"Joel Widzer, author of The Penny Pincher’s Passport to Luxury Travel, (http://www.jetready.com), says the fancy meals and wines that marked domestic first-class service a few decades ago have little meaning for today’s business traveler who really wants convenience, quiet, legroom and space to work.

Internationally, he says the premium seats offer lower stress levels and less travel fatigue, making a business traveler sharper and more efficient on his or her assignment.

He says the airlines still need to differentiate themselves on the basis of service to attract and keep their highest paying customers.

'Loyal customers are more willing to pay a bit of a premium. A lot comes down to perceived value ... if people perceive enough value, they’re willing to pay a bit more,' he said."

Is it still worth it to fly first class? As airlines cut back on service, is it still worth upgrading?
from MSNBC.com