Air offers a tip-top B747 flying experience, using the relatively rare Apex Suite seat in business class and even offering first class. Get onboard before the queen of the skies goes the way of the dodo. 

Check back next month for more travel hacks & tips from Andrew Curran.

Read the full article This Month’s Tips You Don’t Want To Miss on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

American Airlines has become one of the first US carriers to pull the trigger on scrapping first-class seats as a wider trend takes hold whereby airlines deem the pointy end's most premium offer to be ironically 'pointless' in the face of changing economic circumstances and the rise of new 'money making machines'.

As reported by View From The Wing, AA is ending its Flagship First Class product in the coming months and years, switching its current fleet of A32IT planes into this new, much-less-luxurious configuration. It's understood that the same configuration will be adopted by airfcrafts the carrier currently has on order, due to be delivered shortly.

WATCH: Beware: Viral 'Poor Man's First Class' Travel Hack Is Literally Just Fraud

Gary Leff summarises the changes as follows:

"When new Boeing 787-9 planes are delivered with business class suites with doors, they will also retrofit their Boeing 777-300ER planes – eliminating international first class, and adding these new business class seats... They will drop first class from these A321T planes.

In fact they are going to modify the aircraft to a standard A321 Oasis domestic configuration with just recliner seats up front and coach in back. For premium cross country flights they’re expected to use new Airbus A321XLR planes which, once delivered, will have business class suites with doors as well."

View From The Wing

Calling it "lamentable" that AA is scrapping their most premium product, Leff also points out that the biggest differences to the airline — and those felt by the biggest group of customers — will be back in plain old economy class, as the airline plans to remove seatback entertainment screens, reducing the number of seats with extra legroom, reducing the legroom that all economy seats have, and even removing a galley. Nothing better than being cramped and hungry, eh?

This story comes only a few months after Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker declared that the airline will no longer provide first-class seats for its planes in a strategically risky and divergent move that starkly contrasts with other airlines like Lufthansa, Qantas and Air France, who have all doubled down on their high-end offer in recent years.

While Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa, believes that more travellers are seeking a special treat, creating higher demand for the first-class experience — and, for the record, Lufthansa’s first-class cabins have never been fuller — Al Baker’s rationale stems from his belief that the investment in opulent first-class seating fails to yield sufficient returns, especially considering the immense perks offered in their business class.

Al Baker puts it this way:

“Why [wouldn’t] you invest in a subclass of an airplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you? I don’t see the necessity.”

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO

For Al Baker, the future lies in business class, specifically the airline’s Q-suite product. His high-stakes vision has led the airline totally exclude first-class cabins from its next-generation Boeing 777X aircraft, which will become the largest in the airline’s fleet once all ten of its Airbus A380s (which still feature eight first-class seats) are eventually retired.

However, business class is having its own usefulness questioned after data has emerged showing that premium economy might be the coolest new cabin in town. After the pandemic pushed the cost of business class to new highs, a growing number of one-time business-class travellers are now opting for premium economy, choosing comparable comfort at a fraction of the price.

A return flight to Europe in September with carriers like Qantas, Emirates, or Qatar now costs a jaw-dropping $15,000 AUD or thereabouts.

Conversely, premium economy seats are available at less than half that cost. Moreover, with an industry-wide average of 15cm more legroom and an additional 3.8cm of width over economy, passengers can bid farewell to cramped conditions while keeping their wallets that little bit fuller.

Premium economy offers a number of other benefits over economy, beyond the extra room to manoeuvre. While the recline angle of seats is, admittedly, not quite as generous as business class, it still allows for a more relaxed position during long-haul flights. Moreover, premium economy passengers enjoy a separate cabin, reduced chances of disturbances, and — depending on the specific aircraft’s configuration — may even have access to exclusive toilets.

But wait, there’s more! Additional perks include separate check-in, priority boarding between business and economy passengers, an enhanced food and drink menu, larger entertainment screens, and increased baggage allowances. Some carriers, like Japan Airlines (JAL), even grant premium economy passengers access to their business-class lounges in Japan and select overseas ports. The evidently huge allure of all this has led Harry Hohmeister — now chairman of Eurowings and formerly board member at Lufthansa — to give premium economy an enviable new moniker:

“A money-generating machine.”

Harry Hohmeister

Since he first made this comment way back in 2019, premium economy has continually proven to be a lucrative endeavour for airlines. If you stop to think about it, it shouldn’t really come as a surprise: premium economy allows airlines to maximize revenue without the need for all the additional luxuries and services you’d expect from business class.

In fact, a typical premium economy seat generates a massive 33% more revenue than a traditional economy seat and — more shockingly — 6% more than a business-class seat, all while occupying a near-identical amount of cabin space.

Perhaps this bumper profit margin also goes someway to explaining why airlines have been so keen to push their new ‘in-between class’ seating options — a handy moniker coined by The Sydney Morning Herald — potentially viewing them as a way to double-down on this model of maximising profits with as little spatial or financial investment as possible.

It seems there's some disagreement in the industry about which cabins are set to make airlines the most money in coming months, but one thing they all seem to agree on is that radical change is needed onboard their planes in order to keep travel profitable and pleasurable... let's see whose gamble pays off.

Read the full article Airlines Shift Focus from First Class to Business and Premium Economy on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Given how expensive first and business-class travel has become, there are few things worse than getting kicked out of your seat. Here's one reason flyers are losing their place in the pointy end...

There are a plethora of perfectly good reasons for losing a first or business-class seat — take the guy who urinated all over his cabin or threatening cabin crew over your meal choice as good examples — but there's a lesser-known reason that you can be kicked out of your hard-earned seat with little right to recourse.

A couple flying American Airlines found this out the hard way this week after they unexpectedly received an upgrade to first class only to have it snatched away from them a matter of minutes later. The passenger in question, Jake Williams, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage at the experience he and his girlfriend endured...

What happened, exactly? After being upgraded on the Embraer E-175 regional flight, Williams' girlfriend was then downgraded to economy, made to sit at the very back of the plane, due to a "broken seat" Then, only a short few moments later, the apparently broken seat was occupied by a deadheading pilot.

For those not in the know, 'deadheading' is when an on-duty pilot has reached the required flying time to take a much-needed rest. Pilots in this situation have had upgrade priority over mere mortals for decades — no matter what condition the seat may be in — and a pilot in uniform at the gate also enjoys increased boarding priority.

As Gary Leff over at View From The Wing points out, we don't have all the information here, but we can nevertheless have a closer look at what's going on: American pilots gained this first-class deadheading perk in a newly negotiated contract, just as their colleagues at United did a few years back.

The reasoning for this perk is obvious: a well-rested pilot is a happier, better, safer pilot. In short, they need the rest more than an average flyer does. Unsurprisingly, however, this union-bargained perk still manages to rub some people, such as Mr Williams, up the wrong way.

Here at DMARGE, we're whole-hearted supporters of this policy. We understand that getting bumped out of your seat can be a hard pill to swallow and that, in an ideal world, airlines would avoid selling seats that are required for pilots (or, as in this case, upgrading passengers into those seats) in the first place.

It's vaguely reminiscent of the time that Qantas booted a Vietnam vet out of his seat so a young pilot could rest. While it's sad seeing people have a rare and heard-earned luxury snatched away from them, you have to put the safety of the whole plane first, and that means keeping your pilots well-rested.

We saw what happens when pilots who aren't rested or in a good mental state take the controls last month when one who hadn't slept for three days tried to shut down his engines mid-flight. Getting downgraded sucks, but crash landings suck harder...

Read the full article Pilots Get Priority As Passenger Gets Booted From American Airlines Business Class on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Abu Dhabi's new terminal is set to be a landmark event for luxury travel and Etihad's newly unveiled first-class and business-class lounges have all but confirmed the prestige of this new arrival.

Last month we reported on the newly unveiled $5 Billion terminal at Abu Dhabi airport which was first made famous for its appearance in the latest Mission Impossible movie but is now set to raise the bar for premium travel with the help of national carrier Etihad.

The airline is renowned around the world for its already top-drawer business and first-class offerings, but newly unveiled lounges in this highly exclusive terminal — set to officially open November 9th — promise to be a gold standard finish to a project over ten years in the making.

WATCH: Take a look at Dubai's 40-year glow up.

Officially known as 'Terminal A', the new building is connected to its sister terminals via a free 10-minute shuttle ride and features a number of impressive design elements including glorious sandy arches that vault high over the building's ceilings, state-of-the-art check-in and security facilities, and promises an all-round seamless passenger experience.

The lounges themselves boast a separate check-in area for first and business-class passengers, creating a more exclusive experience for premium travellers but also easing the flow of passengers across the entire terminal. First-class passengers can even enjoy a "personalised" check-in experience, featuring leather recliners for a much-needed sit-down.

As reported by our friends at Executive Traveller, The lounges span a massive three floors, dwarfing their previous and frankly underwhelming offer in the airport's older terminal. A range of dining options are on offer, including a live cooking station, buffet, and rooftop cocktail bar.

The first-class lounge also has a game-changing new feature known as 'The Parlour', where travellers can enjoy specialised treats — including a full-scale afternoon tea — before heading to one of many private 'relaxation spaces' featuring low-lying lounge furniture. Showers are par for the course while games rooms and parenting rooms offer a retreat for those travelling with kids.

The business-class lounge also offers a spa and salon where fliers can enjoy haircuts, manicures, pedicures and a number of additional treatments. Naturally, first-class passengers are entitled to all these services too.

Completed with contemporary interior design centred on light colours, timber floors, and stone architecture with Etihad's signature golden accents, the massive lounges can accommodate over 1,000 travellers including those flying on the Etihad A380s between Abu Dhabi and London.

Access to the lounges is complimentary for first-class passengers, eligible business class ticket holders, eligible Etihad Guest members, and Velocity Platinum frequent flyers on Etihad-operated flights.

To see more about Terminal A's incredible offering beyond the Etihad lounges — including its 35,000 square metres of shopping space and 7,5000 solar panel sustaibiity program — read our dedicated article.

In the meantime, I'd recommend keeping an eye out for any flight deals to Abu Dhabi over Christmas... this isn't one to be missed.

Read the full article Etihad Unveils First And Business Class Lounges In Abu Dhabi ‘Mission Impossible’ Airport on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Japan Airlines has unveiled its overhauled first class and business class seats, as well as some uplifts to premium economy too. Suffice to say, they could shake up the luxury travel and aviation industry.

With the launch of disruptive 'all business class' airlines and the news that some carriers are scrapping their first-class cabins altogether, airlines are having to make their luxury offers better than ever in order to attract willing travellers. This week, Japan Airlines unveiled the details of its new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which could set a new bar for the first and business-class experience.

As reported by One Mile At A Time, Japan Airlines has a total of 13 Airbus A350-1000s on order, which will eventually become the carrier’s flagship aircraft. The carrier's current fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs is around 16 years old now and — given Japan Airlines' industry-leading commitment to keeping its fleet up-to-date — is long overdue an overhaul.

WATCH: Compare and contrast with Cathay Pacific's new business class cabin.

Japan Airlines has announced the first confirmed route for these news plans: although a precise date is yet to be been confirmed, the airline intends to commence operations between Tokyo and New York's JFK airport before the end of 2023. Initially, only one of the two daily flights between Tokyo and New York will feature the A350.

The aircraft was initially scheduled to enter service in November but slight delays are anticipated due to ‚ you guessed it — supply chain issues...

Japan Airlines' new A350-1000 first class offers unparalleled luxury with just six seats in a 1-1-1 configuration. Key features include:

Japan Airlines' new A350-1000 business class consists of 52 seats, spread across 14 rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. Unsurprisingly, it features many of the same features as first-class but with a little less space, privacy, or flexibility:

It's fast becoming common knowledge that premium economy is set to be the industry's new 'money-making machine', so Japan Airlines have also upgraded their premium economy cabin to an impressively high spec.

The new A350-1000 premium economy boasts 24 seats, arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration across three rows:

Japan Airlines' new jets are set to significantly raise the bar for luxury travel. While its first and business-class cabins are hugely impressive — offering almost unprecedented levels of space and some eye-catching (and certainly headline-grabbing) new tech in the form of their 'headphone-free' seats, it is actually its premium economy cabin that constitutes its dark horse...

Premium economy is looking like it could become the favoured cabin of the next few decades. As airlines increasingly 'densify' economy cabins and pointy-end tickets are sold at eye-watering costs, premium economy represents the necessary medium where value and experience find a relatively happy middle ground.

Having said that, I certainly wouldn't turn down a chance to try out JAL's top-end cabins... if anyone from Japan Airlines is reading this, you know where to find me.

Read the full article World’s Best First Class And Business Class Cabins Unveiled, Including ‘Headphone-Free’ Technology on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

It turns out the world's most exclusive business class seats don't belong to the big luxury travel airlines you might expect. Rather, they're the prized possession of a lesser-known African carrier.

In the glamorous world of luxury travel, surprises are... surprisingly common. From the man who urinated all over his business class cabin to Mia Khalifa's dirty travel hack, you should never approach a business class seat without expecting the unexpected.

And yet, something that took this seasoned travel writer off guard was finding out about Nigerian airline Azman Air's business class arrangement. Out of approximately 400 seats on their Airbus A340 planes, only two of those seats are reserved for business class travel.

This means that only 0.5% of the plane's stock is reserved for business class — compare this to a Qantas A380 which gives 17% of its seats over to first and business class — making them some of the most exclusive business class seats in the world.

WATCH: This travel blogger has some business class qualms...

According to our friends at Simple Flying, Azman Air — a domestic airline headquartered at Nigeria's Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN) — was founded in 2010 and primarily operated a fleet of five Boeing 737 aircraft serving 11 airports across Nigeria. However, their sixth addition to the fleet was revealed to be an Airbus A340, formerly belonging to Virgin Atlantic...

The Airbus A340 itself doesn't Azman Air's offering particularly unconventional. Instead, it's the interior layout that sets it apart: the majority of passengers on this aircraft — seating 411 passengers in total — will find themselves in the economy cabin, featuring a classic 2-4-2 configuration. However, it's the business class section that really piqued my curiosity.

At the very front of the cabin and right in the middle of the aircraft, the business class 'cabin' consists of two brown leather seats. These seats aren't separated from the main cabin by any bulkhead and, speaking frankly, seem to offer little more than their economy counterparts beyond their more expensive upholstery and markedly less expensive reading lights...

This unique arrangement left many scratching their heads, wondering what the appeal of these business class seats really was, especially considering that the Airbus A340 primarily operates short domestic flights within Nigeria.

Despite these seemingly obvious questions, the business class seats continue to attract customers and an enviable air of exclusivity. In fact, they may even feel more exclusive than standard business class offers precisely because they sit right in the middle of the economy cabin, meaning fellow passengers look on jealously. Usually, a thin curtain is enough to keep the pointy end of the plane out of sight and out of mind...

While the interior of this plane may look a little dated to seasoned 'Western' flyers, the Airbus A340 is no relic. Rather, it's quite a young aircraft at 14 years old. After initially being delivered to Virgin Atlantic in August 2006, the aircraft found its way to Bournemouth, where it underwent a timely transformation rather than facing rapid retirement.

While in Bournemouth, it was transferred from former owners Doric Aviation to the European Aviation Group before being adorned with the colours of Azman Air. Internally, it underwent a significant refit, featuring these unique business-class seats.

As the industry continues to surprise us, Azman Air's Airbus A340 stands as a testament to the always unexpected and innovative in the world of travel. Whether these business class seats will continue to find dedicated followers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Azman Air has secured a place in aviation history with their wholly unexpected offering.

Read the full article Azman Air’s Airbus A340 Business Class Seats Offer an Unexpected Twist on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Economy seats have never been as luxurious as their business class and first class counterparts, but now airlines are purposefully making economy cabins less comfortable as premium economy becomes the new 'money-making machine'.

A few months ago, we reported on how premium economy cabins had been branded as the new "money-making machine" for airlines. Now, it seems that in an effort to maximise the profit potential of this innovative 'in-between' cabin class, airlines are actively making economy cabins less comfortable, less enjoyable, and worse value for their flyers.

How are they doing this? Via a process called 'densification' which — to cut a very long story short — is when airlines find ways to rearrange their cabins so that they can squeeze more passengers into the same amount of space and, almost without exception, charge the same amount of money or more for a smaller, less comfortable seat.

WATCH: These 'double-decker' concept plane seats show just how bad things could get.

In a recent article published by Skift, Ajay Awtaney explains how not only are economy flyers getting a rough deal as their seat width and pitch appear to continually shrink — as confirmed by the number-crunchers over at Marketplace — but that airlines are actively making their first- and business-class offers more spacious and more luxurious at the same time that economy flyers are punished.

But why are they doing this, especially in an economic climate that sees your average flyer's disposal income plummet and ticket prices rocket? It feels counterintuitive for airlines to throw money at a premium product when passengers are strapped for cash. However, as Awtaney neatly summarises, this may not necessarily be the case:

There are pockets of affluence where first class continues to do well, whatever shape the economy is in. And those airlines are investing in it. 

Ajay Awtaney

In line with our unveiling that Australian first-class bookings are up 107% despite the cost of living crisis, it seems that those with money to spend have more disposable income to spend on luxury flights than ever before.

However, just because some people still have money to spend on first-class indulgence doesn't necessarily mean that economy cabins would have to get worse. In fact, you might think that airlines would use the expansion and improvement of their luxury offer to market economy seats as better value than ever before, given just how unattainable the pointy end of the pane might feel for your average flyer.

And yet, what airlines seem to be doing instead — having recognised first and business classes still attract high-flyers and feel increasingly unattainable to others — is ploughing money into marketing premium economy seats as the new luxury-but-still-within-reach upgrade option for low- and middle-income travellers.

The sting in the tail here, however, is that in order to make premium economy seats — which usually distinguish themselves from economy by being slightly larger and slightly further apart, essentially everything that economy used to be — seem more appealing to customers is to actively make their economy offering less enticing.

How? By packing in more seats to the same amount of cabin space — 'densification'. This way, premium economy and business class — the higher value tickets — become far more enticing than economy cabins which increasingly use 3:3:3 configurations, with some airlines looking to add another seat into every single row.

Not only does this mean that economy flyers will now be paying the same skyrocketing prices for economy seats as they've come to expect in recent years, but they'll actually be getting worse value for their money. However, this isn't the only reason why travellers should resist the rise of densification:

First, the recent appearance of 'first-class only' and 'all business-class' airlines proves that airlines are able to create a workable business model wherein flyers are given all the space and amenities you'd expect from a business class seat at a fraction of the business-class cost.

In the case of BermudAir, their prices don't even represent a significant markup from economy seats with many carriers. So, if they're able to provide and protect this level of comfort for flyers, why can't commercial long-haul carriers?

Moreover, I have a niggling worry that airlines may use the ongoing climate crisis and their lacklustre efforts to go green as an excuse for rapid densification. In short, I think some airlines may try to defend their shrinking seats as an effort to get more flyers on board each plane and therefore reduce the carbon emissions they produce per journey.

However, this allows airlines far too easy an out: rather than downgrading customer experience as a quick-win for their carbon-cutting numbers, airlines need to invest their bumper profits in new, innovative technology that allows for increased quantity and quality of travel without causing environmental damage.

Repackaging current jets, especially in the name of making them less enjoyable — especially for those customers who are already likely to be enduring the very worst of a crunching economic climate — is not a sustainable way forward in any sense of the word.

Read the full article How Airlines Are Increasing Passenger Capacity with Cabin Densification on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

The world of premium travel is changing: this 'business class only' airline not only offers flyers a new level of comfort but proves how economy seats have always been overpriced and overpacked.

Only a matter of weeks after we reported on the 'first class only' airline that was purportedly offering a first-class experience for all its passengers that we think slightly missed the mark, a new airline — BermudAir — has announced that it's launching 'business class only' planes on a handful of routes from the USA.

This new airline, which seems to fly in the face of the wider trend whereby premium economy is becoming the new 'money-making machine' — as announced by the Emirates CEO — will soon have a special fleet of jets flying from Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and New York to Bermuda from $199 USD per ticket.

While the airline is set to begin flying on August 31st, minor supply-chain issues mean that the airline's custom-designed pods won't actually be rolled out until the 1st of November. From hereon out, however, BermudAir's planes — all E175s — will be fitted out with only thirty seats across the entire jet.

WATCH: Why not compare BermudAir's offering to Cathay Pacific's new business class look?

Laid out in fifteen rows of a 1:1 configuration, BermudAir aims to replicate the space, comfort, and amenities that would normally be reserved for passengers paying a hefty premium on larger carriers for all of their passengers at a significantly lower price point.

While tickets will go up to $999 USD once the retrofitting is complete in November, seats come equipped with in-seat power, free Wi-Fi, and enough storage space for both a carry-on and personal item. Notably, overhead lockers will be done away with in order to create a more spacious and airy feeling throughout the cabin.

In addition, all onboard food — including treats from Bermuda-based French bakery l’Artisan Boulangerie and Ahmani’s Cookie Company — as well as all beverages — including the airline’s featured "Dark ‘n’ Stormy" cocktail, a mix of Goslings Black Seal Rum, ginger beer, and lime — are included free of charge, as reported by AFAR.

BermudAir founder and CEO Adam Scott had this to say about the launch:

“We are excited to launch BermudAir as Bermuda’s first carrier, maintaining our commitment to start filling seasonal service gaps and establish frequency of service to and from the island this fall... Our mission to elevate the travel experience for everyone and provide well-timed, traveler-centric, stress-free flights on these new routes is just the beginning.”

Adam Scott

While the differences between this 'business class only' airline and the 'first class only' airline on which I came down quite hard a few weeks ago may only be a matter of semantics, with some time to reflect I believe that they could represent "just the beginning" of a promising sea change in air travel.

In short, what these airlines tell us is that a kind of air travel wherein passengers don't have to endure being stuffed in like sardines in claustrophobic 3:3:3 configurations is entirely possible. I, like many, spent a long time under the impression that airlines packed economy flyers in like this as a matter of necessity because they required a certain number of ticket sales in order to make each journey financially viable.

While there may be some truth in that, the fact that air travel costs seem to continually skyrocket while the space that passengers get to enjoy actually shrinks in many cases makes, economy passengers feel like they're getting an increasingly rough deal.

If you then contrast that with these challenger airlines who seem to have found a workable business model wherein passengers get ample space, comfort, and amenities at a cost that, though not cheap, hardly represents a significant markup compared to the jaw-dropping prices that larger carriers are demanding for their much less enticing economy seats... you begin to wonder if economy has always been a bit of rip-off.

Don't misunderstand me: I'm aware that these new airlines don't exactly qualify as "budget" alternatives to big carriers, but given how much more generous the offer seems to be for each passenger — not to mention the far more democratic feel of an entire plane enjoying the same level of amenities, rather than the old-fashioned "class" system that always breeds a level of resentment between cabins — there may just be something unexpectedly hopeful in this launch.

Plane tickets are still expensive, but if I take the view that I'm going to be out a large sum of money either way, knowing that there's an airline out there that genuinely wants to put the comfort of the traveller first — without compromising on the comfort of the passengers behind me — has a surprisingly strong appeal.

While the proof will very much be in the pudding, I look forward to seeing if BermudAir lives up to expectations... and even more so to trying out a "Dark 'n' Stormy" for myself.

Read the full article BermudAir Launches Business-Only Flights, Promising New Levels of Comfort on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

We've looked at the data, and it's clear that Australians are obsessed with business class when compared to their British and American counterparts... but why?

For all the business class horror stories that you might see floating around the internet, and which we can't deny a certain fondness for ourselves — take a look at this tale of a man urinating all over his business class cabin or the "coffin seats" to avoid at all costs as prime examples — you might be surprised to hear that Aussies are still absolutely obsessed with business class... but why?

At this point it's important to clarify what I mean by this: I don't mean that Australians are any more interested in premium and luxury travel than other holidaying nations per se. Rather, Australians are specifically interested in business class travel over and above first-class travel when compared to their American and UK counterparts, who both seem to hold first-class in higher esteem. Moreover, this isn't a short-term trend: this has been the pattern for a number of years.

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But before we get into the potential reasons for this phenomenon, it's well worth looking at the data to see how I came to this conclusion and, more importantly, just how pronounced this difference is. The graph below shows pretty conclusively that — with the exception of the pandemic which naturally saw interest in all types of travel massively decline — Australians have been significantly more interested in searching for information about business class travel than they have been with first class.

If we compare and contrast this to the same time period in the United States, the difference becomes clear: where Australians have been consistently more interested in business class travel, Americans are quite the opposite, showing a prolonged and uninterrupted preference for first class over business class. While these graphs only show data from the past five years, a quick search will show that this point of difference has not only stood firm but become progressively more pronounced for well over a decade now.

Let's zoom in on this data a little further. You could quite rightly call out the above graphs for flattening the data to cover the respective nation-states as whole entities, without showing any consideration for differences within those nations. You could take that thought further and ask whether these variances in interest are localised to certain parts of those countries, perhaps those with higher incomes or a greater prevalence of "old" money who may be more accustomed to the luxuries of first-class... but the data once again paints a surprisingly clear picture:

In every single Australian state, business class trumps first class for volume of interest online. Contrastingly, in every single US state, first-class trumps business class. So, we can deduce that this really is a difference of nations rather than a difference of socioeconomic breakdown within either nation. For the sake of proving that Australia really is the outlier in this regard, it's worth noting that the UK's pattern is almost identical to that of the US: first class is of much greater interest than business class.

So, finally, we arrive at the question posed at the outset: why are Aussies so obsessed with business class versus comparable countries? To cut a long story short, I think it has a lot to do with notions of national identity. Specifically, notions of class that Australians hold dear to their heart. To make a bold but useful generalisation, let's assume that first, business, and economy cabins map onto the tripartite class system: upper, middle, and working class...

Running with that theory provides some illumination: Australians have consistently shown that they are obsessed with the notion of being middle class. A Vice article from 2014 contains data showing that 93% of surveyed Aussies identify as middle class; a statistic that completely undermines the notion of representing the "middle" at all.

WATCH: In fairness to Aussies, First Class isn't always heaven on earth.

So, it seems that Australians are obsessed with business class because they're obsessed with being middle class. If you compare this to the US or — even more so —with the UK, we could pose the theory that the longer histories of those nations along with their deeply entrenched and more hierarchical class systems lead to their residents venerating upper-class-coded first class seats; Australians, in contrast, have a shorter history and pride themselves on a much flatter class system, leading to heightened interest in middle-class-coded business class.

Of course, this is just a theory drawn from one set of data. While it seems to align with wider trends in the industry, such as the Emirates CEO scrapping first class cabins altogether in favour of expanding more popular business class cabins, it also conflicts with the recent surge in first class bookings among the Australian elite. As with so many things, we'll leave this up to our dear readers to mull over and investigate further...

For now, this emigre travel writer would like to make it clear that he holds no prior prejudices — business and first are both fine by me, should anyone feel that this theory demands in-flight testing by an independent third-party...

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Read the full article Business Class Popularity Rises in Australia: A Reflection of Changing Travel Habits on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

Millions of dollars have been raised for a new airline that completely eliminates economy or coach class travel altogether... but are they rather missing the point of what makes these services so special?

Only a matter of weeks after Qatar Airways’ CEO claimed that first class was totally pointless compared to business class, while layouts like United’s “coffin seats” cabin raise questions about business class' own usefulness as premium economy becomes the "new money-making machine", you might be surprised to hear the news that the world's first 'premium only' airline has just enjoyed a bumper round of funding...

BeOnd, an aspiring all-business class airline with plans to establish a hub in the Maldives, has announced a significant funding injection. The ambitious venture aims to position itself as the world's first premium leisure airline, but industry experts — as well as this humble travel writer — have begun to raise concerns about the airline's viability and growth strategy.

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Led by CEO Tero Taskila, former Gulf Air and airBaltic executive, BeOnd has managed to secure $17 million USD ($26 million AUD) in funding, a commendable feat for an airline startup. However, while Be0nd hopes the cash could see the airline take flight sooner than expected, others are less convinced.

WATCH: First class isn't immune from all the issues you'll find in economy...

Whether the airline pitches itself as an 'all business class' or 'all first class' venture seems somewhat up for debate and, ultimately, a matter of semantics. While its 'all premium offer seems novel, its promises of industry disruption may be somewhat overinflated. First, with only one aircraft to its name at present time, the airline's plans to serve 60 to 80 locations via Airbus A321neos with 68 premium seats on every aircraft still seem quite a way off.

On top of this, however, BeOnd faces intense logistical challenges. After establishing its Maldives hub, the airline aims to serve Dubai, then Delhi, followed by Perth in the not-too-distant future. Breaking into the Middle East will constitute an enormous challenge given the stranglehold that established competitors like Emirates have over the area.

But a more fundamental issue could lie in the airline's reliance on a single Maldives hub in the first place, which is what View From The Wing suggest they may use as an initial set-up, pointing to the fact that most airlines need a counter-seasonal hub that would see peak business during the Northern summer, allowing the airline to maximize revenue potential throughout the year rather than rely solely on the Southern summer boom.

Furthermore, the current lack of an air operator's certificate from the Maldivian government and the total absence of ticket sales add to the uncertainty surrounding whether BeOnd has — or will ever have — an actual launch date. While the airline's leadership expresses a desire to begin operations in autumn, some remain sceptical about the timeline.

For this writer, all of these problems — though entirely valid — fail to ask a more fundamental question about the airline's proposition and brand: does having a 'first class only' airline, especially in the current economic climate, not pretty much entirely miss the point of premium travel cabins altogether?

Not only are first- and business-class cabins coming under huge amounts of scrutiny at the moment — thanks in part to their increasing financial 'pointlessness' when compared to the long-boom of premium economy but also because of their shocking environmental footprint when compared to cheaper cabins — but don't these cabins get their allure precisely from the fact that they exist alongside the "lower", cheaper classes?

To put it another way: 'first class only' vehicles already exist, we just call them private jets. The draw of first- and business- cabins in the context of a commercial vehicle is precisely that you get to turn left, toward the pointy-end of the plane, to relax in your resplendent throne knowing that the mere mortals are up the back in the cheap seats.

Now, I'm not necessarily endorsing this questionable breed of airline-facilitated moral superiority, but I do believe that it's only in the power of cabin-contrast that luxury seating options become so desirable. To anyone that's seen Pixar's seminal movie The Incredibles, you'll perhaps relate to the line trotted out by antagonist 'Syndrome' when arguing for the democratising power of superhero-style abilities: "When everyone's super, no one is..."

Much the same can be said for this kind of travel arrangement: if everyone's in first class, then there might as well be nobody in first class. The pointy-end's biggest appeal is that you get to indulge in having an experience better than and separate from everyone else's... but not so separate that you take your plush new digs for granted.

BeOnd rather misses this, and I have a sneaking suspicion that if the airline ever does get off the ground that it might find its supposedly pioneering offer to be a little less lapped-up than it has forecast. That being said, if they need someone to do a reccy of their Maldives hub, I'm always available to have my horizons broadened...

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Read the full article BeOnd Airline Raises Record Funding with First-Class-Only Model, but Experts Question Viability on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

In a bid to level up its already industry-leading travel experience, Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific has exciting news for its loyal business-class customers.

Only a matter of weeks after Qatar Airways’ CEO claimed that first class was totally pointless compared to business class, it now seems that business class is having its own usefulness questioned. With layouts like United's "coffin seats" cabin still on offer — recently endured by our friend Matthew Kliny over at Live And Let’s Fly — it’s not particularly hard to see why. However, Cathay Pacific has just launched their bid for rehabilitating this all too-vulnerable way of travelling...

As reported by One Mile At A Time, the airline recently announced its plans to introduce a brand new business class seat on its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, which should be ready for rollout in the second quarter of 2024. This new addition — dubbed the "Aria Suite" — makes the worryingly bold promise to revolutionize luxury travel. Shared by the airline through a mysterious but wholly intriguing 40-second clip, the teaser trailer keeps a number of details under wraps but has already sparked excitement amongst passengers and industry insiders alike.

WATCH: The teaser trailer for Cathay Pacific's new Aria Suite.

But what exactly can we discern from the shadowy video? First, the Aria Suite will feature a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seating arrangement, with the centre pair of seats facing the centre of the cabin to maximize privacy and ensure that each passenger has direct aisle access. Second, the Aria Suite embraces a wildfire trend among luxury airline offerings: the privacy door, which adds an extra layer of seclusion and personal space.

In addition to this, the Aria Suite boasts generous storage options with two main stow compartments as well as a removable armrest with hidden storage space — an increasingly important feature as travellers seem to carry more and more personal items and even outfit changes when boarding — as well as upgraded tech integration including wireless charging capabilities, a must-have while passengers are warned against embarking with fully-charged devices.

While the manufacturer of the seats remains uncertain, many speculate that Collins Aerospace Elements could be responsible, renowned as they are for their highly-customisable designs. Their products have already been taken up by a number of other esteemed airlines, including Starlux Airlines and Etihad Airways. Initially, the airline intended to introduce all-new premium cabins on its Boeing 777-9s, but it's reasonable to assume that the Aria Suite will eventually find its way onto the Boeing 777-9s as well.

This announcement has left many wondering whether Cathay Pacific has plans to roll out similar upgrades to their first-class cabins too. It's an interesting time to ask such a question, given the ongoing discourse around whether first class is still a necessary offer from airlines in the first place. While skyrocketing first class bookings in Australia suggest it may be, some CEOs are calling to scrap it altogether, given the massive carbon footprint of the class and increasing difficulty of offering a level of luxury that is significantly different to that offered in ever-better business-class spaces.

However, business class shouldn't rest on its laurels. While it may have more of a draw than first class for many travellers, its own usefulness is being called into question as premium economy reveals itself to be the real "money-making machine", given that it can offer flyers many of business' advantages — including somewhat-reclining seats, a separate cabin, reduced chances of disturbances, and access to exclusive toilets — at a fraction of the cost.

Cathay Pacific clearly believes that there's a long-term play to be made for business class, and the Aria Suite makes a good case for its continued success. Whether that case is strong enough to hold its ground against an ever-changing travel landscape, however, remains to be seen.

Read the full article Cathay Pacific Bets on ‘Aria Suite’ to Keep Business Class Competitive in Changing Skies on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

For those with the requisite dough, the allure of private jets and business class is undeniable. However, the economics of flying privately versus commercially might surprise you.

Only a matter of weeks after Qatar Airways’ CEO claimed that first class was totally pointless compared to business class, it now seems that business class is having its own usefulness questioned after business class prices have soared to such an extent that chartering a private plane may be more cost-effective for some high-value flyers. While more humble travellers are abandoning business for premium economy, the rich might be abandoning it for a different plane altogether.

Following in the footsteps of our friends over at Simple Flying, we've decided to delve into all the actors that could come into this complex decision, comparing flight types, costs, time savings — a particularly potent part of the equation for business travellers (time is money, as the famous saying goes) — as well as comfort and the all-important carbon cost of this decision, an increasingly central factor in an increasingly sustainability-centric world.

WATCH: Check out this next-level private jet that Saudi football teams can enjoy...

The first scenario to consider is a short-haul domestic flight; our friends at Simply FLying use a Houston to Atlanta route as their example. For a group of four travellers, the options are to charter an Embraer Phenom 100 private jet or opt for domestic business class on United Airlines or Delta. Chartering a private jet could cost between $3,800 and $4,800 USD per hour, a total of up to $19,200 USD for the four-hour roundtrip.

On the other hand, flying domestic business class would only set the group back between $400 and $550 USD each, totalling up to $2,200 USD for all four passengers. The cost difference between the two options is pretty self-evident. If you factor in the increased carbon emissions on a per-passenger basis from the private jet, the disparity becomes even more pronounced.

While private could offer some obvious advantages in terms of comfort, the real difference is in time efficiency: assuming the group arrives at the airport two hours before the flight and departs thirty minutes after landing, a roundtrip commercial journey would take nearly nine hours, while a private jet journey would take just four hours. If the group values five hours of their time more than the additional cost, flying privately could prove to be the better value.

If we look at a medium-length flight, it's a similar story. Let's consider a flight from New York to Los Angeles for a group of eight travellers, choosing between an Embraer Legacy 500 private jet or flying first class on American Airlines' flagship Airbus A321. Chartering the Legacy 500 could cost between $9,000 and $10,000 USD per flight hour, costing up to $110,000 USD for the eleven-hour roundtrip journey. In contrast, flying first class on American would cost approximately $2,500 USD per passenger, totalling $20,000 USD for the entire group.

Here, the private jet is over five times more expensive than first-class commercial travel, as well as emitting a boatload more carbon per person. Moreover, as the flights get longer, the private jets actually become comparatively less comfortable than the commercial planes, given the absence of lie-flat beds. However, as with the short-haul flight, time savings could be the only swaying factor...

Finally, let's look long-haul, weighing up a journey from New York and London. For a group of twelve travellers, the options are to charter a private Bombardier Challenger 605 or book out the entire first-class cabin of a British Airways Boeing 777. Chartering the Challenger could cost $11,000 to $14,000 USD per flight hour, hitting a total of $210,000 USD for the roundtrip. Whereas first class on British Airways would cost between $3,500 and $4,500 USD per passenger, totalling up to $54,000 for the group.

Once again, the private flight is substantially more expensive, while the commercial options wins out yet again on both comfort and carbon; British Airways offers fully-flat beds in first class, whereas the private jet would likely only provide large recliners. However, the private flight offers unmatched convenience, with little waiting time on either end. Passengers could complete the New York to London journey in a meagre eight hours, representing significant savings for time-conscious passengers.

So, while it might seem that on the surface commercial is cheaper but private jets offer potential savings for very-high-value travellers for whom a precious few hours can mean the difference between tens- if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.... doesn't this all miss some quite obvious but seemingly overlooked points? Allow me to direct you to our recent article on first-class bookings soaring 107% as the cost of living crisis bites...

While Simple Flying's article rightly and very accurately chalks up the difference in carbon emissions between business class and private jets, it doesn't seem to give much time to the difference in carbon emissions between business class and all the less luxurious alternatives: the provisions and space required for each seat in the upper two classes on a commercial plane make them up to nine times more carbon intensive than their counterparts in economy or premium economy, according to On Carbon. So, rather than weighing up between the two most luxurious options available, should businesspeople be considering more humble travel arrangements?

Moreover, we need to consider whether air travel is necessary in the first place — regardless of cabin class — in an era where technology enables virtual communication and remote work. And before anyone accuses me of being a ‘snowflake’ tree-hugger, this makes sense from a cashflow perspective too: encouraging businesses to embrace digital communication methods and reduce reliance on frequent and luxurious business travel would benefit both the environment and their bottom line. So, once again, instead of comparing two very exclusive, expensive, and environmentally-damaging options, maybe we need to ask whether air travel is necessary altogether.

In the world of soaring business-class prices and extravagant private jets, it's time for high-value flyers to ponder: Should they stick with the lavish skies, or might they find a smarter, more sustainable route to their destination? Perhaps it's time for a rethink that could save both precious hours and the planet's health.

Read the full article Business Class Is So Expensive That A Private Jet Could Be More Cost Effective on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

In a mind-boggling turn of events, new data analysis reveals that First Class travel has surged by a staggering 107% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Flying in the face of news that Qatar Airways CEO thinks first class is 'pointless' and that premium economy is the new "money-making machine", as well as the ongoing cost of living crisis that continues to bite for millions across Australia and the wider world, new data has revealed that bookings for the plane's pointier end — where first and business class cabins are tucked away — have skyrocketed in the past twelve months.

First Class travel has surged by a staggering 107% in 2023 compared to the previous year and business class bookings have also seen a significant increase of 26%, while Premium Economy and Economy bookings experienced declines of 41% and 20%, respectively, according to newly released data from Corporate Traveller. This trend comes at a time when financial uncertainty and fears of a recession loom over the nation, with nearly half of Australian business leaders expecting a recession in 2023.

WATCH: First Class isn't immune from Mother Nature's fury...

Tom Walley, Corporate Traveller's Australian-based Global Managing Director, acknowledges that the current climate is challenging, but he sees the data as a positive sign:

“There’s no doubt the economy is fragile, and a lot of people and businesses are feeling the pinch at the moment, but this data is a positive sign for our SME sector – the backbone of our economy. For many, flying isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for business success and survival."

Tom Walley

While I'm genuinely very happy for people like Walley who interpret this news as a glowing greenlight for the business world and economy more broadly, I must confess that it didn't stir the same warm and fuzzy feelings in me. The surge in First Class and Business bookings suggests a growing divide between executives and higher-ups who can afford luxury travel compared to the rest of the workforce; while the privileged few enjoy extravagant perks, workers at the lower end of the spectrum face ongoing financial uncertainty.

Furthermore, not only does this divide exist, but tales of unwelcome cuts to the day-to-day working experience of lower-paid employees make this divide one defined by C-suite greed. The Aussie Corporate — a social media account that serves as an anonymous confessional for Aussies working in major corporate businesses — has recently received slews of reports of large multinationals cutting the allocation of minor perks for their lower-level employees, such as free coffees or office party budgets while their seniors evidently face no such strain.

While coffees and office parties aren't the be-all-and-end-all for businesses, this pattern does have a ripple effect on the well-being of employees. Don't just take my word for it: the Gartner HR Survey shows a looming well-being crisis for Aussie employees, while HCA Mag reports that less than half of Australian employers have a "high level" of employee satisfaction.

To be clear, I'm not out here suggesting that if free coffees run wild and office parties become a weekly occurrence this will all be magicked away; I'm suggesting that if there's money in the coffers for first class travel, maybe employers should look at spending it elsewhere and a little more wisely.

Next up, I think we have to more closely examine Walley's claim that pointy-end air travel is a "necessity" for business. First, the environmental impact of First Class and Business travel massively outweighs that of Economy or Premium Economy alternatives, with the provisions and space required for each seat in the upper two classes making them significantly more carbon-intensive, up to nine times so, according to On Carbon. As the world grapples with the climate crisis, it's disappointing to see corporate travellers opting for the most environmentally harmful travel options.

Moreover, we need to consider whether air travel is necessary in the first place — regardless of cabin class — in an era where technology enables virtual communication and remote work.

And before anyone accuses me of being a 'snowflake' tree-hugger, this makes sense from a cashflow perspective too: encouraging businesses to embrace digital communication methods and reduce reliance on frequent and luxurious business travel would benefit both the environment and their bottom line.

Ultimately, what this data represents is the ongoing prioritisation of short-term profit-puffing over long-term, sustainable business practices.

While I understand that air travel can be a welcome boon to business dealings if not necessarily a "necessity", I think it's important to call into question the self-perpetuating cycle of airlines providing premium products at exorbitant prices and business people indulging in the added luxury just because they can do so safe in the knowledge that the cost will be written off come end of financial year.

What can't be written off is the damage being done to both the planet and the working practices of people who are likely to never join the hallowed ranks of business' upper echelons, and so next time you're scheduled to head on a flat-bed, champagne-soaked business trip I urge you to ask yourself: what's the real cost of this journey?

Read the full article First Class Surges 107% As Elites Live Large Amidst Cost Of Living Crisis on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!

First Class has long been the Holy Grail of premium travel, but you'll have a hard time convincing me it's worth the eye-watering extra cash.

While it's hard to deny that the in-flight experiences of economy and business class are often marred with unexpected difficulties — from a man urinating all over business class to a disgusting sock-stuffed seat, from a woman being publicly weighed in the airport to a hostess being beaten with an in-flight phone — that doesn't necessarily mean that a costly upgrade to first class is the air-travel utopia that so many have cracked it up to be. In fact, it might just be the biggest scam in the industry...

The age-old question persists: is first class truly worth the exorbitant price tag? For those of you with shorter attention spans who may not feel like reading this article in its entirety, much of my argument is aligned with and can be nicely summarised by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, who believes that the answer is a resounding "no". Al Baker believes that the allure of first class is losing its sheen, especially when business class now offers many of the same amenities and perks that were once exclusive to the privileged few.

WATCH: First Class certainly isn't immune from Mother Nature's unwanted interventions...

The debate surrounding the relevance of first-class experiences has recently been brought to the forefront of this writer's mind thanks to divergent opinions within the airline industry itself. While Carsten Spohr — CEO of Lufthansa — argues that there is still a demand for the luxurious first-class experience, Al Baker contends that the investment in opulent first-class seating does not yield sufficient returns from a business point of view, especially considering the lavish amenities already offered in business-class cabins, saying this:

"Why wouldn't you invest in a subclass of an airplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you? I don't see the necessity."

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO

Indeed, modern business class has undergone a transformation, offering game-changing levels of additional space, superior service, and enhanced comfort compared to the cramped confines of economy seats. Airlines, recognizing the value of catering to the business class traveller, have upped their game to meet the demands of this lucrative market segment.

All of this is to say that I'm not arguing against an elevated travel experience per se — and, even if I was, it would be a song falling on deaf ears, as airlines are booked months in advance for their business class cabins, such is the level of demand — rather I'm arguing that first class offers very little by way of a meaningful step up from business, considering its massively stepped-up price tag.

Given that cost is, for most people, the first major consideration when booking any kind of trip, that seems a sensible place to start: First-class tickets can be significantly more expensive than their economy counterparts, particularly on international flights. As reported on Nerd Wallet in April 2023, a search revealed that an economy ticket from Los Angeles to Paris was priced at $1,180 USD, while the cost of an upgrade to Air France's spectacular La Premiere product soared to over $18,600 USD, making it more than fifteen times more expensive.

While ultimate the decision to splurge that kind of money on a seat upgrade does lie entirely with the individual in question — it's your money, spend it however recklessly you like — and there is an argument to say that the tactical use of air miles or points can help to alleviate some of that massive markup, what we really need to consider is exactly what you're getting for that price tag: is the product and service you receive really fifteen times as good as that offered in economy? Or even twice as good as that offered in business class?

If we scrutinize what first-class purports to offer, it becomes clear that the markup isn't really for better food, drinks, or even a better seat; though all of these things are, arguably, marginally improved on business class, what you're really paying for in first class is an increased level of privacy, whether that be a fully enclosed seat with sliding door or even a private toilet and shower.

Even before you board, you're likely going to be entitled to airport lounge access, expedited security lines, and fast-track immigration processes. Once again, however, not only does business class offer many if not all of these services already, but isn't the feeling of exclusivity that these services give you simply that: a feeling?

What first class tries to do is offer a faux-privatisation of a highly public experience — your line might be shorter, but you can't avoid check-in, security, immigration and the like, you have to endure it just like the great unwashed in economy — and does so at a much higher price point than business class which is attempting to do precisely the same thing.

The final reason that many people give for "needing" to go first class is the length of the flight, but even the allure of taking first class on so-called "ultra long haul flights" loses its appeal when we really break this idea down. As reported by RACV, Qantas — Australia's national airline — plans to operate non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York City and London from late 2025. This opinion might ruffle a few feathers, but my hot take is this: that isn't really very long.

What do I mean by that? Well, for the sake of simplicity let's assume, boldy, that a first class trip from Sydney to London costs the same as the aforementioned LA-Paris trip, around $20,000 USD (in reality, it would probably cost a great deal more). That would equate to a thousand dollars per hour in the air; is there any other experience on earth for which a regular person would want, or be asked, to spend such an eye-watering hourly rate? I reckon not.

The final sting in the tail of all this is that while first class tries to flog you an illusion of privacy or a simulation of the hyper-luxurious lifestyle of the "1%", the cold hard truth is that the real 1% will be travelling in private jets because that is the kind of privacy that true wealth can afford you. The tens of thousands of dollars that airlines are asking from you and I to travel first class is a cheap mock-up of that experience... and one that you're paying through the eyes for while airlines laugh all the way to the bank.

Read the full article Is First Class Still Worth The Money? on DMARGE. Don’t miss it!