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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. |
Originally Posted by mikebg
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.
Originally Posted by clubman
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.
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Originally Posted by yosithezet
Can you expound? I'm quite curious as I can't imagine what the difference is and have yet to experience it myself.
Now, one thing I am pretty sure about with EL AL is that their upgrade policy is not just geared towards rewarding frequent flyers prepared to pay for a slightly more expensive ticket. It is also treated as a form of advertising. Once upgraded a few times, the likelihood that a passenger will pay for the more expensive cabin, either with money, or with points, is far, far, higher than it would have been before. I can tell you that from experience! |
Originally Posted by mikebg
Once upgraded a few times, the likelihood that a passenger will pay for the more expensive cabin, either with money, or with points, is far, far, higher than it would have been before. I can tell you that from experience!
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Originally Posted by yosithezet
I couldn't agree more.
I'll second that!......and if they put the new BusinessFirst style seats in...I’ll...third, fourth and fifth that! :D |
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