First Class Dying as FTers are only takers
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 210
First Class Dying as FTers are only takers
Most travellers in first class on TATL flights are using points, so the airlines are switching to upgraded biz class.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...DS=first+class
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...DS=first+class
#2
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 280
Very surprised this has not happened earlier. Flew UA US-Asia in GF on an award ticket, and while it was enjoyable, I cannot see more than the ultra rich who would pay $7.5k for a one way ticket that lasts for 12 hours. Smart move, UA and AA.
#3
Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Eco Travel, Signatures




Join Date: Jun 2003
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Moderator observation
There is already discussion in progress in the AA forum:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...rst-class.html
Will leave this thread open for now, but if similar threads appear in UA or other forums this one may have a short life.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...rst-class.html
Will leave this thread open for now, but if similar threads appear in UA or other forums this one may have a short life.
#5




Join Date: May 1998
Location: Naples FL, Munich DE
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Also, some cultures (business and social) are more willing to pay higher fares.
Finally, some airlines are subsidized by their nation for prestige purposes.
#6
Used to be 'Travelergcp'


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It's been mentioned before, but a very rational reason for international F to exist is for people who normally fly private jets on domestic routes but the cost is prohibitive for international. I doubt the demand is enough to fill a whole lot of F cabins though.
#7


Join Date: May 2000
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I think international F will still exist but the routes it is on will be limited to where the paid demand is. Routes like JFK-LHR and LAX-HKG may survive bit others will not. We have already seen a trend towards this.
#8


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I just flew first to Narita on AA an out of Narita on JAL and there is no comparison of services of two. JAL was serving dom perignon and black caviar... AA didn't even have a tooth brush for us.
#9


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#10
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#11
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Join Date: Oct 1999
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And yet LH recently introduced a new F-class product. It appears that F-class is here to stay at least in certain high-profile markets.
#13
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: United Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 281
Exactly. On some of these routes it will make sense to have a solid F product. Especiallly the Asian carriers where there seems to be better demand and a more solid product.
#14




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I think there will always be a group of people that do not have a private jet but have no problems dropping 10-20K for an international flight.
I cannot imagine they would pay that money to fly AA or UA; they would pick one of the European or Asian airlines.
#15




Join Date: Jan 2010
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but I understand they have fewer seats per flight.
I think there will always be a group of people that do not have a private jet but have no problems dropping 10-20K for an international flight.
I cannot imagine they would pay that money to fly AA or UA; they would pick one of the European or Asian airlines.
I think there will always be a group of people that do not have a private jet but have no problems dropping 10-20K for an international flight.
I cannot imagine they would pay that money to fly AA or UA; they would pick one of the European or Asian airlines.

