Flying first class ain’t cheap. I almost never do it. However, a case could be made for doing so if one is traveling a very far distance and must arrive as fresh as is possible. Yet even in such cases, it’s anybody’s guess if forking out the extra money is worth it because the unknown factor of turbulence can, if severe, ruin any chance one has of sleeping soundly in those horizontal pods you are paying for when flying first class. Serious turbulence will make it virtually impossible to sleep through the shaking, even if you are a deep sleeper. In such circumstances you ended up paying for the “comfort” of a reclining seat that pretty much turns into a bed of sorts, while still subject to the same tumult and upheaval that those flying coach experience.

Admittedly, flying first class has some additional perks: one gets better food and usually a choice of several selections of food. One also gets a better entertainment package with a wider variety of movies, shows, and concerts to watch. One also gets a nicer pillow, blanket, and slippers if the trip is long enough. And one gets a bit more attentiveness from the flight attendants.

Bottom line: if you’re wealthy and demand a bit more pampering, and especially if you are traveling a great distance and must arrive as fresh as possible so you can hit the ground running, sure, spend the money and fly first class. Short of that, it probably isn’t worth it.