Hi everyone
I am flying from Newark to Tel Aviv and I have 42000 onepass miles.
I was told that I can upgrade to first/business class with 30000 miles and 400$ each way (I am thinking about doing it only for 1 way). The flight is 10 hours long and economy class, is obviously not the greatest experience for long flights.
Is it worth upgrading? I mean, 400$ is a lot of money and I already paid 1900$ for my economy class ticket. What do you think? Is it worth the comfort and experience of a first class ticket?
Thank you

Without hesitation........ just do it and enjoy.

I say do it and enjoy yourself. The CO BF product on their 772s is quite nice and thoroughly enjoyable. The Y product isn't bad either. I've flown in and was comfortable enough 6' tall and wide across the chest. I also suffer from no butt syndrome and found the seats bearable for the first 8 hours. I suggest signing up for the outbound flight as it may be full and if you can't get it you can attempt again for the inbound.

In a heartbeat!

Do it and do it now.

And, welcome to FT!

You could also think about buying an exit row seat for $150, not quite BF but comfortable and alot cheaper.
A little academic at this point ,but why was the flight so expensive? Reasonable prices for that flight are $1000 - $1500. More than that I'd be looking at other airlines.

you could also use those miles and get a round trip to hawaii.

Well you won't die flying coach (though you'll be uncomfortable for many hours). Some people wouldn't spend an extra dime on a flight. And some people wouldn't be caught dead in coach on an overseas flight virtually no matter what the cost. So what's important to you? As mentioned, you'll get a seat that reclined into a flat bed on this flight. The food is decent for airline food but that's hardly worth $40 let alone $400+miles.

I would do it in a second! Would tell you even to buy some more miles to be able to upgrade both ways! However if that is not an option, try and upgrade the way back, as the flight is almost 2 hours longer. The food is also much better in BF out of TLV especially if you order a KSML.

Keep in mind that it is not a guarantee upgrade, but that you will get in the list. You will be behind pax with higher status and/or fare buckets.

Personally, if money is tight, I'd go for a good coach set and use the miles for another trip. Bt good luck either way.

Welcome to FT!

If nothing else, do it for the experience.

A couple of thoughts: since somebody mentioned trying for the UG on the way back (which I agree with), would you be happier feeling more rested when you get there or when you get home? For me there's a huge difference, since I can't sleep in Y at all.

And as somebody else mentioned, what's $400 more if you already spent $1900. On the other hand, as another poster mentioned, I agree that Y on a 772 is not bad at all (still can't sleep though ).

Good luck with your decision!

Worth is very relative.
If you have money and $400 is not big deal (meaning it will not change anything else you do) then go for it.
If you have lots of miles or if you do not need/plan to use the miles then go for it.
Is the experience nicer than coach? absolutely; more space, comfy seats/beds, good food, drinks, an entirely different experience than coach.
Keep in mind that even if you decide to use it, you go on a wait-list and may or may not clear. Many people pay BF fares to get upfront.

30,000 buys you a round trip anywhere in the US and $400 dollars is the difference between a regular hotel and a nice hotel for a couple or more nights; $400 is also a few nice meals for 2 in Israel.

You do that math. Only you know if this is worth to you.

One last thing; once you have flown BF, it is SO much harder to go back to coach on the way back.

I like the idea of an exit row; it is $75 each way if you do not have elite status with CO or UA

Welcome to FT,
$400 + 30K miles is a good value for an upgrade. Do not use it for a day flight (i.e. Don't upgrade the return if you are flying CO 85).
$1,900 coach are high season fares.
If you are flying in the viscinity of Passover or the 4th of July weekend your chances of getting the upgrade are slim - use the money to buy a seat in rows 16 or 32.

Safe Travels
DLP

There's the cents/mile calculation to determine the value of the such. Yes would be the answer in that case though I'm unsure if you want to bother with reading all my such math.

As important though is all the comfort and what other use of your miles you stand to gain. The sheer length of the flight maximizes the value of that BF seat as does its accompany number of services, especially the food. It is a glorious way to fly. Nearly everyone here will highly recommend you do the upgrade.

Enjoy!