Long-haul F Service compared to other experiences in life
Nov 25, 2015, 12:19 am
#31
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: HH Diamond, GHA Titanium
Posts: 1,958
Example: SIN-LHR is us$20k return (for 2 pax), 28hrs flight time.
For the same money I don't see how this can be a better experience than, say, 4 nights at a 1-bedroom suite in Bvlgari Hotel Knightsbridge. With money left over for a couple of dinners at 3-starred restaurants to boot.
However, if we talk about F as an comparison to the base experience then I can sort of see where OP's multi millionaire friend is coming from.
In any 5-star hotel, the base room is already very comfortable. You have a huge fluffy comfy bed, power showers, air conditioning, etc. Upgrading to a suite is nice, but not exceedingly so.
Whereas a private F suite with sliding doors, a lie-flat bed, 5-course dining and a pretty flight attendant calling you by name and encouraging you to drink more champagne, compared to a chair in Y where you can't even sleep properly cos your head keeps dropping forward? Huge, huge difference.
For the same money I don't see how this can be a better experience than, say, 4 nights at a 1-bedroom suite in Bvlgari Hotel Knightsbridge. With money left over for a couple of dinners at 3-starred restaurants to boot.
However, if we talk about F as an comparison to the base experience then I can sort of see where OP's multi millionaire friend is coming from.
In any 5-star hotel, the base room is already very comfortable. You have a huge fluffy comfy bed, power showers, air conditioning, etc. Upgrading to a suite is nice, but not exceedingly so.
Whereas a private F suite with sliding doors, a lie-flat bed, 5-course dining and a pretty flight attendant calling you by name and encouraging you to drink more champagne, compared to a chair in Y where you can't even sleep properly cos your head keeps dropping forward? Huge, huge difference.
Last edited by shuigao; Nov 25, 2015 at 12:31 am
Nov 25, 2015, 2:36 am
#32
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
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Posts: 4,865
It just makes getting from point A to point B more comfortable and lets you get there well rested. Sitting in an F suite, watching movies and eating is like spending a lazy Sunday on the couch watching TV (except you end up on the other side of the world). It's not amazing in itself.
Nov 25, 2015, 2:52 am
#33
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An old friend of mine who's a millionaire (not mega), almost always travels Y or at most J. I asked him about this once, which his reply really got me thinking.
"I drop my usual charity cheque once a month, and every time I'm tempted to fly F, I can't help but think maybe next months cheque can be a little more if I fly Y or J."
Not throwing stones at anyone who fly F, and everyone is entitled to their own values. But it was an interesting point of view about flying.
"I drop my usual charity cheque once a month, and every time I'm tempted to fly F, I can't help but think maybe next months cheque can be a little more if I fly Y or J."
Not throwing stones at anyone who fly F, and everyone is entitled to their own values. But it was an interesting point of view about flying.
Nov 25, 2015, 4:15 am
#34
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Posts: 8,460
Actually that's "part of the deal" for some people up front. Myself, I particularly enjoy it when there has been a person that annoyed me at the gate for some reason (loud music, pushing in front of the line, DYKWIA) and I board first and watch him drop his head and shuffle back to the cattle section of the plane.
Nov 25, 2015, 7:51 am
#35
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: EK - Silver; Accor - Silver; O6 - Gold; BAEC - Silver; Flying Blue; SPG; Krisflyer
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Like I said the comment was not to throw stones at anyone. Just interesting to see different view points from those who can afford it.
Nov 25, 2015, 5:41 pm
#36
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Problem with that mindset is that on the rare occasion (IRROPS or something) that I'm not in First I almost feel like explaining as I walk through First Class "I really am a First Class passenger. Plane was too full. I'm not a peasant. Don't look at me that way."
Nov 25, 2015, 5:59 pm
#37
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Posts: 8,460
"That's right, peasant! Keep marching!"
Problem with that mindset is that on the rare occasion (IRROPS or something) that I'm not in First I almost feel like explaining as I walk through First Class "I really am a First Class passenger. Plane was too full. I'm not a peasant. Don't look at me that way."
Problem with that mindset is that on the rare occasion (IRROPS or something) that I'm not in First I almost feel like explaining as I walk through First Class "I really am a First Class passenger. Plane was too full. I'm not a peasant. Don't look at me that way."
Nov 25, 2015, 8:56 pm
#38
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: AF Plat, DL Gold
Posts: 366
"That's right, peasant! Keep marching!"
Problem with that mindset is that on the rare occasion (IRROPS or something) that I'm not in First I almost feel like explaining as I walk through First Class "I really am a First Class passenger. Plane was too full. I'm not a peasant. Don't look at me that way."
Problem with that mindset is that on the rare occasion (IRROPS or something) that I'm not in First I almost feel like explaining as I walk through First Class "I really am a First Class passenger. Plane was too full. I'm not a peasant. Don't look at me that way."
Nov 27, 2015, 7:19 am
#40
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 419
Long-haul F is unique as it's the only experience that gives me both (some) privacy and anonymity, whatever-you-need service, and freedom from all other responsibilities. At home, there's always something I could be doing -- work, cleaning, etc. At my destination, if it's a vacation, the clock is ticking so I try to cram in as much activity as I can. Even at an all-inclusive, where I did feel relaxed, I was thinking, What time is dinner? Should I tip now or later? Do I have to talk to the people next to me?
On a plane in F all there is to do is be comfortable, enjoy the service and the view, and watch movies or read at leisure. I can get up when I want and don't have to talk to anyone. It's the only place I get to do that. For that reason, I find it worth the miles (but probably never the cash). It's not necessarily better than other experiences in life, but it gives me a brief calmness and freedom I can't get elsewhere.
That said, it is just a means to a destination, and, having enjoyed it more than once, if I were ever forced to choose an F flight or an activity on land or water that I really wanted to do, I'd pick the latter.
Seth
On a plane in F all there is to do is be comfortable, enjoy the service and the view, and watch movies or read at leisure. I can get up when I want and don't have to talk to anyone. It's the only place I get to do that. For that reason, I find it worth the miles (but probably never the cash). It's not necessarily better than other experiences in life, but it gives me a brief calmness and freedom I can't get elsewhere.
That said, it is just a means to a destination, and, having enjoyed it more than once, if I were ever forced to choose an F flight or an activity on land or water that I really wanted to do, I'd pick the latter.
Seth
Nov 27, 2015, 1:30 pm
#41
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I think it’s rather obvious that no reasonable person – even here at Flyertalk - is going to rate a few hours of inflight bliss over more meaningful earthbound experiences, dozens of which easily come to mind before I’d submit spending a few hours in international First Class.
That said, I think it is the uniqueness of the environment in which we are enjoying those services that makes international caliber First Class travel special enough to warrant the attention it does amongst so many here at Flyertalk and thus - for some perhaps - a ranking amongst their most treasured life experiences.
I would hope nobody here would ever feel embarrassed for “gushing” over the wonderful services they’ve received while comfortably ensconced in a $120,000 state of the art suite cruising serenely above this beautiful blueish-green orb we spend 99% of our lives living upon. For most reasonable people - especially here at Flyertalk - that's a pretty special experience, one far more impressive than merely getting from A to B, especially if you've done so predominantly in Economy or Business Class.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel a bit sad toward those poor pragmatics for whom the pleasures of a top quality First Class service have long since been reduced to merely “expected”. I've logged almost 5 million miles and I'm not ashamed to say that for me the prospect of a flight in international First Class aboard the likes of Etihad, Singapore, Swiss et al is still a big thrill.
Note: "Gushing" can be interpreted as anything from an excited recounting of your inflight experience over dinner to taking pictures of your lounge, seat, meal etc. to submitting trip reports.
That said, I think it is the uniqueness of the environment in which we are enjoying those services that makes international caliber First Class travel special enough to warrant the attention it does amongst so many here at Flyertalk and thus - for some perhaps - a ranking amongst their most treasured life experiences.
I would hope nobody here would ever feel embarrassed for “gushing” over the wonderful services they’ve received while comfortably ensconced in a $120,000 state of the art suite cruising serenely above this beautiful blueish-green orb we spend 99% of our lives living upon. For most reasonable people - especially here at Flyertalk - that's a pretty special experience, one far more impressive than merely getting from A to B, especially if you've done so predominantly in Economy or Business Class.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel a bit sad toward those poor pragmatics for whom the pleasures of a top quality First Class service have long since been reduced to merely “expected”. I've logged almost 5 million miles and I'm not ashamed to say that for me the prospect of a flight in international First Class aboard the likes of Etihad, Singapore, Swiss et al is still a big thrill.
Note: "Gushing" can be interpreted as anything from an excited recounting of your inflight experience over dinner to taking pictures of your lounge, seat, meal etc. to submitting trip reports.
Last edited by Seat 2A; Nov 27, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Nov 27, 2015, 2:41 pm
#42
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
I think it’s rather obvious that no reasonable person – even here at Flyertalk - is going to rate a few hours of inflight bliss over more meaningful earthbound experiences, dozens of which easily come to mind before I’d submit spending a few hours in international First Class.
That said, I think it is the uniqueness of the environment in which we are enjoying those services that makes international caliber First Class travel special enough to warrant the attention it does amongst so many here at Flyertalk and thus - for some perhaps - a ranking amongst their most treasured life experiences.
I would hope nobody here would ever feel embarrassed for “gushing” over the wonderful services they’ve received while comfortably ensconced in a $120,000 state of the art suite cruising serenely above this beautiful blueish-green orb we spend 99% of our lives living upon. For most reasonable people - especially here at Flyertalk - that's a pretty special experience, one far more impressive than merely getting from A to B, especially if you've done so predominantly in Economy or Business Class.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel a bit sad toward those poor pragmatics for whom the pleasures of a top quality First Class service have long since been reduced to merely “expected”. I've logged almost 5 million miles and I'm not ashamed to say that for me the prospect of a flight in international First Class aboard the likes of Etihad, Singapore, Swiss et al is still a big thrill.
Note: "Gushing" can be interpreted as anything from an excited recounting of your inflight experience over dinner to taking pictures of your lounge, seat, meal etc. to submitting trip reports.
That said, I think it is the uniqueness of the environment in which we are enjoying those services that makes international caliber First Class travel special enough to warrant the attention it does amongst so many here at Flyertalk and thus - for some perhaps - a ranking amongst their most treasured life experiences.
I would hope nobody here would ever feel embarrassed for “gushing” over the wonderful services they’ve received while comfortably ensconced in a $120,000 state of the art suite cruising serenely above this beautiful blueish-green orb we spend 99% of our lives living upon. For most reasonable people - especially here at Flyertalk - that's a pretty special experience, one far more impressive than merely getting from A to B, especially if you've done so predominantly in Economy or Business Class.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel a bit sad toward those poor pragmatics for whom the pleasures of a top quality First Class service have long since been reduced to merely “expected”. I've logged almost 5 million miles and I'm not ashamed to say that for me the prospect of a flight in international First Class aboard the likes of Etihad, Singapore, Swiss et al is still a big thrill.
Note: "Gushing" can be interpreted as anything from an excited recounting of your inflight experience over dinner to taking pictures of your lounge, seat, meal etc. to submitting trip reports.
IFC is an enjoyable experience that I will probably never pay for on my own dime. If I wasn't able to churn my way into long-haul F, I'd take the same trips and fly coach or hope for a business class sale.
