There was a time when your job title alone dictated what class of airline ticket you booked. Then the length of the flight was the deciding factor. These days, the cost of the ticket is often what determines where you will sit on your next flight. But how much is too much to spend for a seat in the front of the plane? Is any amount worth it? The answer is...it depends.

Lounging Around

Flying in first class gives business travelers access to the airline's lounge. This can be more than just a luxury if you have a long lay-over between flights. Airline travel lounges offer comfortable seating, desks, internet access, even small conference rooms. Some of the larger lounges have showers available for weary, less-than-fresh travelers.

But if the luxury of the lounge is not enough to warrant the higher airfare, know that you can find most of these amenities elsewhere in the airport. You don't need an airline lounge to check your emails if you have your own wireless access card. The annual fee for the service will probably be less than the difference in the cost of just one flight. Or, seek out an internet kiosk inside the airport. DFW has three internet kiosks just in Terminal A. Most airports now have at least one business center that gives you access to faxes, conference rooms and mail service. You may not get free drinks and salty snacks, but as for the business amenities, they can be found outside the hallowed halls of the lounge.

Rest and Relaxation

One reason to fly in the front of the plane is ensure that you arrive at your destination well rested. Longer flights, in particular those that cross multiple time zones, can leave business travelers too tired to be truly productive when they hit the ground. Airlines are competitively addressing this issue. First class on Singapore Airline's Airbus A380 now includes suites with a bed, chair and 23 inch LCD television. American Airlines 777 first class section includes the industry's first swiveling seats that allow passengers to turn and face each other. Perfect for conducting business en route or maybe just a good game of gin rummy. And if you happen to fly first class on Emirates between Heathrow and Dubai you can even shower on board!

No matter where you look, you will not find these types of amenities in the back of the bus. You may be able to improve your chances at being rested though. On-line booking and resources like SeatGuru allow travelers to view the plane configuration and choose the best seat in coach. Whether you like the bulkhead or second exit row, you can find and book the specific coach seat that meets your needs. You can also change your seat last minute to one that is vacant on either side to allow more space for your papers and computer. If you get creative enough on international flights you can sometimes find a spot that will allow you to lie across several seats and possibly sleep just as soundly as you would in first class. Possibly.

Deciding whether or not the added amenities are worth the added expense is ultimately up to the individual traveler and company's policies. But the litmus test may just come down to the cash. If after landing you would prefer to be given the difference in the cost of travel, rather than to have experienced the benefits of first class, you should definitely move to the back of the plane.