Typically, an airline's first class section is located in the front of the aircraft. The seats are larger and have substantially more legroom. First class passengers have special check-in lines and are able to pre-board the aircraft. If a first-class passenger shows up after the coach section has begun boarding, he or she has the right to cut in line.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are free, are served in lead-crystal glassware instead of plastic cups, and are served immediately on boarding the aircraft instead of a half-hour after takeoff. Gourmet meals are usually served with a choice of wine, dessert, and aperitifs.
First class passengers have a lavatory reserved for their exclusive use, and coach passengers are not allowed to visit the first class section. Movies and earphones are free.
Historically, first class air travel has been frightfully expensive. More recently, savvy passengers have been able to upgrade their coach tickets through membership in elite frequent flyer programs and through the policies of some airlines that allow coach passengers to purchase upgrades on an as-available basis.
Some overseas flights offer three classes of service -- first class, business class, and coach. Business class passengers enjoy seating and service comparable to domestic first class while international first class passengers receive the most lavish amenities available, which can include seats that fold out into beds.
Railroad first class service in the U.S. (Amtrak) can include sleeping car accommodations and dining car meals.
Modern cruise ships offer approximately the same level of service to all passengers, the only difference is the size and location of one's cabin. This is an improvement over the days of yore: the special amenities offered to Titanic's first class passengers included the use of lifeboats.
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