Airlines ditch first class to save cash

[Jack B]

Am i correct in saying that the vast majority of people who fly premium classes dont pay for the flights themselves, and the flights are paid by their businesses?

[Ash W]

Originally Posted by Saj_A

With oil prices declining and some carriers now cutting fuel surcharges and baggage fees, airlines will always look at other ways of revenue generation.

Cutting back on First class products isnt exactly a smart move, because for most airplanes, thats what decides whether a flight is profitable or otherwise given that margins are higher than other classes.

Wont be long before some airlines charge for a window seat!!

Most of the carriers in this region have around 10-14 first class seats on their long haul product and 50 odd business class plus in some 20-30 premium economy seats. Cutting back on first in favour of more business or premium Y isn't going to hurt the bottom line too much.

Besides I would love to know how many actually pay for first. The only times I have flown first have been on upgrades, or as BA have done recently had offers where you fly one leg in business and the 2nd in first.