First class travel
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Well that is totally subjective. It depends on how much money you have at your disposal, the more you have the less the relative cost of a 1st class fare will be to you. For some this cost will mean less than the cost of a charter package to Spain does to others. All relative.
Plus, it's not just about the lying down, you get that in any modern business product now, it's about the easy check-in, the lounges, the limo service etc.
The 2 1st class flights I've had were certainly nice, but then again it wasn't my money, and they each cost more than my car is worth.
Plus, it's not just about the lying down, you get that in any modern business product now, it's about the easy check-in, the lounges, the limo service etc.
The 2 1st class flights I've had were certainly nice, but then again it wasn't my money, and they each cost more than my car is worth.
Join Date: Jan 2001
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is the experience worth the price?
As SXB says, it's about exclusivity (I don't buy the flexibility argument - a fully flexible economy ticket will get you 90% of the flexibility at less than 10% of the cost). Rather like owning a Bentley - it won't (for 99% of practical purposes) do anything that a Mondeo won't at 10% of the cost, but it impresses the hell out of the neighbours (if that's what dings your dong).
Shining Example, apparently...
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Fully flex - you can change your travel plans, or cancel and get a full refund.
For me, there's nothing exclusive about business class. But here's why it's worth it: I'm about to spend two weeks somewhere not-especially-pleasant, after which I've an overnight flight to a meeting elsewhere. I'll land at 7am, jump into a taxi and spend the next eight hours grafting. In Economy, I'd be lucky to get an hour of sleep. In Biz, I'll get three or four - and I won't have to pay for the "sleeping medicines". Easy decision!
For me, there's nothing exclusive about business class. But here's why it's worth it: I'm about to spend two weeks somewhere not-especially-pleasant, after which I've an overnight flight to a meeting elsewhere. I'll land at 7am, jump into a taxi and spend the next eight hours grafting. In Economy, I'd be lucky to get an hour of sleep. In Biz, I'll get three or four - and I won't have to pay for the "sleeping medicines". Easy decision!
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But Crepello, Felix does have a point (someone else's money).
If, on any flight, I strolled up to business class and offered to pay each of the pax the difference in price to sit for a few hours in a tight seat, with one or two warm beers (if you are lucky), vile but harmless food and the opportuntity to queue up for 10 minutes for a pee every three hours, I'd bet you 80% of them would go for it.
If, on any flight, I strolled up to business class and offered to pay each of the pax the difference in price to sit for a few hours in a tight seat, with one or two warm beers (if you are lucky), vile but harmless food and the opportuntity to queue up for 10 minutes for a pee every three hours, I'd bet you 80% of them would go for it.
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HKPAX, I think you're entirely correct about business-class travellers, particularly those who haven't paid for their own ticket. If my theory is right, you'd get fewer takers in First.
I tend to agree, Crepello (or may I call you 55012?), but we were talking about First. I think there's an argument for biz-class, although the existence of premium economy rather weakens it. (I may be biased, since I've never managed a satisfactory in-flight kip, even in F!)
there's nothing exclusive about business class
Last edited by Pax Vobiscum; 15th Jan 2007 at 14:48.
None but a blockhead
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Why do people pay so much more to lie down?
In my mother's case, her arthritis means she couldn't travel to America any other way - and I had just enough FF points to get her and my father there and back in Upper Class for their 70th and what will doubtless be their last major adventure abroad. (Virgin CC could not have been better in handling them: the ground staff at JFK reduced her to tears. But that's another story.)
I'm really happy both that the state of the art in commercial aviation has progressed to horizontal travel, and that years of back-of-the-ship business trips paid off so handsomely. Even if my Virgin Galactic jaunt will have to wait for another couple of lifetimes.
It's not all well-paid people travelling on someone else's tax adjustment.
R
In my mother's case, her arthritis means she couldn't travel to America any other way - and I had just enough FF points to get her and my father there and back in Upper Class for their 70th and what will doubtless be their last major adventure abroad. (Virgin CC could not have been better in handling them: the ground staff at JFK reduced her to tears. But that's another story.)
I'm really happy both that the state of the art in commercial aviation has progressed to horizontal travel, and that years of back-of-the-ship business trips paid off so handsomely. Even if my Virgin Galactic jaunt will have to wait for another couple of lifetimes.
It's not all well-paid people travelling on someone else's tax adjustment.
R
Fixed+Rotary (aircraft, not washing lines)
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If I had to pay full 1st fare, then I certainly wouldn't. I might do biz at a push though, especially if booked in advance on some discount ticket.
However, I do have gazillions of Star Alliance miles. The majority of which are earned through business. So for our annual 'big trip' holiday we use these for 1st class tickets - using the part points/part cash option. For instance, last year we flew from Manchester to Beijing on Lufthansa in 1st. I think the total cost, including tax, was £1200 for both of us.
I'd argue that £1200 for two, including the flights, meals, beds, service etc. is decent value compared to the basic economy price which would still be in the £100s each.
I've also been fortunate to fly 1st for business on long haul. But this was directly as a result of promotional upgrades either for my company or those schemes where a trans-Atlantic biz fare grants you an upgrade on outbound or return leg.
I guess what I'm saying is that those in 1st probably haven't paid the fully published rate or anything like it, nor will their businesses. Same applies to hotels in London and elsewhere. I get a rate of £110 / night whereas the rack rate is advertised at £270 to give the hotel some degree of cachet...
However, I do have gazillions of Star Alliance miles. The majority of which are earned through business. So for our annual 'big trip' holiday we use these for 1st class tickets - using the part points/part cash option. For instance, last year we flew from Manchester to Beijing on Lufthansa in 1st. I think the total cost, including tax, was £1200 for both of us.
I'd argue that £1200 for two, including the flights, meals, beds, service etc. is decent value compared to the basic economy price which would still be in the £100s each.
I've also been fortunate to fly 1st for business on long haul. But this was directly as a result of promotional upgrades either for my company or those schemes where a trans-Atlantic biz fare grants you an upgrade on outbound or return leg.
I guess what I'm saying is that those in 1st probably haven't paid the fully published rate or anything like it, nor will their businesses. Same applies to hotels in London and elsewhere. I get a rate of £110 / night whereas the rack rate is advertised at £270 to give the hotel some degree of cachet...
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I must be in a serious minority 'cos I fly three + return trips a year in First, paid for by me. Why? Well I get some serious peace and quiet; I get looked after; I don't have to suffer my neighbour's enthusiasm for finding out who I am or why I am travelling; I am going 12+ hours for a very short stay and I need the sleep. Yes it's a heap of cash but look at how much people spend on boats, horses, fancy cars etc. I choose to spend it on travel. My choice. My money.
Clueless.....couldn't agree more . Mrs zed and myself are off to Australia next month for five weeks and are flying Emirates Business , well worth the fare , more relaxed . The holiday starts at the airport for me , if I can't pay the Business fare , then we don't fly , simple . You only live once .
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I've travelled all classes for business and leisure and the reason you travel First is for the peace, and space.
If you travel to the Far East ffrom the UK or 48hrs, even Biz Clas can be painful for the body and mind if its a full cabin.
If you clock up 100,000 miles + a year you know what I mean.
If you travel to the Far East ffrom the UK or 48hrs, even Biz Clas can be painful for the body and mind if its a full cabin.
If you clock up 100,000 miles + a year you know what I mean.
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If you clock up 100,000 miles + a year you know what I mean.
Yep. Did over 150k miles last year, sadly much of it short and medium haul - less than 10 F sectors all year, lots of crummy C class - a big rip off in VFM.
The initial question must be one of the dumbest on SLF for quite a while.
Yep. Did over 150k miles last year, sadly much of it short and medium haul - less than 10 F sectors all year, lots of crummy C class - a big rip off in VFM.
The initial question must be one of the dumbest on SLF for quite a while.
Too mean to buy a long personal title
Though it really is difficult to comprehend the nature of true frequent flying if you only do one or two longhaul trips a year.
Personally, I think I only do between half a dozen and a dozen longhaul (return) trips a year, as it's all leisure travel - yet I still have a hard time convincing colleagues and friends that I am a mere tiddler in the pond of frequent flyers.
Personally, I think I only do between half a dozen and a dozen longhaul (return) trips a year, as it's all leisure travel - yet I still have a hard time convincing colleagues and friends that I am a mere tiddler in the pond of frequent flyers.
Paxing All Over The World
I enjoy flying and want to enjoy it as much as I can - so I make the trip as enjoyable as I can.
Last week, I had the chance for a long weekend in NYC but only in Y. It was not as much fun as in PE/WTP/C/F. It really is that simple. As Haven't a clue put it, people spend their money in different ways. I am reliably informed that some folks choose to spend several pounds a day on buying a product that seriously affects their health and might kill them. I choose not to smoke but I do ride in big seats anytime I can afford it.
Next?
Last week, I had the chance for a long weekend in NYC but only in Y. It was not as much fun as in PE/WTP/C/F. It really is that simple. As Haven't a clue put it, people spend their money in different ways. I am reliably informed that some folks choose to spend several pounds a day on buying a product that seriously affects their health and might kill them. I choose not to smoke but I do ride in big seats anytime I can afford it.
Next?