Recession spurs change in airlines' premium service

Airlines whose profits depend on a small percentage of long-haul international travelers paying for first- or business-class seats are in trouble. Business class fares have fallen sharply as the recession has reduced demand for the premium cabins. It's reached the point where British Airways and Qantas, the Australian flag carrier, have removed some first class seats, expanded the number of "premium economy" seast available, or plan to stop selling first-class tickets and use the space to upgrade some customers. Read more about the developments in an

» READ MORE: article about BA's financial woes

and a separate piece

» READ MORE: about Qantas's action.