“Overall we're seeing more airlines eliminating first class and instead, installing great business-class service, given that the market for first-class is pretty limited, Schlappig said.

In the current aviation landscape of 2026, the traditional "First Class" cabin is increasingly becoming a niche luxury product, while modern "Business Class" has effectively taken its place on many long-haul routes. Airlines like Delta, United, and American have largely phased out international First Class in favor of high-end Business suites (like Delta One or United Polaris) that feature sliding privacy doors, lie-flat beds, and gourmet dining—amenities that were exclusive to First Class only a decade ago. It is much more profitable for airlines to fit 40 Business Class seats into a space that might only hold 10 First Class suites. However, ultra-premium carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Air France continue to maintain "Flagship First" cabins for a tiny segment of ultra-wealthy travelers who demand total exclusivity and multi-room suites. For the average "premium" traveler, the gap between the two has narrowed so much that Business Class is now the de facto standard for luxury air travel.