How much does it cost to fly First Class?

Answer 1

I'm a regular first-class flyer. I've been flying a round-trip flights from Kansas City to Little Rock every week since September, most of the time connecting through Dallas or Chicago. I almost always sit first class on the flights from Kansas City and Dallas or KC and Chicago.

If you are not a frequent flyer, you can purchase a first class ticket for the airlines asking price. My experience has shown that purchasing this ticket is often eight to ten times more than a regular coach class ticket. If you must fly first class, this will do it for you. A regular $200 coach ticket could cost from $1200 to $1600 for the first class equivalent this way.

You can take a chance as a non-frequent flyer with some airlines (American Airlines is my recent experience) and you may be offered an opportunity to upgrade your coach class ticket for $45 for a short hop (under 500 miles) and increasing in $45 increments for every additional 500 miles on your flight segment. For example, to fly from Dallas to Kansas City would cost $45, to fly from Dallas to Indianapolis would cost $90. Availability will vary and there will be no way to predict if the offer will be made.

If you are a frequent flyer (like I am), you can qualify to use "upgrade credits". These upgrades usually cost about $20 apiece and if space is available (based on your "status" with the frequent flyer program and seats available) you can exchange a simple upgrade credit for a first-class upgrade. These upgrades are also in the "500-mile" buckets.

Another option: if you are a frequent flier on one airline (say, American Airlines) and you have a flight coming up on another airline (say Continental or Northwest), you can call them up and say "Hey, I'm turbo-platinum at American, what can you do for me?" Often times you can get a complementary bump to an "elite tier" and gain the same benefits.

Also, many airlines "code-share" and you can use your "American" status on other airlines like Alaska Airlines, Quantas, etc. Check with your usual airline for options.

Some airlines do not have upgrades at all. For example, regional jet flights tend to not have first class on their planes. Southwest airlines also does not offer first class seating.

Hope that helps get you started. For further details, you'll need to review the airlines website and frequent flier program.

Answer 2

That's way too broad to answer specifically, but it's often WAY more expensive than a coach ticket (several times more expensive usually). Not worth it for the most part, especially on shorter flights. Of course, if you can get a free upgrade, I'd take it, but it's usually a lot more expensive than coach tickets.

Answer 3

Way more than it's worth. Usually several times the max price for a coach ticket. Stick it out with the plebians and use the extra cash to have fun at your destination!

Answer 4

It all depends were your destination is and what airline you chose but prices do range from 1200 each way.