On British airways in 2012 after visiting my son in England. It was a flight I will never forget. Awesomeness I will never forget. I still have the socks I received in a little travel kit when I boarded. I was able sleep lying flat in a very private seat.. the first class lounge before boarding was astounding, endless food and drinks. It was a grand way to end my trip. Now I experienced what the elite get traveling first class.

So, color me jealous—Intl First must feel like living in royalty. In intl business, I had a 6 course meal. Venison, perfectly cooked, good wines, eventually dessert, and finally a cheese course rolled up. Loved it. Got to watch a newly released Star Trek, to boot.

Domestic first is still pretty good. Stewards bring beverages and snacks. Meals are decent, on real plates, with real utensils. Much more comfortable seating. Worth an upgrade using points. I don’t have the cash to consider using it that way, though.

Bad:

If you remember cattle class from years back - that's domestic first class now - Average service, usually edible food, may have to step into aisle to let window passenger get by, food included.

The old days of personalized service on many FC flights is gone as is much of the leg room except on some bigger planes.

On a 3 hour flight, food doesn't hold a candle to what it used to be.

Good:

Much better than cattle class.

Food free

Alcohol is free

Baggage free. So the net difference in cost from cattle class is less than the ticket price shows.

Room to store carry-ons and assistance may be provided.

The crew doesn't look down at you like a waiter does at a fine restaurant. They actually treat you as a human.

Seats are wider so you don't have to share yours with the fat people on either side of you.

Your knees don't actually touch the seat in front of you.

You get to board first so you can watch the cattle be rushed to their section with cattle prods so even though your head is lower because you are sitting down, you can look at them with the same sneer as that previously mentioned waiter.

You may get to go through priority TSA screening line

I'd say they are a requirement for long trips, but not short ones, in general. I would never fly to Europe or CA again (from FL) unless it was first class, or would certainly try to be able to afford this.

Besides, on many of my flights there was no first class. The airlines seem to have recognized that people are willing to spend the bucks to get out of steerage. It’s a major cash cow for them nowadays.

I loved it. Large, comfy seat. Free drinks, nice meal/snack, good service, no baggage fee. I should add this was all pre-Covid, so not sure what may have changed, check the airline’s website. These were approx 3 hour Flights in the west. Also 20+ years ago on another airline (St. Louis to DC), can’t remember what airline that was.

I’d say it’s worth it if:

You are a larger person
You are a person with a disability
You have a ton of mileage points and want to upgrade as a treat for yourself
You get a really good deal on first class ticket
Money is no object and you want a nice experience

Also, take into consideration baggage fees in your ticket cost.

However you go, enjoy your visit!

Well outside of I have sciatica issues but I'm fit and healthy and mostly wanna just enjoy a nice flight on first for once