What annual salary do you need to make to justify flying first class?

Question

I'm not talking about using frequent flyer miles, or flying on the company's nickle. I'm curious as to what the low end of annual salary range is to justify flying first class. In other words, how much money do you have to make a year to let yourself guiltlessly pay the first class rate rather than the so much cheaper coach rate. I also am not looking for the obvious answer -- I'm wondering for a normal person, at what point to you make the switch? $100,000 a year? $200,000? $500,000? More?

Answer 1

There is no "magic" salary where you can "justify" an expense. Either it is worth it to you and something you will sacrifice for, or it's not. I make about $125k and I always fly first class, but I am usually upgraded for free because I am a frequent traveller (about 60,000 miles in the air every year). I rarely even think of upgrading on my own dollar, though, even when I am travelling for pleasure and not for work. I could easily afford it-- I don't have any kids, I own my own home and only carry a little debt, so my cost of living is low and I could easily splurge on a first-class ticket. But I choose not to.

Everyone has their "poison" or something they will splurge on even if it's not practical. For me, it's hotels. I insist on staying in very nice hotels when I travel for pleasure and I think nothing of spending $700/night on a hotel or even more. That's what is important to me.

On the other hand, I have a friend who makes about $45k/year. He only travels about once a year. But he ALWAYS buys a first-class ticket. He doesn't feel guilty about it.

So it really doesn't have that much to do with guilt--- it's all about what is a priority to you.

(By the way, US Federal government employees CANNOT buy a first-class ticket for business travel; there's a very long list of what Government folks are and are not allowed to buy. And most businesses do not let anyone other than senior executives buy a first-class ticket. You can only write off a portion of first-class airfare, too. Most of the people sitting in first class are not paying to be there--- they are either complimentary upgrades given to frequent fliers, or people who are redeeming mileage for the upgrade.)

Answer 2

That is not as easy a question as you think, there are way more factors that would go into the answer. It more a question about disposable income than salary. You can be making $200,000 and not be able to realistically afford that luxury. Some might be willing to pay the huge price of first class only making $100,000 a year.

To just answer your question, I would have to go with the $200,000 a year.

Answer 3

PRIVATE businesses and the pay they give to their employee's are not the business of the public. I you find a company who has better rates and coverage, then go there - basically, they are the same. The REAL problem is that government intervened into private business. It is no the job of government to save private business. If they mismanage - then they fail - they should not be saved. Actually, if people made a choice to put their money in "RISK" ventures, note the word "RISK" - it is a gamble - just as if you went to a casino and played, you RISK not winning - it is a personal choice to make. This applies to the entire market on wall street and 401K's as well - there are high risk and low risk choices - yes the high risk have a higher pay - BUT - they are a RISK!

Answer 4

Never.... If I made enough money I would be flying all over the world in Business class, be Executive Platinum, and have enough miles and free upgrades to always fly First Class.

If I had to answer your question I would have to think international first class. I would need to make $350k a year. Since I would travel with my girlfriend that would be $10-$20k for us both.

Answer 5

It depends, for a 1 hour flight. It's not worth it.

However if you are on a 14 hour flight, the extra 2-5 grand is worth it. If you are going to spend 1 grand on a ticket for a 14 hour fligh you might as well spend 4 grand for business class, no matter what your salary is.

Answer 6

This is the point. The obvious.
Most people fly on company $$$. or on Government (tax payers) $$$.
Self-employed may use for tax purpose (write-off) from their business.
So, I would say well over $500,000 /yr

The rest are upgrades and mileage.
If you fly once a year internationally and you saved money over the year..salary is unimportant.

Answer 7

I'm not in that salary group, but why justify it? If you want it and you have the money it is your choice. Just do it. If you feel guilty, then don't.

Answer 8

dude its like paying more than double for the same flight you gotta be fat or crazy to sit first class. no disrespect to fat people.

Answer 9

I would say around 100000 or so

Answer 10

I would think $500K.