I was once op-upgraded from Business to First on AA from ORD to LHR. It was a bit roomier and I really liked the little cabinets down near the floor for your stuff, so you had more things near you during the flight (books, laptop, etc.) I can't remember but the bed may have been lie-flat, which it is not in AA's Business Class. What was most noticeable to me was that the food service was more extended- started earlier, extra courses, etc. In a way that wasn't a great benefit to me- I do like to try and sleep part of the flight although I rarely succeed. On this trip I was heading straight to the office when I landed. Certainly I could have had the option of getting the whole meal served at once, but I figured (correctly) I was unlikely to fly TATL First again and may as well see what the whole experience was like.

Conclusion: while there are acres of difference between Coach and Business TATL, the difference between Business and First was not enough for me to pay the extra, in miles or dollars.

One consideration for redeeming miles in business versus first is how many miles you have in your account, how fast you accrue them, and whether you want to save them for future trips. For most airlines, the difference in miles needed between the two classes is not that great. So unless you're really trying to conserve your miles, I'd say definitely go for first on CX if you can get it and probably go for first on UA if you can get it. In both cases, F is that much nicer, but especially for CX because it's really wonderful.

Ironically, F is sometimes easier to book for award tickets than business class is.

The only caveat here is that if you think you'll sleep most of the way then you won't enjoy the perks of F that much. On the other hand, if you're sleeping because you'd need to be fresh for business as soon as you arrive, then, the argument for F remains strong.

Yes, unequivocally yes on Cathay. Run, don't walk to the phone to confirm your first class redemption.

I hadn't thought of that- we've been redeeming miles for the capacity-controlled Business Class level and as a result our upcoming trip to Spain will take place earlier in May than we would have liked. When I book the next trip, if I can't get what we want at the 100K mile per RT in Business, it might be a better deal to try the 125K level in First rather than go to the "rulebuster" 200K level in Business.

It really depends on the aircraft. If you have an old-config 777, it makes all the difference in the world.

Flying in mid-summer I was unable to get two business class to Italy for less than 275,000 miles each on Delta so having AMEX points I called Air Canada. It was unable to get a partner seat in Business but offered me two LH first class seats for just 100,000 miles each.

Guess which I took!!! Instead of non-stop fro Atl, I go over via Frankfurt and back via Munich. The intra-European flights will be 2 hours or so in coach like seats up front with middle blocked. For the chance to fly TATL in first, not a bad trade off.

Next time I book I am going to ask for first class first, then business.

I will book First Class instead of Business Class just so I can see the difference myself.

If it makes any difference, I found out that just about all the flights going from San Francisco to Hong Kong are 747-400.

Excellent choice, I do not think you will regret it. (Of course, I made the same choice you did for my wife's and my upcoming trip to HKG, and we can't wait to check out CX F!)

I would strongly suggest going and reading through the Cathay Pacific thread here on FT. There are some hardcore CX flyers there who have helped me with many questions!

The only concern about CX I have right now is their unfortunate labor unrest. Flight Attendants are not happy with their compensation, management says 'we're not going to negotiate further.' So, the Flight Attendants Union (FAU) has threatened a 'work to rule' action. This is not a strike, but basically they will make sure they do each and every procedure completely, and follow every rule to a T. The effect of this would be to cause quite a slowdown which would of course be a major inconvenience....

This 'Work to Rule' has not started yet, and the FAU has not announced when they will do it.

So, depending upon when your trip is, go look at the CX Forum. There are some local HKG'ers who are posting who are following this closely and reporting all the updates.

(Our trip is already booked for April, so I sure hope the labor unrest is over by then!)

i think you are making the right choice.

F on CX is awesome.

The extra miles are small

Your chances of getting award seats in F are likely better than getting seats in J.

Cannot comment on difference between CX on 777 and 747. I have only done 777 out of LAX.

CX's FAU has called off work-to-rule.

Toyotaboy - I know you always put everything in as positive a light as possible for CX. (Do you work for the airline?)

However, I know you are following the thread in the CX forum too.

The latest word in that thread is that FAU has decided to delay the work action until after CNY. And, hopefully, in the meantime, and with the HK Government getting involved, they will restart negotions and find a way to come to an agreement.

So, from what I have heard, they have not called off the work to rule action. Just delayed it for now.

I saw something recently (forget where) where DL reported that they actually sold at full-fare only 14% of F seats.

probably about the same percentage as coach

First on CX is definitely worth the points spend. We did that very route in Xmas 2009 and the service was exceptional. Made it feel like a really special trip.

Nope, I hold just GR status with CX (which basically means nothing). I'm more of a *A flyer. Apologies if I did not clarify what I meant by 'call off' earlier.