Why First Class Is Disappearing

[@NonstopDan]

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[@Hearts4Mad]

Thanks

[@TheMatsushitaMan]

NordVPN is *everywhere* now

[@itstomatogear6806]

Haha 😅

[@itstomatogear6806]

To solve the problem of network reach they should like on the smaller planes like the 787 they should only put 2 first class seats etc etc

[@jacksycz]

Got it lol

[@jananaiscutey2387]

Most people just want a lie flat bed , good meal and service. You can get that with business class for a fraction of the price of first class.

[@harrisonschutz6893]

*And privacy…

[@defencover7697]

Business class is also luxurious.

[@charleseskildsen3317]

@@defencover7697 Luxurious is very subjective. Example, You find business class luxurious and I find it to very comfortable depending on the airlines but it is far from luxurious.

[@defencover7697]

@@charleseskildsen3317 Middle-eastern and Singapore provide luxurious business class though to function as first class too.

[@Gabe-cv4yr]

Until it becomes the new first class, especially when they bump up the prices to compensate for what they feel like missed monetary gains.

[@heesingsia4634]

Those rich enough to fly 1st regularly will probably have a private jet now.

[@fettlemaster]

@Alex Alex not quite right - there are a number of private jets crossing the Atlantic daily.

[@fettlemaster]

@Alex Alex A Honda jet is basically a toy. Gulfstreams of various sizes, Dassault Falcons, Bombardier Challengers and Global Express etc are all hopping back and forth across the Atlantic daily.

[@franciscogodoy9158]

You don't need to own it. You can hire it or get into fractional ownership. It has become much easier to fly private jets for wealthier people.

[@frankchan4272]

@@franciscogodoy9158 also they can charter private planes.

[@nafnaf0]

@@fettlemaster The $80M Gulfstream G650ER has a range of 8,000 miles, that is up there with best commercial aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER

[@adamdas5495]

SUMMARY: The reason first class is disappearing is because the lack of customers and the improving business class which offers similar service with the fraction of the cost.

[@candicecart9786]

I would say also chartering a nice private plane is a lot easier now 🤷🏼‍♀️ A lot less hassle and cleaner

[@artamghotbi8305]

Overpriced compared to what you recieve

[@curiouscat428]

Thanks for saving my time.

[@United1158]

Probably because business class is becoming so great

[@hothotheat3000]

Qatar is insanely nice in business class.

[@hugoo1855]

Exactly

[@nafnaf0]

My company will pay for business class, but not first class. I have never flown first class, not sure if I ever will

[@awil2]

@@hothotheat3000 NO WAY U JOINED 2006 HA I JOiNEd 2005 September yt

[@1SCme]

Once you get some privacy screens, a lie flat bed, and a nice entertainment system, not a lot of reason to go for more - in the times I've peeked, 1st class gets the same food, same beverages, and my service in business is fine. I expect the new 3 classes to be business, coach, and an in between roughly equal to US domestic business class (though the in between might die).

[@NeonSamurai4381]

If you're gonna remove first class then include more business class seats instead of making the aircraft more economy heavy. Business class is still popular with travellers and will pull in far more money than the heavily discounted cheap seats.

[@wizardystaff]

But I only flight super promo discount economy seat with long layover

[@Daimando]

Imagine what would happen if Business Class disappeared from airlines for good.

[@PlaySA]

Good thing you're here to tell the airlines something they definitely haven't studied and debated constantly!

[@gravityg657]

Na fck rich people

[@vizzini2510]

@@gravityg657 Class envy is a toxic emotion. Enjoy your ride back in cattle class.

[@PortugalHolidayVillas]

The new first class will be private aviation

[@theafrican3752]

Uber Air

[@amazingabby25]

Stuff like JSX, basically

[@MLGeorge]

Not if we want to even act like we're controlling emissions.

[@erikstorm8935]

@@MLGeorge Tell that to all the left-wing elites who say one thing and do another. So many of them fly private, its not even funny. Back in the day it was many Religious Right politicians saying theyre for family values, but then cheating on their spouses. Now its many pro-environmentalist politicians saying we need to "save the planet", but choosing to fly private. I hate hypocrites of any political stripes (and yeah I know many Religious Right hypocrites still exist).

[@MLGeorge]

@@erikstorm8935 actually no, I'm sure democrats do, but could you find me an example of an environmental lobby leader doing that? Because most of them sail or use rail to travel, it's just right wing propoganda saying they don't because dems fly, but democrats aren't left wing.

[@wyw201]

I used to fly business for work, now I connect through Microsoft Teams hahaha

[@koiz_353]

What job do u do ? I wanna be rich too

[@wyw201]

@@koiz_353What level of wealth is considered “rich” for you and realistically when do you think you can obtain it.

[@koiz_353]

@@wyw201 I think I can be rich rich at 30 like a 50 million+ sorta rich

[@wyw201]

@@koiz_353 To accomplish that you'll have to IPO before 30

[@carbon1255]

@@koiz_353 it's no use, you'd have to be more than just good at something. That kind of wealth you're born into and its hard enough even to maintain.

[@takashitamagawa5881]

The gist of the matter seems to be that the airline industry is trending back towards two classes of travel. That's the way it was for decades of air travel, until "business class" was introduced as a compromise between the declining service in coach following airline deregulation and the much more expensive first class.

[@fatdoi003]

premium economy also very popular as well

[@dkennell998]

TY for saving me 15 min

[@beneyweneys]

Premium Economy is being introduced by plenty of airlines to fill the increasing gap, just like Business a few decades ago. Its a cycle

[@DanKhooProductions]

i didn't ask for this but thanks for letting me know youtube!

[@nimeimei1931]

Wassup dankhoo productions

[@arashalya]

Malaysia Airlines' solution to this is putting just one row of First Class seats and changing its name to 'Business Suites' for (1) the Malaysian royal family members still prefer First Class and (2) businessmen can leverage the name change to make it seem like they're flying Business while they're actually flying First (for claim purposes).

[@Emilnananaxo]

very interesting. thanks for the info (from fellow malaysian)

[@philipthomey7884]

lol

[@yoda5565]

During my 20 year career in international business I flew "first class" often, mostly as an upgrade form business with air miles. It has been my experience that: A. I slept through most of it. (a flat sleeper seat is all you need) B. The definition of first class form airline to airline varies, BA had great seats, Lufthansa, great food and they give you a fresh rose, Air France...well it's France, you gotta be into wine. Lastly; C. You can build all the first class lounges you want (at Heathrow you can get your suit pressed while you shower) however as one fellow traveler put it..."the airport is the great equalizer".

[@carlfromtheoc1788]

Yes, the gross revenue may make sense, but once you factor in all the costs associated with first class - meals, service, special lounges and staff, etc. those economy seats probably result in more NET revenue for the airline - especially once you add in luggage fees and fees to choose a seat.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

That's true, but from the airlines' perspective all their looking at is the fact that first class is almost never fully booked at full price whereas the other seats are.

[@KanishQQuotes]

I think business class is amazing. I have travelled first class (my credit card points) the novelty wears out quick and no matter how fancy it is, it is just something that looks nice on brochures

[@maxpowr90]

It's like a penthouse in a hotel. Unless you plan on spending all day in it, it's a complete waste of money compared to a lesser suite.

[@m.m.2310]

I'm only 5"2 and sleep with my knees under my chin, they could put me in the overhead bin for the right price.

[@poopacini4185]

:3

[@kamanashiskar9203]

No.

[@candicecart9786]

You would suffocate in an overhead bin 😵

[@Isaax]

lmao nice

[@TheMadGod]

bruh

[@gusy629]

I don't need First Class. All I need is a seat that I can stretch my legs and fly comfortability.

[@sergiolaurencio7534]

@@vids595 🤣

[@tubby_1278]

That's business

[@devanmarie]

US domestic flights first class is a joke. The benefits are in no way worth double the price so I don't get why anyone would pay for those seats if it's not covered by their work.

[@cheyenneOpheliabutler]

Not if you have multiple luggage’s. Domestic first class lets you have 2 bags free. Extra bag fees are $70-100+ more.

[@KyzylReap]

I fly domestic first due to physical limitations that make economy an actual, real pain.

[@icecreammanwanab]

I'd venture to say that most of the people filling those seats are frequent fliers who have been upgraded to them for free. I've never paid for domestic 1st, but fly it 10+ times a year on Delta through automatic upgrades.

[@vizzini2510]

Apparently, you have never flown Euro-Biz, which is just an economy seat with the middle seat left empty. Also, unless you are flying last minute, a first class domestic seat rarely costs double an economy seat. The airlines have picked the price point where they can actually sell the F seat, instead of giving a free upgrade to an elite member. I just flew DEN-IAH in F for $296, compared to $220 in Y. That was a no-brainer. Better still, they are using an international 777-200 on that route, so we got lie flat seats. Of course, by the time of our flight, the F seat had jumped to $700+, but with a little advance planning, you can fly domestic F for just a modest premium.

[@AJ-bi6ns]

If you need extra legroom and book travel ahead of time it’s often not much between First and Premium Economy. Especially when you factor in baggage fees. Plus you get dedicated check in, security lanes and boarding. Sure, it’s really a business class product. But it usually isn’t that much more expensive… The extra ability to recline properly and seat width makes sleeping much easier too

[@cbyao3564]

I remember flying when it was just first class and economy. Most people who flew first class then at least in my part of the world were expats. But when Bus. Class was introduced, companies became less willing to pay First class prices. Also as you pointed out, the advent of lie flat bus class meant that first class lost its most distinctive advantage vs the early versions of bus. class. One more thing, with First Class being 10k per person on long haul routes, if you were a party of 2 - 4 people, it's probably better to either pay the same or a bit more with something like a Netjets subscription which gives you all the advantages of flying private including not having to follow the airline's schedule

[@1SCme]

It is easy to justify business class: On vacation I can leave after work, fly overnight while sleeping, arrive rested and well fed, drop my bags at the hotel, and begin sightseeing, gaining another vacation day for the cost of hotel and food. For work I can do the same, start in immediately, gaining my employer another billable day for the cost of OT (I worked field service). These justifications aren't there for the added bump to 1st class.

[@dailyrant4068]

@@1SCme Agreed, plus most business class tickets are covered by the business for work travel. Far fewer people out right buy tickets. Private consumers might upgrade or use points for them, especially if they travel for work often it's easy to get enough points.

[@Arcaryon]

I assume by expats you mean immigrants who are wealthy enough to demand to not be called immigrants.

[@1SCme]

@@Arcaryon Nope, *your low comprehension on display,* _expatriate_ and/or _immigrant_ doesn't mean what you think it means - they are not synonyms.

[@Arcaryon]

@@1SCme And not being part of a countries full citizenship is laughable for if you can live and work there, you are practically a lesser citizen, hack, you probably already pay specific taxes on local goods and unlike a tourist, you literally live there like a normal citizen in your position would. Sure, you may have different friend circles but the idea behind this definition seems to quite literally be to try and verbally distance oneself from normal immigrants. As an immigrant. It’s a subcategory of immigration at best and certainly never an entirely different thing.

[@Akislav1990]

The Lufthansa first class lounge is also accesible by Business travellers who have the HON circle status. Even if there isn't a single flight operating with a first class cabin, there will be still eligible passengers present to enter the lounge.

[@TysonIke]

The reason why San Francisco isn’t on the first class list is because United decided that instead of getting the A380 and putting first class on it they would prefer to fly 2 787s or 2 777s a day. The two frequencies helps them get a lot of business passengers.

[@frankchan4272]

Also many of rich in the SF Bay Area use private jets (fractional ownership, charter, etc) to fly out of Oakland or San Jose skipping the airlines.

[@TysonIke]

@@frankchan4272 the SF Bay Area doesn’t have as much ultra rich people as some would think and yes the ones who are super rich fly private. I think that if United wanted to bring back first class they would put it on planes flying from Los Angles instead because although it’s a smaller hub it has more local demand.

[@chedelirio6984]

Plus I suppose many of the execs in Big Tech who are not flush enough for private (own, charter, fractional) are not the kind of person who wants/needs that level of excessive ultraluxury

[@amazingabby25]

G 546 yes but there are lot of people in the 500k-1.2 Mil year, and they all fly things like JSX or hire private Jets, except for international

[@erikstorm8935]

​@@chedelirio6984 Big Tech execs are no different from any other execs except they dress more casual lol. Even Zuckerburg has an exclusive home on Lake Tahoe, nestled away from all the plebs. Dont let their "average joe' persona fool you.

[@elenabob4953]

Directors fly with their directorial team and at that price, flying in a private jet is more convenient because you can travel whenever you want and maybe the price is lower.

[@TheRandomMaori]

Having owned my own plane for work and personal reasons pre-covid I can tell you unless you're flying almost every week it's prohibitively expensive as you not only have to pay for the fuelling, maintenance and storage (hanger) costs you also have to pay hefty airport fees as well as having to have your own flight crew on payroll. Also the bigger the plane the higher the cost. The pandemic made the cost/benefit ratio completely untenable.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@TheRandomMaori Do you honestly think that the BOD's of big companies give the costs of their corporate travel a second thought? I can assure you they don't. What matters to them is convenience, luxury and prestige and that's it.

[@haute03]

The price is absolutely not lower lol.

[@maxim29672]

people who has money can fly private , a lot of options there. It removes inconveniences of having youtubers who want to eat caviar as a neighbours in the first class.

[@randomguy4989]

Imagine paying $10 000 or whatever in your flight and then comes some 19 year old teenager "yo yo yo, today I am presenting you this AMAZING First Class ticket, but first a word from our sponsor of Today's video and a special thank to my patreons, it is YOU who are making this possible dawg and..."

[@sarahk.6115]

haha I just came from watching that on Lufthansa kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3WQeYafm7qBaKs

[@jeremiahsmith916]

Honestly, if I paid a full price of first class in hopes of having a really comfortable flight and the person next to me suddenly started to film a vlog, I would turn on full jerk mode and demand security to cut that shit off. People nowadays have lost all sense of what’s appropriate in a public space and what’s not.

[@issygaming2058]

@@jeremiahsmith916 ok boomer

[@jeremiahsmith916]

ISSY GAMING I’m literally 28. I just don’t see the value in filming oneself doing mundane things for validation from strangers online 🤷‍♂️

[@1MrBryn]

To be fair, just because they call it suite class or premium business, it's still basically first class.

[@pilot_howie237]

Personally, I think if first class was to remain, it’d have to be at a Singapore a380 suite level with ability to have a double bed with a partner or with lots of space. First class needs to have a revamp to stay alive like BA did with introducing lie flat beds in Business.

[@EricPetersen2922]

As long as I have a lay flat, don’t matter what they call it. Glad to be back in the air, was a long time to be “grounded” Best Eric :)

[@siahsargus2013]

What do you do for work, I’m curious?

[@EricPetersen2922]

@@siahsargus2013 develop Realestate and own income properties.

[@HappyDuude]

SF is an outlier as tech can be surprisingly stingy on flight caps. However given the extreme wealth, you also have far more fully private jets, which would squeeze first class from the other direction.

[@Sacto1654]

What's going to happen is that Business class seats will get even better and we'll see more revolutionary changes in Economy class seating over the next several years. Thompson Aero's _Cozy Suite_ for Economy class could become common.

[@JaceTan-90]

So economy class is covered by bargain hunters, and business are for business people. That’s the future. Normally first classes are moving to private jets anyway.

[@da4127]

@Alex Alex not true, private jets can cross the Atlantic. The only thing is that it is less comfortable to travel in one than in a bigger plane. Also, you don't need to own the whole plane, you can hire one momentarily, it's not that uncommon.

[@RayJorg]

​@Alex Alex I know any number of people who fly private on a regular basis and they are virtually all like "NO WAY" to the idea of flying private on an intercontinental route (too bouncy and generally dicey). The other commenters on here seem to sound like you somehow magically manage to skip customs/immigration, which is not true. You typically go through it at the private terminal, but that can present significant problems, too. ... OK, so I looked up the numbers- one of the 'bargain' cards the big talkers here are referring to requires a minimum 'buy' of $2,175,000. To put that into perspective, my friend Mark can (and does) spend several months in one of the duplex suites on the QM2 for $600,000.

[@tjpowers88]

This reminds me of this flight I took from Santiago to Dallas, I was sitting down and before take off I was accused of taking this man’s “sleeper seat” 7F or something, and was even cussed out by him, only for the stewardess offer to switch seats with him, she nodded while asking “please”, but my father was in the seat next to me so I was adamant I was in the right seat. Well the stewardess was trying to play it cool but turns out this man was in 7F First Class sleepers, as I was in business class. The fact he could not tell first class from business was astonishing as he must’ve been a veteran flier. Turns out I missed nothing I would’ve had I taken his seat, we had champagne and/or OJ pre-flight, so all this was happening while trying to enjoy my mimosa. I rarely drink, just mainly on flights and vacation. I agree with most that business is just as well as first, it was 4 people to one bathroom, and spacious as it handicap accessible.

[@Zveebo]

Great video, Dan. The other point that is important is the *cost* of delivering first class services - to do it well it is very expensive, so revenue alone is deceptive when comparing with economy or business. Sadly all the miles-hunters in first are quite the burden on airlines when you take the costs into account 😅

[@ariellemcbroom7691]

Why is it so sad that first class is getting phased out? Getting rid of those seats mean there are more room on a plane for normal people. It's a good thing.

[@kimquim2803]

Holding onto luxury I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

And maybe seat prices might go down a bit hell even 20-50 bucks on average would be so nice

[@vizzini2510]

Your class envy aside, did you even watch this video?

[@WildBikerBill]

Correction: Getting rid of those seats means there is room on a plane for more normal people.

[@bmuseo]

It also means there will be more weight on the plane and more luggage. As a result, they will charge economy more to carry-on luggage &/or to check. It has positive and negative effects. Personally, I won’t pay for first as much as I would like it. It’s out of my budget. But, I would appreciate my knees not being in the back of the seat in front of me or neighbors elbows in my side. If you have a window seat, it would be great if there was enough room to get past the other people without having to be an acrobat or gymnast. Your dream for lower prices is doomed I’m afraid. The prices will only increase. Next, they will make us stand while flying so they can fit a few more.

[@chasefromalabama]

As long as I have at least Business Class, I'm fine. I'll admit it - I'm fat. When I fly, I have to fly Business or First Class just to fit semi comfortably in the seat. If I flew Coach/Economy, I generally have to buy two tickets, and still stuck in an uncomfortable seat.

[@GookSquadGaming]

It’s good to know you admit it

[@adambomb30]

Thank you for being honest!

[@lql1094]

You could have left out, "I'll admit it," and simply said you're fat.🤔🤔🤔

[@Bones.x]

Thanks for doing this and knowing that you can't fit in economy. I had to change seats because someone was pretty much sitting on my lap cause they were in the middle seat and so big and they smelled too. I shouldn't have to pack up my shit and ask for a different seat, they should have asked for it.

[@CEWThree]

Have you tried economy plus? On a lot of airlines, those seats are a bit wider. There was a period in my life when I weighed 300 lbs and when I flew economy plus I was consistently comfortable.

[@Stranman]

Somehow this semi retired, broadcasting, travel enthusiast has just found your channel. It is now subscribed to. I realise that so much work goes into the graphics so that hasn't gone unnoticed. Looking forward to checking out the back catalogue and upcoming videos.

[@Maxq1]

Regardless of class, everyone takes off and lands at the same time.

[@Kiyamlol]

cheesy

[@erikstorm8935]

Thats what they want you to think! dun Dun DUN!

[@User303-y1w]

Not really,if you charter a private jet,you can cut most of the waiting time and security check queue time.It is more efficient than buying a first class ticket.

[@ojon12389]

It's almost as if the type of class determines the level of comfort and service.

[@stevencoardvenice]

More money to spend on hotel and pArtying for me

[@oreospeedwaggindoesamerica6078]

I’ve never been able to fly First Class and only Business so never really thought about all this.

[@p.edwinnibbles5833]

Fascinating. I've been looking at flights from New York to Paris, and many of the lines are economy, premium economy and business class. And, the price differences are huge. Thanks for this descriptive video.

[@abbiealverez2960]

I've been saying this for years..now cinema theatre standard seats are like gold class for the same price. Make all the seats business class and charge a little bit more and everyone will be happy otherwise who has that much money? An airline revolution needs to come to accommodate the people. Flying should be comfortable and affordable, it's 2021 get with it.

[@ImSimplyAHuman]

I agree. The whole process of flying sucks so much now that it’s worse than public transportation.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

@@ImSimplyAHuman in a way flying is not supposed to be fun regardless of your seat your still in a small metal tube that will take hours to get wherever and before you know it your already at the destination

[@xela6349]

well, you also need to actually pay the crew and the fuel of the aircraft. And that's a very expensive thing to do.

[@mners87]

great content as always! honestly surprised true intercontinental first didn't die even pre covid. did a bachelor party in NOLA with 9 guys, we were all looking to fly domestic first and cover the groom for an all out experience (right before covid). It was cheaper for us to charter a private jet out of Teterboro vs paying for domestic first UA or AA.

[@ChrisZoomER]

Yeah I've noticed that long range jets are switching from three classes to two classes and the lie flat seats that used to be called "first" are now called "business" on most international routes. I noticed it starting to happen in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

[@theanonymousaviationlover2677]

First class is basically more expensive than business class and the experience between the 2 classes is minor. Essentially business is similar to first class but with less space and less food but way cheaper than first class.

[@theanonymousaviationlover2677]

@Alex Alex I see what you mean and I agree with it.

[@Ryfael]

Dude, you keep going round and round on this video. I'll watch another before deciding to subscribe.

[@claymusic2205]

Short answer: Theoretically yes, filling an entire airplane with first class seats makes more money. But the airline will lose a lot of customers if they do that. Economy might not bring money but they bring marketing and awareness. Image if only a handful of people flew the airlines. No one would even be familiar with that airlines and most seats would be empty. Thats why economy is just there to attract people and then business makes the real money.

[@skylineXpert]

Some airline gets 50% of their transatlantic revenue on the more expensive seats

[@gelinrefira]

I love the fact that the First Class is eating itself out of existence. It's like a reverse "let them eat cake." I am not sad that the class is disappearing.

[@RaitheaFilms]

I've also seen other analysis where for many business class products the airline earns more per sq Ft for business class then they do for first class.

[@carolinetaylor5594]

As someone who was lucky enough to fly First Class on both the Dreamliner and A380 on Eithad before the pandemic, I am glad they are bringing some A380's back into the sky.

[@GregMoress]

Drop two Valiums, then wake up there. For me that's way better than first class and it only costs about $1. No matter how you brand First Class -- it's still a tiny noisy studio apartment. So just sedate me.

[@sidjt]

Yeah I assume you've never flown First class

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

@@sidjt tbh he is on to something here

[@beneyweneys]

That... is surprisingly genius.

[@susie2251]

I would be crippled doing that and down for a couple of days of my trip. Or worse, dead with a blood clot.

[@victoriawinters2468]

I think it's disturbing that so many people board planes in pajamas with pillows on 3 hour flights. In my experience, more people treat flights like it's their living room then people do on greyhound or Megabus.

[@michae8jackson378]

I agree w all that you said. Let me add another factor. Wealthy have more and more moved to private/charter aircraft. Especially w the pandemic, after the airlines shut down, charter/private aircraft travel increased dramatically! The pilot shortage was non existent, in fact, charters were hiring like crazy the whole time! I’m retired airline and I teach Cessna Citation X, fastest biz jet. My brother flies for Delta and was furloughed….charters just grew! So filling those First Class seats will be harder still!

[@wjatube]

So if airlines now offer business class seating on-par with older 1st class AND they are now offering fist lounge access to business class passengers why don't they just call business class 'first class' and go back to just having two designations? In other words airlines reached the limits of what wealthy passengers are willing to pay and now they have to simply reel it back in.

[@CristianGarcia-wk9hh]

They are basically taking away first class but making business class the same level as first class, and later down the line, the same price as first class. So, basically, theyre just making business first class...so why dont they just get rid of business class

[@JonathanStanley]

I thought Qatar Executive getting a massive delivery of Gulfstream G700 hopefully next year, plus a hiring frenzy for those planes is the big giveaway... those able to pay full-fare 1st class on intercontinental flights, can now fly private on 14+ hour flights through companies like Qatar Executive, NetJets, etc

[@simonmanning619]

That ad transition was pretty smooth i gotta say

[@evanputterill8286]

It isn't. They just have different names for it. First Class or Business Class is a huge money maker for airlines and is not going anywhere on long haul flights.

[@anonymous-do5bs]

Your voice is super soothing. Gonna sleep now, goodnight 🥱

[@lausimeyer6558]

It's not that hard to explain. When revenue per squaremeter in first class is lower than in all other classes, it will disappear.

[@nop2682]

7:17 look at that proud Ryanair plane at the boarding bridge

[@notpostinganymorewjwjsjsjsjajj]

lol

[@DanyCesc83]

It depends on the market in which they wanna target for those 1st class, in the states, we can rent a private jet for around 8k... and very few people have a need to fly to Dubai. Plus most executives get packages already within their contracts for certain airlines who offer discounts.

[@Davaldod]

Great analysis. Purely anecdotally... I've flown Lufty from LAX to FRA and MUC many times recently, always in Biz Class. Peeks into the First Class cabin revealed almost never more than half-full. If that. But Biz Class is always near-to-completely full. So yeah, why WOULDN'T Lufty add Biz Class seats on this route...?

[@RayJorg]

It used to be that the entire 'points' thing developed loyal customers but it has turned into such a money pit the airlines would dump all of that if they could- and it looks like they are beginning to go that way, in fact the number of freebie-seekers in first waaaaay outnumber full-freight pax.

[@annecy49]

Are you getting better and better? I really appreciate your in-depth analysis. You deserve a million subscribers!

[@creepydoll2872]

A tip! I see this mistake a lot when talking about USD, you write out amounts with the dollar sign ALWAYS first, then with a comma for the decimal points so instead of 45'000$ like you have it which is how you do it with currencies around the world but in the US we always will write: $45,000 I hope this helps anyone else who didn't know this. US always has to be the complicated one.

[@autumnuniverse1940]

@@TitoTimTravels lol same

[@vivektulja4516]

I have flown first class many, many times. Never paid for it. It was either using FF miles when I was traveling for personal reasons, or an upgrade from business class because business class was overbooked and I was a top tier frequent flier with a paid business class ticket.

[@jupiterjames4201]

wendover be like: the impossible logistics of first class seats

[@zzzowie]

I really like your clear analyses, pace is also good, graphics great. Even though your background music is very soft, I prefer no background music while you talk

[@le_luk]

The question that you're not answering is what happened to the VIPs that wanted to fly without being recognized during the trip? I'm guessing there were not many travelling during the pandemic, however they'll probably come back in transcontinental flights. Having a separate check-in experience will probably continue, but will they accept being in the same cabin as random business people?

[@WillieFungo]

Private aviation

[@CB-fz3li]

Do people that fly business class really care about celebrities? I can't think of anyone I would give more than a second glance at. I only fly economy though so what do I know.

[@raerohan4241]

As Willie said, private aviation is the answer. There are many options for chartering flights nowadays, including for transatlantic travel. It's not even that costly (relatively). Depending on the destination, it could be $100,000 to $350,000 and more per flight - but that's not that much to someone making a couple mil per year, and such people are very common nowadays. And if you have several people on the same flight, that cost gets divided since it's not a per head charge anymore, so it's even less costly individually

[@nurainiarsad7395]

@@CB-fz3li oh the ppl in business class don’t care. but the *VIPs* probably do. you need to think beyond VIPs in a democracy context. these are not just actors or celebrities of that nature. we’re talking legit royals and lords & their families, presidents and prime ministers from highly hierarchical countries, these kinds of VIPs. in fact in malaysia (lately, not historically; ironically we were *more* sensible in decades past) we are beyond VIPs. i’ve seen an itinerary where an event was expecting a VVVVIP (yes that’s 4 Vs).

[@Burden82]

there is also that even if 1 first class seat is worth 14 regular seats there are other expensive that first class seat need to count in. the food the drinks the loundge, other accesories you get in first class cost money. those can ad up to couple of seat cost by them self

[@MyThemeParkFanatic]

Love your content Dan, keep up the great work! 🙂👍👏

[@리주민]

Personally, I think they should all make family rooms (2 bench seats facing each other with walls for privacy - like on some trains), a lounge where you can get your own drinks, and a kids play area (soundproofed or by the engine).

[@boedillard8807]

I wouldn't fly more often if prices went up but I would fly more often if they offered 2 more inches of leg room and they had a separate zoned part of the plane for people with babies /children under 4 years old.

[@ThisisFerrariKhan]

HORRIBLE analogy/reference 💩

[@boedillard8807]

@@ThisisFerrariKhan What analogy? Are you in the right comment?

[@spinandmarty]

Commercial airline aircraft always have better maintenance and better more experienced pilots than private aircraft do. So if safety is important to you always take commercial especially on longer flights .

[@CO84trucker]

I heard that the CEO of an ultra low cost airline (Wizz Air I believe) condemned premium cabin seats as being bad for the environment and said all airlines should fly at max capacity to minimize carbon footprint.

[@fockyerdod3r]

Who cares about the environment. Especially when I'm flying from SE Asia to North America (Houston), the flight time is so long, it's not possible to get decent amount of rest in economy.

[@johnguidetti5839]

Who cares! If your worried that much about carbon footprint don’t fly.

[@manaspongeog4620]

If environmentalists get their way, then there isn't anything to worry about in relation to global travel. Commoners simply won't be allowed to travel in the ways we currently circumnavigate the globe. Petroleum based air travel will be limited to the globalist social elite. If you have to ask if that includes you, then the answer is probably "No". To quote George Carlin, "It's a big club, and you ain't in it."

[@candicecart9786]

@mamasponge so-called “environmentalists” are really elites who want to go back to the days of yore of serfdom - where everyone else lives like peasants in the dirt while they live like kings .... many of them fly private planes, live in giant mansions, sail on yachts, etc (hell look at al gore who’s mansion- just the one in Nashville, not including all his other mansions, expendsMORE THAN 20 TIMES that of an average AMERICAN household in energy alone (and only he and his wife live there 🙄🙄)- I stress American bc we live in a good country and energy is plentiful and ppl use it a lot... he wouldn’t even do the 1 hour of black out for the earth in Nashville 🤣🙄🙄🙄🙄... and surprise surprise he only flies in his private plane... ah yes all his lifestyle screams “environmentalist” ... not to mention he gets transported in gas guzzling suvs .... or heck look at Kerry who flew on a private plane from the USA to Iceland to claim his “environmental award” 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 the sheer irony and typical liberal BS do as I say not as I do)... I do believe in reducing carbon but many “environmentalists” don’t care they just want elites like themselves to feel more elite by having everyone else live like pieces of 💩

[@castlerock58]

You could have a premium business class with expensive food and wine that is on a first class level. For a price, catering companies would provide airlines with gourmet food. The wine is just a matter of stocking the expensive stuff. Business class seats are better than first class used to be so the experience of being served fantastic food and wine in them would be a pretty good service. You just arrange the first class meals with the caterer. When you are adding thousands to the ticket, you can pay a lot for this service. You could eliminate first class lounges but have the very expensive food and wine for the first class passengers. Since the volume is low, you could make an arrangement with a few top restaurants to make the meals.

[@Sawickied]

In the US first class has always been business for the past couple decades

[@KC73]

On some flights it’s just economy with free drinks and a soggy sandwich.

[@ThexDynastxQueen]

@@KC73 Yeah even on some cross country flights it's the same service as much shorter routes, it's insane honestly. Buying 2 seats for the space and even a checked bag can be less than Business/"First" and gets you nearly the same result sans priority boarding. US airlines are barely in the running here int'l or domestic and if I had to choose one US business class I'd pick JetBlue's Mint over AA, Delta and United.

[@qtluna7917]

Solution for the lounges, once you lose all first class seats, sell alliance bound memberships (e.g. called Business Comfort Club) that gives lounge access with a business class flight. There are 45000-odd listed companies worldwide iirc, if each company has 3 managers who fly business regularly, that would be 135000 potential customers, if you price those lounge passes at 1000 euro/year each, that would be 135 million euro, or something like 150 million USD. since there are three big alliances, some might buy the pass for two of them.

[@tomiesto240]

I'm so triggered by his misplaced Dollar Sign $ and apostrophe usage in the prices

[@corbin630]

Same! Came to the comments just to see if that bothered anyone else.

[@TyNeverLied]

Same.

[@mufidazuhra5227]

he probably had problems when editing the numbers

[@anas100x]

Might be French, I’m not sure about ey he apostrophe tho

[@creepydoll2872]

Instead of making a comment like this you could have been helpful and told him how to correct it. It bothered me too but instead I commented how to correct it. Not every country writes money amounts the way we do in the US.

[@naomibedek1701]

I occasionally treat myself to first class, but it's not for an international flight. It's generally from Toronto to San Diego, so I can avoid LAX. When I check in using the self-serve kiosk, they (Air Canada) offer empty first class seats at a reduced rate (usually 30-40% off) Being tall, I enjoy the extra leg room.

[@hujanair2]

It's like im watching cnbc / the economist / wsj. Amazing content dan.

[@MC-di7op]

i have two more first class flights booked. new york - frankfurt this summer (on a multi stop trip) and zürich-hong kong in about a year. im pretty sure that after that i won’t fly fc for a long time, especially when lufthansa introduce their new business class

[@jstar7774]

Your content is so good Dan 👍 Love this comprehensive analysis. So well thought out and structured

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Train companies are also phasing our first class, including Stansted Express. Apparently the new 745 that goes to Stansted Airport has no first class like the 755.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Just give me a flat seat and the lounge and I'm good.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

A flat seat ha that'll be the day frankly my take on economy seats where I have always sat and will continue to do so I feel lucky to even be there in the first place

[@MLeonard317]

FYI. No one can fly nonstop from FRA to DAL. DAL is Love field. You can't fly Southwest to Frankfurt. It would DFW. It would be cool to see a Lufthansa wide body at Love .😁🤗😘

[@taliew38]

Hey Dan, Great content, as always. Now that most of the world is moving on again, can we have an update on this topic post Lockdowns? Especially interested in an in-depth look at airlines' plans on First in all these new planes that are being slowly delivered. And do you think that inflation and possible flow on recessions may have a drastic impact on the top product? Also, have a look at how much Frequent Flyer programs earn their airline (if owned by the airline). It may seem that FF redemption costs the airline more, but if you give each point sold by the airline a monetary value, you will see that they actually recoup the costs and also builds the brand, locking most into one or another FF programme...

[@jonaszerdoun1421]

Hey so I’m going to travel to turkey in November and I want to fly business but I don’t know what airline was a good business class can you please help me. Should I go with Turkish airline?

[@Ananth8193]

That's an amazing analysis of first class economics... Incredible video i love it

[@charlesjtwhite]

Great production quality, the editing is on point!

[@im1who84u]

Back in the nineties when I worked for American Airlines, we considered making an entire aircraft first class. The route was JFK - LAX - JFK. On that route first class was always booked solid and we had a flight leaving every hour. Passengers would only take a flight if they could get first class. I am sure if we did make it all first class, we would have been able to fill all the seats. We came real close to doing it, but in the end we didn't.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

I mean would have been an interesting idea with cities as big as NYC and LA surly you could have filled the seats

[@im1who84u]

@@kurtpunchesthings2411 We came real close to doing it, but then got cold feet and didn't. The first class section of those planes were almost exclusively filled with people employed in the entertainment industry, national, and international financial tycoons all wanting to be in first class and they didn't care what it costed. They wanted first class or they would take another flight that had it available. As an example of how insane it was. Oprah Winfrey flew exclusively on American Airlines. Whenever she flew, she bought the whole first class section for herself. She didn't want anyone else around her except the people she may be traveling with. Sometimes it was just her and one other person. When Pope John Paul II came to America, him and his entourage flew on an American Airlines aircraft that was set aside for his use exclusively. We gutted the first class section and turned it into a small suite for him. It had a private bedroom, private bathroom, and a sitting area. Crazy huh? These people had money and lots of it. It would be like you or me traveling and we could fly coach for five dollars or first class for twenty dollars. It wouldn't mean anything to us to spend the fifteen dollars more to get first class.

[@amazinggrace5692]

If it was all first class it wouldn’t be special and they couldn’t feel better than the rest of us in the same plane lol

[@candicecart9786]

If you’re flying with multiple ppl it can be cheaper to charter a nice private plane than get first class or even business class seats for everyone... plus you can fly from a private airport where you don’t deal with TSA... honestly I saw a JS vid and (if I remember correctly) he was saying it was like only $5k to charter a short round trip flight for him and his entourage - about 15-20 ppl... even at only 15 ppl that would only be about $300 per person... even a short round trip flight (like LA to SF round trip, I don’t think you’re finding a first class let alone business at $300 round trip)... and in these times you are safer and don’t have to wear a mask on private... also certain charter flights sell tickets by the seats in each charter 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@turnerruma5977]

I flew on a 737 max 9 from KIAH to PANC and it was great

[@mike15280]

You also have to factor in you have to carry more insurance on the 76 economy class-passengers then on the 8 first class passengers

[@tonkla2911]

Thai airways is set to welcome 3 new 777-300er. There are rumours that they will add first class because of the london and paris service but we dont know yet if that is even true.

[@candacejacallen4813]

I have never flown internationally and have never even seen a plane like you show in the video. Domestic first class is plain no frills seating which is just a little bigger and more comfortable than coach. Also only 2 in a row instead of 3.

[@davidschwartz5033]

Another great effort, Dan. Well researched and presented. Thnx for the effort. Very sad to see first class go away. Without a doubt, first class is my guilty pleasure.

[@sidheshpatil7120]

The issue is actually disproportionately priced comfort and luxury. Traveling in economy is just utter discomfort across all carriers. And, business & first class comfort/luxury is offered by compromising the basic comfort of people traveling in economy. Here in Australia interstate/regional train services (e.g. VLine) offer seating arrangement that is quite admirable. It ticks the comfort box. Something airline carriers should learn from!

[@Edmund._.Dantes]

It would be nice if airlines give more leg room to economy during this transition

[@candicecart9786]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 leg room will get smaller in economy... they’ve continuously shrank the leg room in economy over the years (as well as seat width)... one airline even proposed making economy seats STANDING!!! That was scrapped bc of safety - but if it wasn’t for oversight committees many airlines I think would’ve adopted this... it seems (to me) aside from poorer countries (which usually don’t have first class or even business class on local flights), economy pax are treated like garbage by the airlines like how steerage pax were treated on the titanic 🙄 also companies like Austrian airlines that used to be #1 in customer service now have terrible customer service by trying to become “budget airlines”

[@veddaga1504]

ANA and Japan Airlines as well as Singapore, Cathay, Garuda and American also have First class cabins availible

[@shonen84]

Always love your analysis videos, Dan. Thanks! Shame about first class - I’ll never experience it but it was nice to know it existed. Soon it will be gone I guess.

[@patrickcallaghan7242]

Given that economy fares have doubled in price from 5 years ago. It makes sense to have more economy seats. On most flights 1st class seats will be empty. Most rich people fly by private jet nowadays due to the fact their wealth has increased hugely over the last 20 to 30 years.

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job dan fly safe

[@dwightlooi]

YOU MISSED THE POINT. First Class is losing it's clientele to Private Aviation. It used to be that if you were uber rich you flew First Class. If you were a senior executive you flew Business. Today, senior execs still fly Business and are treated to lie flat business which affords them the sleep the crave. But if you are uber rich you get your own private jet, you buy into fractional jet ownership programs or you simply charter. The difference is not just space in the cabin, the food or the service. It's the ability to set your own schedule, enjoy complete privacy and totally avoid checking in at airport terminals with the peasantry. Private jets have been around since the beginning of the jet age, but it is only in the recent decade or two that they started having the RANGE to match long haul widebodies. And, it is only in the last decade or two when fractional ownership and well developed charter programs got rid of the terrible economics (even for the Uber rich) of gross under utilization. At the same time the commercial airport experience have gone from bad to intolerable. -- With a large jet chartering at $4000 an hour, a rich family of four can fly across the Atlantic for $24,000 or $6,000 a head. Less than first class, in total privacy and in a jet that typically carry 10~12 in executive seating. There is no asholes at the security line or crowed terminal, you drive up to the tarmac in the Bentley and off you go when you want to go. There is no strangers next to you on the plane or during boarding. It's no contest.

[@dwightlooi]

@Tia💞 - ɢᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ ʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ғᴏ First Class people are moving to Private Jets because (1) they can now cross the Pacific or go wherever they want to go without stopping for fuel, and (2) flying in private jets no longer means buying one and letting it sit wasted 90% of the time.

[@raviprasadpai2357]

The way you explain aviation & it's analysis non can Mr Dan you are seriously a nonstop onestop man for aviation analysis

[@Neothinks]

music was too loud Dan, please can u keep it subtle. i struggled to hear ur voice clearly and focus/follow through.

[@stephenboster8925]

Bravo on the increased production values.. Impressive!