No, we do not largely prefer working in economy over first class, nor do we prefer working in first class over economy. Everyone has their own individual preferences, as is true with largely anything else in life.

In 2026, flight attendant opinions on working First Class are divided. Many senior crew members prefer it because the passenger-to-crew ratio is much lower (e.g., 1 crew for every 4-8 passengers), allowing for a more relaxed, "boutique" service rhythm compared to the "marathon" of Economy. They enjoy the higher-quality food, the ability to build a rapport with travelers, and the generally quieter cabin environment. However, "High-Expectation" service is exhausting; First Class passengers in 2026 expect "white-glove" perfection, and a single mistake can lead to significant complaints. Some junior flight attendants actually prefer Economy because the service is "standardized" and "fast"—once the meal carts are put away, the work is largely done until landing. In First Class, the service is "on-demand," meaning the crew must be "on" and available for the entire duration of a 14-hour flight. Ultimately, it’s a trade-off between the physical exhaustion of Economy and the mental/attention-to-detail exhaustion of First Class.