Do people actually pay for first class seats?

“While we expected some variation, particularly with the longer flights, it was interesting to see that a first-class upgrade costs an average of anywhere between $93 to $658.” Overall, the study found that on average, passengers pay $262.97 on each one-way flight for first-class cabins, and more than $525 to go round- ...



Yes, in 2026, a record-high percentage of people are paying cash for first-class seats rather than relying on frequent flyer upgrades. Airlines have shifted their business models to sell more of their premium inventory upfront, with major carriers like Delta and American Airlines reporting that over 75% to 80% of their first-class seats are now sold to paying customers. This "premium leisure" trend is driven by travelers who value personal space and "frictionless" travel more than they did pre-2020. While "free upgrades" for elite members still exist, the competition for the remaining few seats is fiercer than ever. Additionally, many passengers now use "split payments"—paying for an economy ticket and then using a "buy-up" offer during check-in—which is technically still a paid first-class seat. For the 2026 traveler, the grounded reality is: if you absolutely want to be "up front," you likely need to pay for it at the time of booking.

People Also Ask

Flying first class can be an amazing experience, especially if you're traveling internationally. Along with premium treatment in the airport, you can expect better seats, better food and better service onboard. However, first class tickets can also be expensive.

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Therefore, to comfortably buy a First Class ticket, you should probably have a household net worth of at least $1 million. $1 million is a top 10% household net worth. However, based on experience, the $1 million threshold likely won't be enough for you to spend up without discomfort.

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More and more airlines have been adopting upgrade auctions for otherwise-unsold premium economy, business, and first class seats.” For airlines, Keyes says the rationale is simple: upgrade auctions generate significantly more revenue for airlines than handing out upgrades for free.

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Earn airline elite status
The most reliable way of getting upgraded for free is to have elite status on the airline you're flying. Most airlines reward their most frequent flyers with complimentary upgrades on domestic routes.

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Joining airline loyalty programs and using co-branded credit cards can often earn you enough miles or points to buy premium seats. One tactic is to buy a coach seat, then use your frequent flyer points to upgrade to first class.

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The wait time in TSA, which can feel like a lifetime to economy passengers, is practically non-existent. After waltzing through security, first class flyers have access to exclusive lounges with awesome luxuries. And once passengers in first class are on the plane, they receive many upgraded features.

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When you're flying first class, you want to be able to soak up every part of the experience, and if you're only on board for 1-3 hours, it may not be enough time! If you're flying long haul, however, then first class may be a perfect investment.

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Flight attendants typically do not have the authority to upgrade passengers to higher class seats or cabins without proper authorization. The decision to upgrade passengers is usually handled by the airline's ground staff or a designated team responsible for managing seat assignments and upgrades.

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Look at the next few flights on the airline's website and see what seats are available. Identify which flight you'd ideally like to be upgraded on. Then approach the gate agent and kindly state your request.

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Flying first class can be an amazing experience, especially if you're traveling internationally. Along with premium treatment in the airport, you can expect better seats, better food and better service onboard.

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The program (now re-branded as AirPass) initially enabled passholders unlimited first class travel on any of the airline's flights worldwide. Lifetime membership was priced at $250,000, with the option to purchase a companion pass for an additional $150,000.

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Cons of Flying First Class
  • More expensive than business class. That's true whether you are paying with cash or points.
  • Less seat availability means it is harder to book – especially when using points & miles.
  • Harder to find multiple seats together due to the smaller cabins.


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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.

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Know When to Book If you want to save on first-class flights, consider booking at least seven days in advance. Some experts say for even cheaper flights, book at least three weeks before the departure date.

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Smart but understated. You should look like you travel often...it helps; someone who is potentially due to get an upgrade can be knocked back if they aren't dressed suitably. Essentially, you can still be comfortable, and elevated basics will take you far. Think casual workday chic.

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These programs are designed to reward loyal customers with exclusive benefits, such as free upgrades. Passengers without elite status has been (seemingly randomly) selected for first class upgrade. But that's a thing of the past, cases like that are exceedingly rare now. Your best bet is still achieving elite status.

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