Originally Posted by mikebg
Well, it depends on a number of factors. Firstly, on the NYC routes you will find by checking an availability tool (like expert flyer) that F is often full. Likewise HKG. EL AL's First has much less capacity than other airlines too: 6 seats on a 777 and 8 on a 744 (British Airways has 14 on both, Singapore has 12/16 or 18 depending on the configuration). So it's not that surprising that it is often full. Yes, there are upgrades, but then other airlines also upgrade their most frequent flyers quite often as well. I have seen numerous trip reports of people who were alone in a British Airways or Singapore First cabin. So I don't think it is all that simple. Having travelled to the USA in First on EL AL, I can tell you that there is a lot more to it than the seat. Yes, Platinum is good, but First is incomparably better.
Is it worth the extra? That's about as easy to answer as 'is business class worth the extra?'. For those who can afford it, or have others to pay for them, I suppose it is, otherwise it wouldn't exist.
Yes I guess you are right it does depend on the route.
On the European flights that usually use planes with F on them (mainly to LHR) I think the number of people traveling in F on an UG is much higher, as I really think the number of people willing to pay for F on such a relatively short flight is very limited.
In fact I have myself sat in F cabin on the route while being used for Business rather then F more then once.
As to F being more then just a better seat, it must be otherwise there really isn't much justification for it.
By the way on BA and many airlines, there are upgrades for premium travelers but they would almost always be operational upgrades when they need your seat in the class you are booked in.
ElAl upgrade you as a bonus when they have the space in the better class and usually has nothing to do with them needing your seat.