What’s your tipping point to buy into F?

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Nov 12, 2019, 12:05 pm

#31

PDXPremier

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Jun 2007

Location: PDX

Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold

Posts: 10,725

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckoa

...what empty middle?

Things have gotten quite full.

And yes, F is pricing out often at a much more reasonable level. So its making it more difficult to secure an upgrade.

My wife and I book 17A/C when we are traveling without our kids and even on very full flights (like SEA-SAN last Sunday), we've had pretty good luck not having anyone in 17B.

Nov 12, 2019, 1:45 pm

#32

williwaw

Join Date: Apr 2017

Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya

Posts: 1,292

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDXPremier

My wife and I book 17A/C when we are traveling without our kids and even on very full flights (like SEA-SAN last Sunday), we've had pretty good luck not having anyone in 17B.

I wish this happened on transcons. Had a surprising number of Xs show up in 17B or E.

NoLaGent and Eurynom0s like this.

Nov 12, 2019, 9:51 pm

#33

NoLaGent

Join Date: Sep 2011

Location: SFO

Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*

Posts: 3,301

Quote:

Originally Posted by williwaw

I wish this happened on transcons. Had a surprising number of Xs show up in 17B or E.

Better than an Ex tho.

be_rettSEA and williwaw like this.

Nov 12, 2019, 10:52 pm

#34

williwaw

Join Date: Apr 2017

Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya

Posts: 1,292

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoLaGent

Better than an Ex tho.

There’s a country song to be had there.

Nov 15, 2019, 8:57 am

#35

James Moore

Join Date: Jan 2016

Posts: 69

For me, there's always the thought that a short flight can turn into a long flight if things go wrong. Sitting on a runway in first makes things a tiny bit less annoying.

Dec 17, 2019, 7:26 am

#36

CMK10

In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Jul 2002

Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)

Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC

Posts: 33,857

I like to get at least $1/minute in the air or under for costs. I also weigh bonus miles vs. chance of upgrade and how much it's going to help me with requalification.

PaperGlider likes this.

Dec 17, 2019, 9:46 am

#37

bmvaughn

Join Date: Aug 2007

Location: Near SEA

Programs: UA MM, AS MVPG75K, Marriott Lifetime Gold

Posts: 7,969

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDXPremier

I think the cost difference between main cabin and F on these intra-California E175 flights has gotten low enough that these flights are no longer the "slam dung" elite upgrades that they were in the past....

Dec 18, 2019, 9:03 am

#38

StephanP37

Join Date: Dec 2018

Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 7K, MARRIOTT PLAT PREMIER WITH AMBASSADOR

Posts: 164

Quote:

Originally Posted by twitch76

Soon to be MVPG here. I’ve got a quick work trip coming up (SAN-FAT) in a couple of weeks. Main fare is $114, F is $149. Pretty certain I’ll get U, as the First cabin rarely flies full on these flights. I could pay the extra $35 out of pocket for the COS bonus miles, but I’m not sure it’s worth it. I will have already attained MVPG by then, so I don’t need the miles for tier qualification.

Thoughts?

Like someone else said it really depends on if you need the miles and how long the flight is. The easy formula I typically use if I am flying alone is 30%. Meaning I figure if the first class ticket is 30% or less more than a standard ticket its probably worth it for me to buy first class and get the 75% status miles bump. For me personally I would also do this if it was a longer flight that had minimal shot at the upgrade even if I didnt need the miles, but I pretty much always need the miles in trying to keep MVP75 because I am typically right on the edge so I stick pretty close to that 30 percent strategy, certainly if its anywhere near 75% more then makes no sense unless you have got cash to burn!

Dec 18, 2019, 5:44 pm

#39

bon mot

Join Date: Jul 2019

Location: FAI/ANC

Programs: AS MVPG (R.I.P 75K), DL, HH Gold

Posts: 187

I hover around a max of double the cost for F – almost twice the EQM with some extra comfort thrown in – but that is dependent on where I’m going and what I have to do after landing, earlier vs later in the year (for upgrades), elite level desired for the least amount of hours away from my office, etc. But considering most F/I fares for my flights greatly exceed that calculus, and I own my own business and pay for all my travel, I stay with PE.

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