Thought you had to be a millionaire to fly in style? The first-class suites available for as little as £250
You can grab a bargain on these luxury short-haul flights
WE'VE all secretly resented first class passengers as we trudge through into economy - in fact, first class jealousy has been identified as a main cause of air rage at 35,000 feet.
But the exclusive comfort of plush seats, chef-prepared meals and designer freebies could be more affordable than you think - with some first class tickets which cost as little at £250.
However, there is a catch - these prices can only be nabbed for shorter flights, so there won't be much time to enjoy that complimentary champagne.
£700: Auckland to Sydney on Emirates
Emirates' luxury first class suites offer a private flying experience, with sliding doors, a suite which converts into a bed, a vanity table and mirror and - best of all - a personal mini-bar.
Located on the upper deck of Emirates' Airbus A380 - the world's largest passenger aircraft - first class customers can even freshen up in the jet's shower room, or schmooze with fellow passengers in the exclusive lounge.
Normally, a spot in first class would set you back thousands - but booking a seat on the second-leg of the long-haul journey between Dubai and Auckland will bag you the luxury for a fraction of the price.
£650: Abu Dhabi to Mumbai on Etihad Airways
Etihad have propelled first class travel to even higher heights thanks to The Residence - a private three-room suite in the sky.
Designed for two people travelling together, the living room, bedroom and en-suite shower room is the first travel experience of its kind.
Meanwhile, the Emirati carrier also offers the First Apartment - an enclosed upper deck first class suite, with sliding privacy doors, a leather armchair, a 24 inch TV screen, drinks cabinet and fully-sized bed.
If you have £3,000 to spare, you can splash out on The Residence - but for a measly £650 you can enjoy the luxury of the First Apartment between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai, a 3 hour 40 minute flight.
£600: Manchester to Munich on Singapore Airlines
It's only about a 2 hour flight - but Singapore Airlines boast a first class cabin that's consistently ranked as one of the greatest in the world.
The Manchester to Munich route is the first leg of the airline's long-haul flight to Singapore, which in total costs around £4000.
But for only £6000, you can enjoy the leather seats, mood lighting and moulded headrests for maximum in-flight comfort.
£300: Vienna to Zurich on Korean Air
This continental journey takes just over an hour - which isn't too long to make the most of endless champagne.
However, you also get the chance to kick back and relax in the first class lounge at the airport - and with the rail journey taking at least eight hours, opting for Korean Air's all-singing all-dancing private suite is undoubtedly totally worth it.
£275: Dubai to Muscat on Swiss International Air Lines
You wouldn't have time to watch a film on this 45-minute route - but you would have time to enjoy a glass of bubbly and admire the indulgent contents of the Swiss toiletries bag.
It features pyjamas from Zimmerli - who sell woven men's pyjama sets for over £300 on their website - and skincare products from La Prairie... for just £275, who could say no to that?
£250: Doha to Bahrain on British Airways
For the cheapest first class experience, the first leg of BA's Doha to Heathrow flight is the way to go.
It's only a 30 minute journey, but for £250, passengers get the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of a first class private suite, complete with a 6ft 6in bed, a white cotton duvet and luxurious cotton pyjamas.