How much does first class on a plane cost: Analysis of first class prices on popular global routes
In the past 10 days, discussions about the price of first-class flights have become a hot topic on social media and travel forums. As the summer travel season approaches, many high-end travelers are starting to pay attention to changes in first-class fares. This article will combine popular data from the entire network to analyze the first-class prices for major global routes and analyze the reasons for price fluctuations.
Why are first-class prices becoming a hot topic?

Recently, a number of internet celebrity bloggers have shared first-class experience videos on social platforms, triggering widespread discussions. In particular, the first-class suite services of the three major airlines in the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways) have become the focus due to their luxurious configurations. At the same time, with the fluctuation of international oil prices and adjustments to airline capacity, first-class prices have also changed significantly.
| route | airline | One-way price (RMB) | Flight duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing-New York | Air China | 58,000-72,000 | 13-15 hours |
| Shanghai-London | British Airways | 62,000-85,000 | 12-14 hours |
| Guangzhou-Dubai | Emirates Airlines | 48,000-65,000 | 8-9 hours |
| Hong Kong-Singapore | singapore airlines | 28,000-35,000 | 3.5-4 hours |
| Tokyo-Sydney | Qantas | 52,000-68,000 | 9-10 hours |
Main factors affecting first class price
1.seasonal factors: Prices generally rise by 20-30% during the summer peak season from July to August, while prices may drop by about 15% during the off-season in November.
2.Airline competition: The price war between the three major airlines in the Middle East on Asia-Europe routes has caused prices on some routes to fall by 10% year-on-year.
3.fuel surcharge: Since June, many airlines have increased fuel charges, with the average cost of first-class cabins increasing by 1,500-3,000 yuan.
4.Model configuration: The price of aircraft equipped with the latest suite-style seats (such as A380, 787) is 25-40% higher than that of traditional aircraft.
| Additional services | Average cost (RMB) | Popularity (★ is the indicator) |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusive airport transfer | 2,500-4,000 | ★★★★ |
| Shower on board | 1,000-1,800 | ★★★★★ |
| Michelin Dining | 800-1,500 | ★★★ |
| Onboard lounge | free | ★★★★★ |
How to get discounted first class tickets?
According to the latest sharing from travel experts, the following three ways can effectively reduce the cost of first-class travel:
1. Use airline miles to redeem (save up to 70%)
2. Choose a connecting route (some connecting routes are 40-50% cheaper than direct flights)
3. Pay attention to airline member day activities (Emirates on the 28th of every month, Singapore Airlines on the 15th of every month, etc.)
Forecast of future price trends
Data from a professional air ticket comparison platform shows that with the delivery of a new batch of wide-body passenger aircraft, first-class prices are expected to fall by 5-8% in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, peak season prices for popular tourist routes (such as Paris and the Maldives) will remain high. Travelers with plans are recommended to book 3-6 months in advance to enjoy the early bird discount.
Judging from the recent buzz, first class has become more than just a means of transportation, it has become a status symbol on social media. However, experts remind that rational consumption is the key, and it is wisest to choose the appropriate cabin based on actual needs.
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