Many North Americans don’t believe they can afford to fly first class. However, there is always potential to upgrade beyond economy class, or flying coach. Flying first class is considered the
pinnacle of air travel, but the bigger seats, luxurious perks, better food, more accomodating flight crew, and privacy come at a steeper price.

However, due to last minute flying and cancellations, you may find yourself able to snatch up a discounted business class fare and enjoy the following first class perks:

1. Quiet and comfort
The luxurious first class start with seat size and leg room. In economy class both are on short supply, but in business class set and legroom real estate are plentiful. In fact, many airlines have flush padded seats that are 50% larger compared to economy seating. Plus, you’ll enjoy extra leg room and larger TV entertainment with flat screens (without so many fingerprints). Many first class flights to European and Asian destinations also offer sliding doors, bedding, showers, and suits complete with double beds and private living rooms.

2. Stress-free flying
If you’re a nervous flyer who’s heart races at the first sign of turbulence, flying first class can offer solace on a busy flight. Consider the coach cabin with it’s cramped seating, restless passengers, and crying children (no offence to parents flying with small children), but in first class, you’re far removed from the chaos of economy class, where according to most pilots, the turbulence is worse near the rear rows at the tail of the plane. In first class you get the luxury of quiet, room, and less movement so you can focus on work or get some sleep in flight.

3. Get ready for pampering
First-class flights are known for the extra perks. For instance, passengers board from a first-class airport lounge, not the cramped lounges with no preflight cocktails for econom flyers. Many airlines even offer free face masks or mani-pedis, free booze, eye masks, pillows, and pajamas, 5-star meals, and luxury gift bags.

4. Time savings
Believe it or not, you save valuable time as a first class passenger. You get to board your flight first and exit your flight first. Your baggage is also unloaded first. Plus, the lines are shorter for first class boarding so you can arrive at the airport later and still have plenty of time to make your flight.

5. Arrive to your destination refreshed
If you’re flying from North America to a far flung European, Asian, or Indian destination, you realistically might be stuck on a plane for 15-hours or more. Add the stress of economy boarding, cramped seating, lack of sleep due to noise, and poor in-flight food and service, and you’re sure to arrive to your destination red-eyed and jet lagged. However, if you treat yourself to first class, you’ll arrive distressed and well rested, ready to walk right into your business presentation or meeting right from the plane.