business vs first class
Jan 3, 2012 | 8:35 pm
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
There was a discussion in the AF forum a while ago... IIRC most people said it wasn't worth it.
The difference between Y and J is significant: a crammed seat VS. a comfortable almost-lie-flat with plenty of space, Y food and crap wine VS. J food and nice wine, amenities (noise cancelling headphones, eye shades,...), service, extra baggage. But when you compare J to F the differences are much smaller. The seats are better but not much better. The food is better but I've never placed that much value on this part of the flying experience. (I can always go for a really nice dinner at my destination and save a TON of money if good food is what I want. Besides, plane food is still plane food... it's not like they have a professional kitchen available for the flight.) The drinks are also better (e.g. the expensive champagne in F), but again... I don't think it justifies the price difference (be it cash or miles).
I suppose that if you're considering AF, you should also consider with whom you want to share the cabin: biz travelers (in J) or the captain's family?
The difference between Y and J is significant: a crammed seat VS. a comfortable almost-lie-flat with plenty of space, Y food and crap wine VS. J food and nice wine, amenities (noise cancelling headphones, eye shades,...), service, extra baggage. But when you compare J to F the differences are much smaller. The seats are better but not much better. The food is better but I've never placed that much value on this part of the flying experience. (I can always go for a really nice dinner at my destination and save a TON of money if good food is what I want. Besides, plane food is still plane food... it's not like they have a professional kitchen available for the flight.) The drinks are also better (e.g. the expensive champagne in F), but again... I don't think it justifies the price difference (be it cash or miles).
I suppose that if you're considering AF, you should also consider with whom you want to share the cabin: biz travelers (in J) or the captain's family?
When checking prices, the jump between Y and J is great, but the difference between J and F isn't that far apart compared to Y and J
Jan 3, 2012 | 9:09 pm
#18
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: QFF Gold, Flying Blue, Enrich
Posts: 5,369
Just got back from an AF business class trip (777, CDG- LAX) Was an extremely comfortable/pleasant ride (I agree that it would have been hard to sleep in the non lie flat seat, but this was not an overnight flight) Was in the first row and so we got to see alot of what went on in first.
Frankly, for the extra miles or money is first class on such a flight really worth it?
Our food/wine was good enough and I don't need great food while flying. Any more legroom or space was not needed.
Frankly, for the extra miles or money is first class on such a flight really worth it?
Our food/wine was good enough and I don't need great food while flying. Any more legroom or space was not needed.