My brother-in-law is an Emirates pilot. He told us something interesting.
They have stopped using their A380 to fly to Denmark (or anywhere in Scandinavia). Now they only use smaller planes … and interestingly, planes without a first-class cabin.
Apparently the Danes don’t like to travel first class. The first-class cabin on those flights was often empty.
And to be clear, first class on an Emirates A380 is ridiculous. You don’t just get a seat … you get a room with a door that closes. And a shower. (On a plane. I kid you not.)
I reckon that you can make the case for flying business class for the comfort. A flat bed and getting some sleep. But first class, that’s about status.
And for the Scandinavians (who consistently score as the happiest people on the planet), status isn’t achieved by showing off wealth.
There might be something for us to learn there.
To paraphrase Chuck from Fight Club, perhaps spending money we don’t have on things we don’t need to impress people we don’t like isn’t the key to happiness after all.
PS – So, in July they put one flight back with first class. I have no idea why. I think my point still stands, but my lovely editor disagrees. What do you think? Still an interesting blog, or should I have canned it?
