I Don’t Care About Flying Premium Cabins Anymore
Ariana Arghandewal October 03, 2018
We all remember the first time we stepped into a premium cabin, right? It was a magical experience that changed us. Suddenly, flying coach wasn’t going to work anymore and we did crazy things to maintain our new travel addictions.
After an excruciating 12-hours in Air France’s economy class six years ago, I became been very adamant that I won’t fly in economy class on international flights – period. I’m very stubborn when I’ve made a decision, but I’ve come around after a recent trip to Istanbul. In fact, I don’t even really care about flying in premium cabins anymore.
To clarify, I did fly to Istanbul in Austrian Airline’s incredible business class cabin. If the flight had been delayed or we had to fly around in circles to burn off fuel for a potential disaster landing, I would not have minded one bit. I even dreaded the return flight on Lufthansa + United, beating myself up for not finding premium award space in time. It was the one dread I had during an amazing two week trip: Flying home in economy class. Yeah, I realize how obnoxious that sounds.
So what brought about this change of heart? For starters, I enjoyed this trip so much that the premium cabin experience became secondary. I had the most amazing time in my favorite city (Istanbul) and adventures in Cappadocia. All I want is to repeat that experience as quickly as possible and how I get there doesn’t even matter anymore.
What I also realized is that I was making travel decisions based on the in-flight experience. If I couldn’t fly in a premium cabin or try a specific product, then it wasn’t worth it. In other words, the destination became secondary and that’s not good. I became a total snob about luxury travel instead of appreciating the ability to travel in the first place. The worst part? I missed out in incredible experiences because I refused to book a cheap fare that just happened to be in economy class.
On the return flight home, I flew Lufthansa to Frankfurt and then continued to San Francisco on United. I dreaded the experience but it wasn’t bad at all. For starters, I didn’t get around to choosing my seat so I ended up in a Premium Economy aisle. Not only did I have tons of legroom and recline, but I slept most of the flight and found the food and service to be wonderful.
That’s not to say every economy class flight is going to be this pleasant (especially since I likely won’t be upgraded again), but the fact is that I can make it work. I’m not six feet tall and a standard amount of legroom is sufficient for me. As long as I fly with a decent airline that has relatively comfortable economy class seats, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Time is fleeting and I really believe in the importance of traveling, especially when you’re young and able-bodied. Why let a silly thing like not having a shower or being served caviar on a plane be a deterrent? I’ve learned my lesson and will not let comfort stop me from seeing and experiencing new places. Flying in premium cabins is certainly ideal, but it’s only a small part of the travel experience. If it stops you from actually traveling (like it did for me), then maybe it’s time to reevaluate your priorities.
If you dont fly Premium Cabins..Your Heirs will
You'll get no sympathy from me, snowflakes of all ages. I coming up in 4.6M BIS miles on UA (and at least 1M on other airlines) and I have never, with the exception of one year, worked for a company that bought Business Class tickets. I rarely fly domestically, I'm 62 years old and last year I flew from BOS to Asia 19 times with an average cost of 10 cents a mile. Honestly, if I wasn't willing to fly coach there is a line of people waiting to take my place, it's a dog eat dog world out there. I really don't understand people who just won't do it. My values are simple, you do what is needed to win in a competitive world.
Sure, 20 years ago when I was young and traveling only for tourism trying to find the best bargain I wouldn't even think about booking business class, some years later for a certain period my employer allowing me to travel for work in Biz even for short haul for sure I liked bust still wasn't much concerned. Now that I'm mid aged and gentrified I discovered that is possible to fly discounted biz without spending a fortune by arranging my trips properly in advance and being more flexible, I try to avoid economy like a plague. Even I'm not tall and still quite slim, during my 3 times a year flight from Indonesia to Europe, when I come back SE Asia after flying economy and none or very bad sleep, I feel like a total wreck for one week long before recovering from jet lag. Sure, I expect now the author of this article after this drastic statement will not show anymore herself in a premium cabin...
This article is total BS. Flying economy these days doesn't give you the sleeping comfort of a business class. You can't recline the seat without being accused of being selfish. Your eyes hurt because the screen is in front of your nose. Your arms must not touch those of your neighbours. Food is generally inedible. You can't open your computer. It is Indiana Jone's adventure if you let something drop on the floor. TOTAL B.S.
She's just trying to thin out the competition for premium seats. Don't fall for it. I'm an economy flyer FYI.