Four Seasons Jet Journey...Any Takers?
#106
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,522
The lavatories look very big and there appears to be lots of legroom. However, there doesn’t appear to be much privacy at all. I would hope that many of the flights are overnight. If you wanted to stretch out and take a nap it doesn’t appear that restful. I am not sure i would want to hang out in the bar much while flying, but to each their own.
The new planes do seem to be nicer than the older ones. The price is still too steep for me!
The new planes do seem to be nicer than the older ones. The price is still too steep for me!
#107
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 323
It must offer something else... even with standard international business class seats I would guess you could fit a lot more than 48 on a 321. OTHO, it doesn't offer much privacy at all -- most modern international business class seats on a decent carrier are a lot better than this in every way (if your objective is privacy and sleep).
I would also say this is a significant upgrade from the 757. Which is a miserable plane to be a passenger in (mostly it is noisy and dated).
I would also say this is a significant upgrade from the 757. Which is a miserable plane to be a passenger in (mostly it is noisy and dated).
But when I think that probably most(?) of the people are travelling as couples, I can see how they make it work. Especially if the flights are mostly daytime.
#108
#109
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Not that I've been on this but from FS's perspective, the reason they do a 2x2 is because they expect and track that most guests are couples and 1x2x1 isn't a better arrangement. Of course being on the old/current 757, 1x2x1 was never a possible configuration anyway. The 757 was also supposed to be a sweet spot where the plane is large enough to cover distance and get economy of scale by allowing enough seats and yet still able to touch down in some of the smaller airports, which gives you the convenience of actual smaller private jets. Again, "supposedly".
I agree that there are better J products on commercial airlines! The good news is that the way FS put together the itinerary in aiming to do mostly short hops (2 - 4 hours) and maybe just one or two 8 hour flights over the 3 weeks. Can vary based on the itinerary. Also agree that calling this a "private jet" is a stretch but again, if you know the cost of flying true private, $300k for a couple won't even cover half of the itinerary, and that's just airtime, excluding hotels, meals and activities.
For the right demographic, this would be a great value. Others, not so much. It's really like "luxury air river cruise"
I agree that there are better J products on commercial airlines! The good news is that the way FS put together the itinerary in aiming to do mostly short hops (2 - 4 hours) and maybe just one or two 8 hour flights over the 3 weeks. Can vary based on the itinerary. Also agree that calling this a "private jet" is a stretch but again, if you know the cost of flying true private, $300k for a couple won't even cover half of the itinerary, and that's just airtime, excluding hotels, meals and activities.
For the right demographic, this would be a great value. Others, not so much. It's really like "luxury air river cruise"
#110
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
In 2 hours, you could easily put together a trip with better airplane seats and better hotels at a quarter of the price. FS private jet is definitely for the neophyte traveler who doesn't know what they are doing.
#111
Also my opinion - but also we are surely not the peer group for this offer
#112
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,522
I think you’re forgetting the “money can’t buy” experiences.
In Egypt, you can have a private dinner in the Egyptian Museum with the Head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities etc.
The experiences are definitely once in a lifetime.
In Egypt, you can have a private dinner in the Egyptian Museum with the Head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities etc.
The experiences are definitely once in a lifetime.
#113
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,221
Hhhhmmm. I am unconvinced for my part but, then, this is not meant to appeal to all. My concerns include:
-- Just don't like flying that much. Even the super luxe class of Premiere on Air France is barely bearable. May have to do with age, I am on the cusp of 70 and have been flying since birth. It is more of a hassle than not. That many flights in a three-to-four week period, however cocooned and pampered, does not appeal.
-- Mostly an introvert. Rubbing along with so many others of whatever class is not my cuppa tea.
-- Uninterested in crossing off exotic locales; have no bucket list.
-- For that kind of money, I could craft a truly personal and exquisite holiday and only have to endure two flights while staying in far better hotels.
-- Just don't like flying that much. Even the super luxe class of Premiere on Air France is barely bearable. May have to do with age, I am on the cusp of 70 and have been flying since birth. It is more of a hassle than not. That many flights in a three-to-four week period, however cocooned and pampered, does not appeal.
-- Mostly an introvert. Rubbing along with so many others of whatever class is not my cuppa tea.
-- Uninterested in crossing off exotic locales; have no bucket list.
-- For that kind of money, I could craft a truly personal and exquisite holiday and only have to endure two flights while staying in far better hotels.
Last edited by KatW; Apr 24, 2019 at 7:12 pm
#114
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,846
I looked at the 2019 tour events and there isn't a single one that is particularly "once in a lifetime." One of the events is in Seattle where you have dinner in the Chihuly art glass museum (artist not present). I'd pay NOT to see more works by Chihuly! The closest their events come to being unusual s having a sword fight choreographer from "Kill Bill" give a group sword lesson when in Kyoto. Yeah, sure, once in a lifetime.
#115
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Of course everything they offer - and indeed far better things - can be bought. It is the air travel equivalent of a cruise, and it will appeal most to affluent people who have not traveled much. The appeal is to tick off “bucket list” items without the need to pre plan.
The real appeal of the FS 757 or A320 would be the charter possibilities during times it is not in use for these trips. It would be ideal for events like destination weddings or for charter by groups of that size.
The real appeal of the FS 757 or A320 would be the charter possibilities during times it is not in use for these trips. It would be ideal for events like destination weddings or for charter by groups of that size.
#119
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I seldom go anywhere at all for less than a week, even if not far away. Three days here and three days there, on a fixed schedule, sounds awful.
#120