First class is disappearing at a worrying rate. As an increasing number of airlines opt to either reduce capacity or eliminate it completely, Simple Flying asks why, and what’s going on in the world of premium travel? If you’re keen to fly first class, good luck in finding a seat. Across the board, first class has been steadily disappearing from commercial jets. In the long haul market, the majority of the big names have substantially reduced the number of first class seats on board, often by several hundred thousand.