British Airways’ first-class cabin is more luxurious than its business-class section, but I’m not sure I’d pay the full price to experience it again.
My total fare came out to about $7,000, which, as I mentioned, isn’t the full price. I wouldn’t usually spend this much on a plane ticket, but between the special occasion I was coming from and the rare upgrade offer, I splurged.
I was also intrigued by the chance to experience the new British Airways suites with privacy doors. Being in first class was a completely different experience from flying in economy or business class, which I’ve done many times in the past.
The difference between business class and first class comes down to details and individual preferences. The elevated menu options and food quality are notable in first class, as is the crew’s attentiveness.
Other perks — such as lounge access at airports, serene cabin, amenities, and high crew-to-guest ratio — made the journey an even more fantastic experience. Arriving at my final destination well-rested and refreshed was worth the $500 upgrade.
Obviously, I can’t always rely on time-sensitive upgrades like the one I got for this trip. And though I think my $500 was well-spent on my first-class experience, I don’t know if I would be willing to pay full price. That being said, if I see reasonably priced fares in the future, I’d have no hesitation booking a first-class suite again.
This story was originally published on July 21, 2023, and most recently updated on February 26, 2024.
