Upgrade to F worth it?
Mar 17, 2017, 11:37 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Dubai
Programs: Skywards, SPG, Fairmont
Posts: 17
Upgrade to F worth it?
I am flying Hong Kong to Bangkok in the next few days. I have the option to upgrade for 10,000miles to First.
Is it worth it for such a short flight, only 3 hours?
What do you price miles at? I usually use 2.5cents per mile, so price the upgrade at 250USD. Is this a correct valuation?
Note: lounge for first and business are the same.
Thanks!
Is it worth it for such a short flight, only 3 hours?
What do you price miles at? I usually use 2.5cents per mile, so price the upgrade at 250USD. Is this a correct valuation?
Note: lounge for first and business are the same.
Thanks!
Mar 17, 2017, 12:00 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,598
There is a big difference between Business and First, even if just for 3 hours.
The food won't necessarily be any better but you should have a more exclusive experience. Would I use 10,000 miles? Absolutely. Whether I would pay $250 for 3 hours is another matter. If it was a 77W, for sure. But the A380 is much better Business experience, especially with the bar. Where are you going to buy your 2.5c miles? Amex?
What the "Points Guy" values miles at is completely irrelevant and highly debatable.
The food won't necessarily be any better but you should have a more exclusive experience. Would I use 10,000 miles? Absolutely. Whether I would pay $250 for 3 hours is another matter. If it was a 77W, for sure. But the A380 is much better Business experience, especially with the bar. Where are you going to buy your 2.5c miles? Amex?
What the "Points Guy" values miles at is completely irrelevant and highly debatable.
Mar 17, 2017, 12:03 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Dubai
Programs: Skywards, SPG, Fairmont
Posts: 17
Yes - I just booked it. I got the last seat 4K. Guess it will be full 
I have plenty of miles saved up so not going to buy them from anywhere.
I just always like to think of how much the miles are worth and just use 2.5cents as an estimate in my head - not sure how accurate that is though.
It is an A380 with shower.
I have plenty of miles saved up so not going to buy them from anywhere.
I just always like to think of how much the miles are worth and just use 2.5cents as an estimate in my head - not sure how accurate that is though.
It is an A380 with shower.
Mar 17, 2017, 12:09 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,598
Yes - I just booked it. I got the last seat 4K. Guess it will be full
I have plenty of miles saved up so not going to buy them from anywhere.
I just always like to think of how much the miles are worth and just use 2.5cents as an estimate in my head - not sure how accurate that is though.
I have plenty of miles saved up so not going to buy them from anywhere.
I just always like to think of how much the miles are worth and just use 2.5cents as an estimate in my head - not sure how accurate that is though.
If you have plenty of miles, that's no brainer. Enjoy.
Mar 17, 2017, 12:26 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere
Programs: AS MVP, EK Silver, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 921
Drink two bottles of Dom - not sure if they serve Dom on the ground in HK so you'll need to catch up. At USD 160 a bottle, you'll be well ahead... It's a REALLY short flight as far as EK flights go so be ready to go (food, wine, and shower orders) when the seat belt sign dings...
It's a REALLY short flight as far as EK flights go so be ready to go (food, wine, and shower orders) when the seat belt sign dings...
Mar 17, 2017, 1:13 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 5,454
That sector is very good value for miles upgrades - you get the full Asia / Australia wine list (once drank a bottle of d'Yquem 2005 on that sector) and the price differential between J and F can be quite significant.
Crew might be a little off their game sometimes because of the long day turnaround but I haven't had anything worse than average service on it.
Crew might be a little off their game sometimes because of the long day turnaround but I haven't had anything worse than average service on it.
Mar 17, 2017, 4:23 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Skywards
Posts: 105
Personally I don't think its worth it.
Good for a once experience or miles upgrade but once you have done it, J is just fine. Also not a wine drinker, so I don't appreciate their fine wine list or any of their exclusive selection of spirits in F.
Good for a once experience or miles upgrade but once you have done it, J is just fine. Also not a wine drinker, so I don't appreciate their fine wine list or any of their exclusive selection of spirits in F.
Mar 17, 2017, 5:25 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: YXU, ON Canada
Programs: AC LT E50K; AC*MM; SPG LT Gold
Posts: 4,665
It's always worth upgrading to F. I don't usually factor in the CPM but the extra level of service (and for me, the quality of the wines and other high end drinks) is definitely worth the miles. I just finished a YYZ-DXB-AKL and return. It would have been fine and comfortable in J, but it was a special experience in F.
Mar 18, 2017, 2:22 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: CNX
Programs: EK Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 68
It's definitely something to have done if you have the points and aren't otherwise likely to get to F on the EK A380. According to all reports, that route will be downgraded in fall.
Mar 18, 2017, 4:57 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
I'm not sure exactly when, but EK384/385 is going to a 2 Class A380 later in the year. I've got a couple of bookings and I'm in 20K instead of 23K.
OP. If it's a one off, then go for it. If you're in EK First on other occasions then maybe not so worthwhile.
OP. If it's a one off, then go for it. If you're in EK First on other occasions then maybe not so worthwhile.
Mar 18, 2017, 11:08 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,398
I too tend to think F is far less 'worthwhile' on these sort of sectors than it is on long-haul, and personally would not bother with F for this very short hop (unless ticketed as part of a wider multi-sector trip in F) where J is more than good enough.
But if it's a one-off treat, then fair enough.
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