As first class seats go empty, look for airline consolidation

As the recession took hold, more people have stopped flying first and business classes, instead opting for coach, causing airlines to simply take out these premium seats. Even worse, some affluent travelers aren't downgrading, they simply aren't flying at all.

According toReuters, the affluent are not the only people leaving the front of airline cabins. The news service reports that "Business travel has been in rapid decline since the economic recession took hold last year and savings conscious companies cut back on travel."