In my twenties I worked for employers who flew me business class consistently, I was only earning $80-$100k. Now in my early 30s and earning significantly more but employer mandates economy class when travelling for work, that said I travel significantly less and rarely/never overseas.

Would I pay to fly business class? Well I have done on occasions where I’ve felt it necessary or I’ve used points to upgrade. However with a wife, 2 kids, mortgage etc then there are priorities with spending money. A business class round trip could be equivalent to three economy class trips. We now live in Australia but am from the UK and having flown so much have vowed that any trips to the UK/Europe will either be in business or with 1/2 stopovers in each direction for a few days to make it more palatable.