The value of first class
#47
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,808
Let me offer another upside.
When a flight is cancelled due to mechanical problems or whathave you, holding an F BP can allow you to avoid the huge clusterF at the CS desk and get rebooked by the agents at the lounge. This saves literally hours and frustration.
When a flight is cancelled due to mechanical problems or whathave you, holding an F BP can allow you to avoid the huge clusterF at the CS desk and get rebooked by the agents at the lounge. This saves literally hours and frustration.
#48
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA Plat, UA 1K>Plat>moving to Silver
Posts: 2,083
Also correct. This is also an argument for having the club credit card even when not travelling in business or first. This only needs to happen once when you are on a tight business trip to make the cost worthwhile. And in the event of IRROPs on an international flight, where it is most important and a delay potentially much more costly, I have seen that you are protected much, much better if you are in business or first than if in economy.
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
helps when it is F on good/top airline rather than not great airline
some airlines give top tier status to those prepaying certain amount a year
DL Jet Card has dedicated phone number, can use for commercial flights
commercial passengers using airport VIP services may get help wit IRROPs
some airlines give top tier status to those prepaying certain amount a year
DL Jet Card has dedicated phone number, can use for commercial flights
commercial passengers using airport VIP services may get help wit IRROPs
#50
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: SJC
Programs: UA 1MM
Posts: 262
I think the only time I really value upper class seats is when I need to get some sleep before arrival. Even then, it's not enough value for me to want to pay out of pocket. It would be cheaper to arrive a day earlier and just sleep in a nice hotel bed.
#51
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 419
I guess I'm still kind of frugal, even if I'd be using miles rather than cash for a premium cabin. For a domestic (USA) flight, or any flight under 10 hours, coach is fine and the "you're getting there at the same time as the premium cabins" applies. Even if it's overnight, I'll usually sleep enough, especially in a window seat.
For a flight of more than 10 hours or if it's a flight with a lot of segments, I'll try to find a saver award ticket in a premium cabin, but I won't be heartbroken if I can't.
When I do a big solo international trip, I actually like to start the trip in coach -- it gets me "in the mood" and it eases me into the feel of my destination, since I'm near a bunch of other people from, or speaking the language of, the place I'm headed to. Then if the trip back is long enough, I might spring for the premium award, which kind of mitigates the sorrow of the trip ending.
When I flew to Madagascar via three overnights (JFK-LHR, LHR-DXB, DXB-NBO), it was definitely worth the miles to go in business, so I could sleep better, use the lounge showers, and be better-rested for my days in each place on the way.
And when I took my girlfriend to Asia, business class was worth it (especially on the old 90K US Airways award) because she doesn't sleep well on planes and we went overnight to ADD and then overnight to BKK and on to NRT.
I'd like to try a super-premium first class (like on Etihad or Emirates or Singapore Suites) just for the experience (as I recently did to try the KE Kosmo 2.0 suite), but I wouldn't say I have to have it every time.
I don't think I'd justify paying cash for a premium cabin, though. A couple thousand dollars, or even a $500 upgrade, is a lot more than I'd pay for the equivalent hours in a nice hotel room.
Seth
For a flight of more than 10 hours or if it's a flight with a lot of segments, I'll try to find a saver award ticket in a premium cabin, but I won't be heartbroken if I can't.
When I do a big solo international trip, I actually like to start the trip in coach -- it gets me "in the mood" and it eases me into the feel of my destination, since I'm near a bunch of other people from, or speaking the language of, the place I'm headed to. Then if the trip back is long enough, I might spring for the premium award, which kind of mitigates the sorrow of the trip ending.
When I flew to Madagascar via three overnights (JFK-LHR, LHR-DXB, DXB-NBO), it was definitely worth the miles to go in business, so I could sleep better, use the lounge showers, and be better-rested for my days in each place on the way.
And when I took my girlfriend to Asia, business class was worth it (especially on the old 90K US Airways award) because she doesn't sleep well on planes and we went overnight to ADD and then overnight to BKK and on to NRT.
I'd like to try a super-premium first class (like on Etihad or Emirates or Singapore Suites) just for the experience (as I recently did to try the KE Kosmo 2.0 suite), but I wouldn't say I have to have it every time.
I don't think I'd justify paying cash for a premium cabin, though. A couple thousand dollars, or even a $500 upgrade, is a lot more than I'd pay for the equivalent hours in a nice hotel room.
Seth
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
and 2 nights in hotel gets a block of longer than 24 hours
some hotels guarantee 24-hour stays, or longer, or have early checkin / late checkout either guaranteed or if available
i find a lot more value in incredible accommodations (can be expensive, but does not have to be) outside cities
but i understand the perspective of plane travel being 'required' so minimizing discomfort during it. and some spend little time in their hotel room.
some hotels guarantee 24-hour stays, or longer, or have early checkin / late checkout either guaranteed or if available
i find a lot more value in incredible accommodations (can be expensive, but does not have to be) outside cities
but i understand the perspective of plane travel being 'required' so minimizing discomfort during it. and some spend little time in their hotel room.
#53
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 413
If your not talking about upgrades to Business or First with points but actually paying money for the tickets, i'm in a situation where i can afford business and first class sometimes
But i do find it hard to justify the extra cost and often will fly economy
The bottom line is even in the very nicest first class, your still stuck in a restricted space for a period of time, yes it's a bit nicer restricted space, but it's not like your getting full body massages with happy endings and watching tv on 100 inch screens with DTS X surround sound. Often your asleep for a large amount of the flight anyway
I just prefer to spend money on nicer hotel rooms/more expensive entertainment options at your chosen destination
If your rich enough that a first class ticket means as much to you as losing 5 cents means to the average person, then fair enough. I'm not quite at that point yet
But i do find it hard to justify the extra cost and often will fly economy
The bottom line is even in the very nicest first class, your still stuck in a restricted space for a period of time, yes it's a bit nicer restricted space, but it's not like your getting full body massages with happy endings and watching tv on 100 inch screens with DTS X surround sound. Often your asleep for a large amount of the flight anyway
I just prefer to spend money on nicer hotel rooms/more expensive entertainment options at your chosen destination
If your rich enough that a first class ticket means as much to you as losing 5 cents means to the average person, then fair enough. I'm not quite at that point yet
#54
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,808
If your not talking about upgrades to Business or First with points but actually paying money for the tickets, i'm in a situation where i can afford business and first class sometimes
But i do find it hard to justify the extra cost and often will fly economy
The bottom line is even in the very nicest first class, your still stuck in a restricted space for a period of time, yes it's a bit nicer restricted space, but it's not like your getting full body massages with happy endings and watching tv on 100 inch screens with DTS X surround sound. Often your asleep for a large amount of the flight anyway
I just prefer to spend money on nicer hotel rooms/more expensive entertainment options at your chosen destination
If your rich enough that a first class ticket means as much to you as losing 5 cents means to the average person, then fair enough. I'm not quite at that point yet
But i do find it hard to justify the extra cost and often will fly economy
The bottom line is even in the very nicest first class, your still stuck in a restricted space for a period of time, yes it's a bit nicer restricted space, but it's not like your getting full body massages with happy endings and watching tv on 100 inch screens with DTS X surround sound. Often your asleep for a large amount of the flight anyway
I just prefer to spend money on nicer hotel rooms/more expensive entertainment options at your chosen destination
If your rich enough that a first class ticket means as much to you as losing 5 cents means to the average person, then fair enough. I'm not quite at that point yet
I had a 37 hour trip a few weeks back, all booked in Economy +..but when I had the chance to buy F on a segment for 250 dollars, I took it. It was only a 5 hour segment, but on a long trip like that any comfort you can get is worth it.
I will sometimes buy F and J right out of pocket...but it depends on the totality of the trip. I tend not to for domestic under 3 hours though. But that money seems less outrageous the more hours I am facing.
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
and ~$250 upgrades are becoming more and more common
some examples for me >
when flying as 2 pax in Y where its 3 seats together, have bought extra seat
$1500 per eos airlines all-J after buy one get one free in 2006
amazing, access to quintessentially (dinner at mortons club london)
i dont think there were any super cheap nonstop transatlantic Y then
more than that for Y nonstop transatlantic (should've checked buying miles)
$2200 per domestic transcon F when Y was $1500 per for 2 middle seats
did a walk up booking once, should have asked how much for F upgrade
some examples for me >
when flying as 2 pax in Y where its 3 seats together, have bought extra seat
$1500 per eos airlines all-J after buy one get one free in 2006
amazing, access to quintessentially (dinner at mortons club london)
i dont think there were any super cheap nonstop transatlantic Y then
more than that for Y nonstop transatlantic (should've checked buying miles)
$2200 per domestic transcon F when Y was $1500 per for 2 middle seats
did a walk up booking once, should have asked how much for F upgrade
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,222
I have been met at a number of airports as i got off the plane to meet another connection. I had no idea they would do that. The first time through Kuala Lumpur a MH staff member approached us as we were shopping but before we went to the lounge to ask if we were Mr & Mrs Annalisa 12. I said we were and they replied "we saw you arrived but we didn't know where you were so we wanted to show you to the lounge'.
#57
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
That's one of the reasons I like to travel up front. Especially if I am long haul on my own.
I have been met at a number of airports as i got off the plane to meet another connection. I had no idea they would do that. The first time through Kuala Lumpur a MH staff member approached us as we were shopping but before we went to the lounge to ask if we were Mr & Mrs Annalisa 12. I said we were and they replied "we saw you arrived but we didn't know where you were so we wanted to show you to the lounge'.
I have been met at a number of airports as i got off the plane to meet another connection. I had no idea they would do that. The first time through Kuala Lumpur a MH staff member approached us as we were shopping but before we went to the lounge to ask if we were Mr & Mrs Annalisa 12. I said we were and they replied "we saw you arrived but we didn't know where you were so we wanted to show you to the lounge'.
#58
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: Mileage Plus, Velocity Awards
Posts: 130
Flying MEL-LHR is a no brainer. Always fly at the pointy end - in new B787-9s at half the price charged by EH, QF, SQ and the like. What airline? Vietnam Airlines. They even give you free accommodation, meals in city restaurants and limo service on long SGN layovers.
#59
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: IAD/ARN
Programs: UA Plat/*G, Marriott LT Gold, Global Entry
Posts: 164
That being said, I still will look for opportunities to fly in a premium cabin when I can, but it's more for the experience and comfort than getting some sleep. And doing all those flights in Y definitely makes me appreciate it more
And I'll agree that I personally would probably never pay for domestic F - for a flight that short, I'm willing to suck it up and save the money.