When was two-tiered (first class) air travel established?

The two-tiered approach to flying appeared in 1928 on French and British flights. Initially offered on separate planes, second class passengers travelled early in the morning on smaller planes, and ‘Restaurant’ planes serving lunch left later for the first class passengers. First class passengers paid $24.00 (€15.55) and second class paid $18.50 (€11.99) for a one-way ticket.

Airline travel in the United States was always deemed to be first class until the 1950’s when more passengers began flying to Europe rather than sailing. It took a few decades before two tiered travel became commonplace. A 1955 article appeared in 'Air & Space' magazine describing a woman’s first class flight as including a gourmet meal and to her surprise, a bed.

Today, first class has airlines fighting for your first-class dollars. On long international and some cross-country flights, Delta's seats convert to flat beds with increased privacy. Those wanting luxury in the extreme may wish to fly first class on Emirates, which includes a private suite, a shower spa, gourmet meals and more. Just be prepared to pay more than $20,000 for a round-trip ticket, according to a flight search for a first-class ticket from New York to Dubai.