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Language Foundation

First Class

First Class is the highest and usually most expensive class of seat and service offered by an airline on a flight.

In plain English

Airlines divide seating and onboard service into levels, and First Class is the top level. It refers to both the seat category and the service that come with it on a flight. It is usually the most expensive option.

In context

Here, First Class identifies the cabin-class option for the airline's highest level of seat and service on the flight.

Situation
Booking flights, choosing fares, seats, baggage, and optional services
What it communicates
labels one cabin-class option during flight search.

Meaning limits

The term itself does not state the exact features included in this class, because those can vary.

Examples

“On that flight, First Class cost more than Business Class or Economy.”

Core meaning

“She flew home in First Class on the overnight flight.”

In context

  • travel class Broader Term

    First class is one category within the broader system of travel classes.

  • business class Contrast

    Business class is a different travel class from first class.