bhrubin

BOStonTravels

I was curious after my TA mentioned this experience and just thought it was incredibly surprising that they dont have this plane configured with flat bed seats....I mean whats with that!?

BESVISOR

The seats on the FS branded 757 are absolutely Lie Flat Seats (78 inches/ 2 meters). Given that it's just a 757 (so they can land in smaller airports) I think the seats are actually done surprisingly well, certainly better than premium seats on any other commercial airline's 757 products.

The cabin lighting is fab as well and love the cashmere blankets

BOStonTravels

Bizzare, who knows what my TA was talking about when he mentioned this to me. You are of course correct and I just looked up the photos, although not my style as I dont like group travel with others I dont know, it looks well done.

Kagehitokiri

2012 and 2013 not flatbed, after 2014 flatbed
plane not just for FS so re painted for FS trips
airliners.net/search?airline=55171.54501&display=detail
just FS vs TCS plus logo on tail, not big change

i liked eos airlines seats, but not designed for couples

current FS jet trip single supplement is only ~$10k

BESVISOR

I think most of us would agree that an 100% private experience would be ideal/preferred (but some actually really like meeting others..we've stayed in touch with friends we've met on trips and river cruises, makes travels more rewarding for my wife and I) but the group format actually makes this attainable and fantastic value for some people. While it's ~$125k per person, you're traveling via a semi-private jet fashion (no TSA, etc...) staying at FS properties, all inclusive for 3 - 4 weeks. If it were truly private, the price won't even cover the cost of a small jet across the globe and that many stops, not even close.

Also worth mentioning that the way the routes are designed is to minimize the duration of flights. They really don't want any leg of the trip to be longer than 8 hours on the plane. Help to ease jet lag as well (of course everyone responds differently to jet lag so it's not a silver bullet) I think they really did think a lot of details through and having been in operation for some time, ironed out the kinks. For the right customers, it's amazing value.

But you absolutely can't go into it expecting the same experience as if you were truly traveling private

bhrubin

Kagehitokiri

with max 52 pax (curious how many it is)

including on chartered silversea galapagos ship, normally 100 pax

rwanda adds some value to the trip since $1500pp gorilla permit

MikeFromTokyo

Nicoolio

I can't imagine the 757 is great for socializing - single aisle - narrow body - no bar I believe.

Crystal looks much nicer with the bar and dining area to mingle.

I can imagine on the 757s trying to take a nap with somebody standing in the aisle leaning on your seat shell back talking to the person in the row behind you and people walking back and forth up and down the aisle because they can. I guess the experience is good enough they are able to keep selling it. I wonder if they get many repeaters?

Kagehitokiri

very few trips.. by TCS (operates for FS)

crystal is charter only, 88 seats vs 24 dining seats

would be interesting - 10 suites >
emirates-executive.com

charters can work well

m0hamed

I thought all the flights were daytime to avoid needing to sleep in those seats?

KatW

Nicoolio

Does anyone know how the money gets split up?

Is FS collecting the payment then paying parts to TCS for the flights, transfers and touring, then each hotel? I also wonder what type of rates the hotels get? I would think A&K negotiates for lower rates as a group w the hotels it uses.

BroomeCapital

My wife and I looked into this, but have decided to hold off until we have more free time. We usually can squeeze a week at a time at most... The 3-4 weeks is a killer when being realistic. Wish they had a 1-2 week abbreviated "private jet tour" for about 30-50k per person. Anyone know of any options for a shorter time period?