SFO-SYD - class differences
 

Searched, but couldn't find this thread - please move elsewhere if I missed it.

Looks like I'll be buying (employer's $) a last minute ticket SFO-SYD. Price difference between Global First and Business First is approx $2K on a $15K+ ticket. Company will pay for either, but comes out of my division's budget, which can absorb the $2K hit without much problem.

Seats for my potential travel date are available in both sections. For what it's worth, looks like the Business class would be a middle seat - I don't care about a window, but I do like to get up without inconveniencing my neighbor.

Question is - what is the difference between those - is there much advantage to the higher class?

I went on the UA site and tried to compare amenities, but there didn't seem to be a difference & the seats look the same (although again, it was not clear).

Thanks for whatever advice you can give.

Most here indicate GF gets you only a tiny bit of soft amenities over BF.

Better wines, an extra course, access to the Global First Lounge.

I'd never pay $2K more for it.

Difference in amenities are marginal but if I were in your situation I would spend to 2K to avoid the middle seat problem and have direct access to the aisle. The other advantage is you rarely have to wait in line to use the head.

Also to think about, despite the occasional horror story to the contrary, GF passengers do get significantly better service on the ground than BF. This is especially true in IRROPS. Not as much of a worry now that the 777s are on the route, but if you're worried about inconvenience during a delay/cancelation it might be something to consider.

I would definitely pay the extra $2k for direct aisle access.

I'd spend the extra 2K also, for all the reasons mentioned previously.

I hate to say this, but this is one situation where I would spend the $2k if the cost is going to be >$15K anyways, it's a no brainer for the following reasons:

direct aisle access
more spacious seat with vastly more storage space around it
smaller cabin = more privacy and less pax competing for the lav
the more privacy factor is especially true comparing GF to middle in BF
better RDM bonus (250% versus 175%)

one further edit:

can you justify flying SFO-AKL-SYD on NZ in J? from a product perspective that is the best *A option on the route, IMO. of course, you would not earn PQDs, which will be huge on a ticket like this (if you are not qualified for a PQD waiver, that is).

Unless you like spooning strangers, you really don't want the middle seats.

I would go GF all the way

- smaller cabin (12 people max)
- everyone has direct aisle access
- if you can get row 1 or 2 you're not next to anyone and further away from galley so it's more private
- since you'll probably sleep on this flight, better sleep on this seat vs BF.
- and since you're sleeping, no one to hop over
- Middle seat in the row of 4 is just plain dumb, day or night. not a fan of looking everywhere and just seeing people and their stuff...messy, ugh

my two cents :)

Go for GF, you'll have a much comfortable ride, use of the seat and sleep.

I'd spend an employers $2k for all the GF goodies, but not my own.

This doesn't address the question… But since when does that deter anything on FlyerTalk!

I question spending what amounts to a full salary for some people on a plane ticket to Australia. I would imagine that there are discount business-class tickets available for $6-$7000. Sure, they carry a heavy change fee. But it still is much better than the full cost

If your employer is cool with it definitely go GF, especially if it avoids a middle seat.

on short notice, i wouldn't be so sure. case in point i quickly checked fares for 5/30-6/5. China Eastern has a J fare for $7K but it routes via PVG. the next best option i see is UA at $12.5K on the non-stop or via LAX.

even out of LAX the options are pretty slim if this is truly a short notice purchase.

Based on question, yes the $2K is worth it and I would spend my money. The 777's are not the passenger friendly planes advertised.
But as others pointed out other alternatives are available.

+1.

If you have to be effective when you hit the ground, GF is a better option.