20 Rules These Airlines Make First Class Passengers Follow

Traveling first class is a dream-come-true for many. But the sad truth is that first-class accommodation is not just for anybody.

First, many airlines today are letting go of their first-class accommodations in favor of the more passenger-friendly business class. Second, the sky-high prices of those still on the table will surely dig a hole in many travelers' pockets.

Sure enough, nothing beats the comfort first-class can give. But still, first-class is first-class. Though it has all the perks a passenger wants in air travel, there are some unique limitations to flying in first-class.

Ultimately, what these airlines tell you about their first-class product is non-negotiable and—as you will discover—it's not just about money. From the most reasonable to the downright ridiculous, here are the 20 rules these airlines make first-class passengers follow.

20 SWISS Air: First Class Is Simply Not For Every Frequent Flyer

Ideally, frequent flyer club members can book any first-class product of their choice. Forget about Swiss International Airlines.

Being a Miles & More member just doesn't cut it. Instead, you need to have an elite status among their Senator or HON Circle members to book first class. Intense, huh?

19 Thai Airways: Fancy Wifi Onboard? Buy It

Aside from the common inflight movies and TV shows, another thing that makes your first-class travel is free wifi. Unfortunately, you will be disappointed to know that Thai Airways simply doesn't give it for free.

If you want an online presence while flying, you have to pay for it.

18 Etihad Airways: Welcome Falcons In First Class

Etihad Airways is known for many things. It has the Residence, the most luxurious accommodation in the sky to date. The next thing it is famous for is its other kind of passenger: falcons, confirms Business Insider.

Yup!

Take wailing babies out of the equation. Deal with wailing falcons instead. Cool, ain't it!

17 Air India: First Class Passengers Deplane First

Air India might not have the fanciest first-class accommodation out there. But there is one crucial advantage in its first-class product that many travelers would thank the airline for pushing it.

Trying to catch a connecting flight? Air India gives priority to its first-class passengers to deplane first. Booyah!

16 Malaysian Airlines: No Babies On First Class

Love Malaysian Airlines' first-class? Great! But if you're planning to tag your tot along for the ride, you'd better forget it.

In response to mounting inquiries, Malaysia Airlines CEO Tengku Azmil twitted: "We already hand out noise canx headphones in 1st class. They don't work so well for babies crying."

15 Emirates Air: No Alcohol Below 18 Years Old

Ah! The sweetest bar in the air! Emirates bar will be your ultimate goal if you want to spice up your first-class flight with no non-sense liquor.

If you are less than 18 years old, however, congratulations, you can just let that excitement pop like a bubble right in your face.

14 Delta Air Lines: First Class Passengers Board After Delta One Passengers

Sometimes airlines can be a mix between quirky and puzzling. Take Delta Air Lines for example.

Why does this airline let its first-class passengers board second only to Delta One passengers? Because its first-class accommodation is actually not first class. Now that's quirky.

13 ANA All Nippon Airlines: ANA's Mileage Club Allows Round-Trip Bookings Only

Overall, ANA's first-class product is truly remarkable. Food and beverage are great, as well as plenty of seat storage.

Flying round-trip? No problem. Directly book your flight using your ANA's Mileage Points. Or, book a one-way flight using your points from partner club memberships, such as Singapore Air's KrisFlyer Club.

12 Garuda Indonesia: Cancellation And Changing Of Flight Schedule Comes At A Premium

Today, all airlines charge their customers when anything from flight schedule changes to flight cancellation has to be made.

But Garuda Indonesia has the most noticeable first-class flight cancellation fee: a whopping 50% of your first-class ticket price if you opt to cancel less than 24 hours before your flight.

11 All Airlines: No Visitors In First Class

If you fly economy, could you just wander right into first-class without permission from the cabin crew? All airlines will tell you no you can't.

Even though the economy and first-class passengers travel on the same plane, you have to respect that first-class passengers pay big bucks for privacy and comfort.

10 American Airlines: No ESA's On Passenger Seats

Emotional support animals have recently caused quite a stir in the aviation industry. That's why some carriers, such as American Airlines, have already made a stance regarding emotional support animals in first-class: No ESAs On Passenger Seats.

Now that's what you call a concrete rule. Loud and clear AA!

9 Delta Air: Seat Swapping Is Allowed Just Once

Hate it or love it, but Delta Air might just want to give its passengers a little leeway when it comes to inflight experience. And who wouldn't want to try out another Delta Air seat in another accommodation, right?

Who cares, it is just a one-time swap, anyway.

8 Emirates Air: No More Expensive Drinks Display On The First Class Bar

When you put an expensive liquor on display without someone watching over it, somebody will keep it.

Unfortunately for Emirates, it took them too long to realize that it could happen. The once fantastic bar is now stripped of its lavish liquor display to prevent similar things from happening again.

7 IndiGo Airlines: First Class Is Not For Children Below 12 Years Old

It's now clear that many airlines are allergic to seeing kids in first-class. Or is it the passengers?

Recently, IndiGo, an Indian airline has joined the 'no-children in first-class' bandwagon. Aren't the people running these airlines former children? But, yeah, it's the rule, so be it.

6 American Airlines: Barefoot In First Class Is A No-No

This rule is somewhat of a no-brainer. But again, American Airlines opted to be heard more clearly than its rivals.

So to show to the world what American Airlines really is, its management did not hesitate to boldly shout that indeed going barefoot in first-class accommodation is a big no-no.

5 Hawaiian Airlines: Business-Appropriate Attire Is Best

Is Hawaiian Airlines telling us that it has had enough of the island's vibe back home? Or is it just saying to hang on to your hats until you are literally in Hawaii's sun-kissed shores?

Whatever the case, it seems that only business-appropriate attire is accepted in its first-class accommodation.

4 United Airlines: No Leggings For Pass Passengers

Yoga pants lovers, beware! Especially those who travel in passes. According to United Airlines management, non-revs are extensions of their employees thus they become legal subjects of the company's dress code as well.

Having presentable subjects to the public eye is the airline's only reason for this rule, nothing more.

3 Emirates Air: Rinse! Rinse! Five-Minute Shower Water's Running Low!

To say that taking a shower 30,000 feet up in the sky is amazing is an utter understatement... were it not for the shower's limited supply of water.

Yes, you can only shower for five minutes. And you should've been done rinsing by the time your water ran out.

2 Air France: La Premiere Accommodation Is Simply Not For All

On the one hand, AvGeeks would agree that Air France's La Première accommodation is one of the most encompassing first-class accommodations today.

Booking it with miles, on the other hand, has been a nightmare from the get-go because only Air France-KLM's Flying Blue elites can book it using awards.

1 Etihad Airways' The Residence: No Duty-Free Items Allowed

Of all the first-class rules mentioned in this post, this must be the most logical. Seriously, the Residence is the most luxurious airline accommodation today.

With a private suite equipped with its own separate bedroom, lounge, and bathroom with shower, not to mention a dedicated butler, who needs a duty-free product inside?

Next: 20 Ways To Score First Class Upgrades When Flying Coach