Is it worth while to fly first class?

depends on the time-limit of the flight. If its like a 2-3 hour light you are better off with economy class. The only benefits of first class is the food, the more luxurious chairs and in some cases a tv in front. But honestly you can survive without those perks and save alot of money.

on a long flight, if you want to sleep, it's definitely worth it.

I've flown first class a few times from SFO to ORD when it was the only thing I could get with my miles. The first time I flew, it was amazing -- personal, fully reclining leather seat, my own movie, great food, no waiting, the works. This was on a 747.

Every other time I've flown it's been on a smaller aircraft, and first class was really just a glorified coach with a bit more legroom -- basically a slight step up from flying jetblue. Totally not worth it.

I'd investigate the equipment being flown before you make a decision.

Flying internationally in first-class (or even business class) is pretty much the most amazing experience ever. I got upgraded once. Not only do the seats turn into beds, but they serve all your meals in courses and they're always giving you stuff--more food, more drinks--and you get a lot of personal attention. I agree with everyone lse that flying 1st class domestically probably isn't worth it, but if you have the money, I would absolutely fly 1st class internationally.

A friend and I were trying to get to London from Dehli on British Airways. They needed people to volunteer to get "bumped" so we raised our hands. They put us up in a 5 star hotel, gave us $200 US cash, and upgraded us to "upstairs" first class on a 747 the next night. Man, that was the height of luxury! Like others have said, personal attention, all the snacks you can eat, huge seats that fully reclined. But, the piece de resistance? TV monitors at our seats with the Simpsons! Mmm...first class.

It is worth it if:
1) You have lots of miles with an airline and you can purchase upgrade certificates (so you dont have to pay cash for bumping up to first class
2) Its a long flight and the added comfort would mean a lot to you.

I have a back injury and when I'm planning to take a long flight its definitely worth it for me to use my miles to get an upgrade to first class. The added room in the seat and ability to actually lie back and sleep comfortably is worth it.

First Class is vital if you have a kid who likes to kick the seat in front of him in Economy, I can tell you from experience! The additional legroom in first class, even on a short flight, precludes this behavior and keeps Mommy sane, enjoying a lovely tomato juice, instead of turning into a human straitjacket.

My wife is normally a paranoid wreck when we fly, so we decided to fly first class on a recent trip from Seattle to NJ. It was great - plenty of room, never a line for the restroom and best of all, complimentary drinks. We got stuck on the runway for a hour before takeoff, so I was on my third drink before we ever got airborn. Unfortunately it is expensive and she is now addicted.

Domestically, not worth it.

Internationally, completely worth it.

You might be able to upgrade to first class the day of the flight for cheaper than buying first class ahead of time. I've done it a few times for about $50 a ticket extra, which was a great deal. You should call/contact the airline your thinking of flying and see if they do upgrades anymore. It's a way better deal than buying it ahead of time.

Of course doing it that way, you do run the risk of first class being full (so no upgrades that flight!).