Flying first class isn’t a necessity, but experiencing life behind the curtain at least once can be a worthy goal. That’s where passengers might be feasting on fine wine and warmed nuts, enjoying movies on large screens with noise-canceling headphones, and sleeping in lie-flat beds on lengthy flights.

The good news is you can check “fly first class” off your bucket list without shelling out thousands of dollars.

“It’s a pretty different experience for people who have only flown coach,” says Brett Snyder, founder of the airline industry blog Crankyflier.com and owner of an air travel concierge service. “It’ll definitely change the way you feel about getting to the destination.”

Here’s what you can expect when you sit upfront and how you can afford it.

First vs. business class

We’ll lump together first and business class into “premium class.” That’s because the term “first class” is disappearing, and oftentimes the only front seats available are dubbed “business class.” It depends on airline, aircraft and route. Either can be swanky. And, no, just because it’s called “business class” doesn’t mean you have to be traveling for work to sit in the front.

Whether they call it first or business, international flights are where you can expect the most luxurious service in premium classes.

» MORE: How one couple scored a first-class honeymoon with points

Why try a premium cabin?

Sitting in the front might make you feel special, even superior. But there are practical reasons to consider a premium cabin, all of which can reduce the stress of flying.

More space

The most precious amenity an airline can offer on its tube speeding along at 30,000 feet is square inches. More than just extra leg and elbow room, premium classes on many long-haul flights offer seats that can be made into lie-flat beds, better than those that merely recline.

“Everyone is going to have something different that matters to them,” Snyder says. “For some people, it’s going to be all about the seat. The ability to extend into a flat bed is not something you’re going to get every day and is definitely very different than coach.”

And some premium cabins are configured so that every seat has direct access to the aisle, so you're assured of never having to climb past a seatmate to visit the bathroom or stretch your legs. Consult the airline or sites like Seatguru.com to determine the type of seat you can expect.

Arriving more rested means you might get more from your first day of vacation or work at the destination. And more space might mean you’re more productive during the flight, if that’s your goal. You’ll also get dedicated overhead bin space.

For Joe Brancatelli, a business travel writer at Joesentme.com, flying in front is all about in-cabin real estate. “If you're buying a premium class for food or wine, you're probably doing it wrong,” he says. "It's all about space and comfort.”

A related benefit to space is privacy, says George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. “With fewer seats in first class, you’re more distant from other passengers. It’s less crowded,” he says.

Preboarding perks

Special treatment begins before you step onto the jet bridge, perhaps with priority check-in, security lines and boarding, along with free checked bags, all of which can reduce the hassle of air travel. International flights are likely to include airport lounge access.

Better dining

The food and drinks, including free alcohol, will usually be far better quality and more abundant in the premium cabin than in economy. “It’s not like in coach where they slap a tray down on the table — chicken or beef,” Snyder says.

Still, better food alone is not reason enough to pony up for premium fares, Brancatelli says. “Really, if you think the extra money for airline food and mediocre booze is worth the upgrade, you're eating and drinking very badly on the ground.”

Amenities

Especially on lengthy international flights, expect a plethora of amenities that might include bigger entertainment screens than in coach, sleep masks, name-brand skin-care products and toiletries, noise-canceling headphones, even pajamas.

Service

Undoubtedly, service in the forward cabin will be more doting, with flight attendants anticipating your needs and wants rather than just reacting to requests.

How to afford a premium seat

If you’re sold on trying a premium cabin, how do you afford it? After all, fares can sell for thousands of dollars, and not everybody works for a company that will pay for premium class on a business trip.

Airlines today are more reluctant to give away free premium-class upgrades to frequent flyers, instead making more front seats available for sale. “That's awful news for frequent flyers and great news for the one-off flyer,” Brancatelli says.

Credit cards

Experts agree the top way for people of average means to afford to fly in style is to use the right rewards credit cards. A single credit card sign-up bonus might offer enough points or miles to upgrade to premium class.

Suggesting a single best card is impossible because it depends on the airlines you fly and your spending habits, among other factors. But savvy travelers have good luck with credit card point programs that offer outsize value and flexibility to transfer to several airline partners. Examples are cards that earn points in the American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards® programs.

You can earn points from your normal spending on a credit card and then transfer those points to an airline frequent flyer program to book a premium fare. “If you’re looking to rack up miles quickly, credit cards are the way to do that,” Snyder says. “But, of course, don’t run up a bunch of debt just to get points.”

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