It can be said that first-class flights prioritize the comfort and peace of mind of the traveler, while economy flights focus on the money you save! So the final choice is yours. But before you decide, let’s familiarize you with the features of these two flight classes.
Types of Flight Classes: Economy, First Class, and Business
Airlines offer domestic and international flights in three classes: economy, first class, or business class. Business class is meant for long-haul business trips, which is outside the scope of our discussion today. However, regarding economy and first-class, here are some important points:
- Economy Flight (with flight identifiers Q, N, S, L, K, M, H, B, Y, O):This ticket is cheaper, provides limited space to passengers, and offers basic catering and service. These flights are better suited for business trips or one-day travel.
- First Class Flight (with flight identifiers P, A, F):This ticket is several times more expensive than the economy ticket, provides a more comfortable space for passengers, and the catering and service are customized. These flights are more suitable for multi-day international travels.
Differences Between First Class and Economy Tickets
It’s clear to everyone that in first-class flights, comfort is a priority, while in economy flights, budget matters! In this section, we will examine the differences between these two flight classes in detail.
1. The Difference in Boarding Between First Class and Economy
If you have ever traveled by economy flight, you know these journeys require a lot of patience! From the moment you enter the airport until you step into the plane, you need to endure several long lines. The final straw is when you must board a small, crowded shuttle with your suitcase, climb up the stairs amidst the hustle and bustle, and search for your seat! Boarding these flights is quite time-consuming and dull.
First-class travelers are the first to check in their luggage and board the plane. The crew guides them to their seats in silence and tranquility.
2. The Difference in Seating Between First Class and Economy
Seats in economy class are small and closely arranged, to the point where you often feel the sharpness of the knees of the passenger behind you or cannot easily open the tray table. If you want to rest, your hands are tied when adjusting the backrest or footrest.
Now imagine that for every three seats in economy class, there is only one seat in first class! Although the space in first-class is limited and small, the distance between the seats provides more privacy to passengers and makes it easier for them to rest.
3. The Difference in Catering Between First Class and Economy
The most noticeable difference between first-class and economy tickets is how they cater to passengers. In economy flights, catering includes a drink and a small meal for free. However, some airlines, like Air Asia or Scoot, charge extra for this simple drink and meal.
Meanwhile, in first class, a colorful and lavish feast is provided. The custom service in this section includes a stunning variety and larger portions of food. High-quality meals are served with artistic presentation. You might wonder if caviar is served on first-class flights given the ticket prices. The answer is yes! Curiously, caviar is a symbol of first-class flights and one of the main items served to passengers in this section!
4. The Difference in Baggage Allowance Between First Class and Economy
First-class passengers’ luggage is placed alongside that of business-class passengers. However, more importantly than the location of the baggage is the allowed weight. In first class, the baggage limit is considerably higher. Each first-class traveler is allowed a maximum of 50 kilograms of luggage. In economy class, this limit is 25 kilograms, and in some flights, it may rise to a maximum of 30 kilograms.
If you are carrying a lot of luggage, sometimes buying a first-class ticket is much more reasonable than purchasing an economy ticket and then paying extra baggage fees. Be sure to do the math before choosing your ticket type!
5. The Difference in Price Between First Class and Economy
Economy class is the cheapest flight class and can be considered economical for short trips. The price difference of several million tomans between the two classes on similar routes is due to the type of seat, service quality, catering, and various amenities available to passengers. Naturally, the more important comfort and quality of the flight are to the traveler, the bigger budget they need to set aside!
Should We Buy First Class or Economy?
The price of economy flights is considerably lower, and the number of passengers is consistently higher than other flights; however, quantity is not always indicative of quality! What makes long flights comfortable for passengers is the type of service, facilities, and seating. The quality of these factors is much more pronounced in first class and weaker in economy. Therefore, prioritize your expectations and preferences and answer these two questions:
- How much do you value the price of your flight ticket?If you have a tight budget and are willing to endure some discomfort for a cheaper trip, nothing will please you more than an economy flight. These flights sometimes come with discounts!
- How much do you value the quality and comfort of your flight?If you are willing to spend a little more for your comfort during long flights, buying a first-class ticket will make your trip delightful and memorable.
Final Thoughts
The points we discussed are just a part of the differences between first-class and economy tickets. We didn’t even mention the special lounge service for first-class guests, satellite internet, soft pillows, and the unique restroom services for this section! On the other hand, economy flights are not a form of torture for travelers!
To purchase international tickets for economy or first class, easily check reputable airlines onthis pageand buy your international flight ticket.
