Mary Kirby, editor of the Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) magazine and blog, believes the first-class value proposition not only is diminishing, but also that the class will disappear in five years.

CNN: First-class vs. business: Is it worth the extra cost?

"I am delighted that Heathfield Independent Schools and Andrew McCarthy intend to take over the school and are committed to providing first-class, value-for-money independent education, " he added.

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Depending on the number of first-class seats available, if a coach takes one over a player, then one player, as determined by the union, is entitled to be paid the difference between the value of the first-class seat and the value of the coach seat he was forced to endure.

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The true business value of mobility will be unlocked only when organizations make mobile devices a first-class citizen in the enterprise workflow.

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The trend toward lie-flat seats in business class, along with amenities that are similar to first, diminish the value of first, she says.

CNN: First-class vs. business: Is it worth the extra cost?