How frequently do you fly first class? (airport, worst, flights)

[Retriever]

I haven't taken an international fight for a few years, but the last 3 international flights were all in Business Class, and I didn't have to pay for the upgrades. I was able to..."con"...Air France, British Airways, and KLM into those upgrades and I discovered that Business Class is such a glorious experience--as compared to today's cattle car conditions in Coach Class--that I now willingly pay for the upgrade.

[WildColonialGirl]

I would never pay for first class on a domestic flight. I'd be in it for the lie flat bed on an ultra long haul, but I'll also never have $20,000 (per person) to burn on something so frivolous.

I do hope that one day I get an upgrade to business (for that lie flat bed).

[Eeyore1954]

Originally Posted by MItoBH

Since my primary flying tends to be overseas for my vacations, I've become accustomed to paying an avg of $1500 for a r/t ticket. I'm considering biting the bullet and paying only $1,068 for a first class non-stop from Detroit to LA on my next trip out there, instead of the $450 in economy. It's a 4.5 hour flight and if I can treat myself to first class seats on the longest continental US flight I'll have for my purposes, I think it's a good investment. I have travelled first class in the past, in the 90s, twice, so I'm up for an upgrade on at least one route I'll be using regularly.

How often do you fly first class?

Never but I did get bumped to first class on a 747 back in maybe 1970 when I was 16. I guess I enjoyed it but at that age would not have cared. I believe we had an upstairs lounge that was only available to first class

Anecdotal first class story. I don't know if anyone is interested but my son was flying standby and he is in the army. A lady overheard him him talking at the counter and gave him her first class seats. he tried to decline but she would not hear of it.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by WildColonialGirl

I would never pay for first class on a domestic flight. I'd be in it for the lie flat bed on an ultra long haul, but I'll also never have $20,000 (per person) to burn on something so frivolous.

I do hope that one day I get an upgrade to business (for that lie flat bed).

No reason to spend $20K. Use miles or look for fare sales. We often book economy with cash and then pay to upgrade with miles.

[Nonesuch]

Originally Posted by WildColonialGirl

I would never pay for first class on a domestic flight.

I've cashed in miles to get an upgrade on a cross-continental flight, but it's barely worth it for Boston-LAX. Domestic first class is pitiful compared to international first. Even on a domestic 3-class plane, First is barely even comparable to international business.

Being able to actually sleep on the plane on a long overnight flight and actually wake up somewhat refreshed (or at least not stiff and groggy) at my destination is worth the price.

Originally Posted by WildColonialGirl

I'd be in it for the lie flat bed on an ultra long haul, but I'll also never have $20,000 (per person) to burn on something so frivolous.

I do hope that one day I get an upgrade to business (for that lie flat bed).

I've flown the Singapore air 1st class suites on the Airbus 380-800, Business Class on the Korean Air 380-800, as well as business class on an Asiana 777.

Not one of these flights, not even Seoul to LAX, cost more than $2K. Well worth paying double the coach price for an 11+ hour flight.

Here's the business class "Celestial Lounge" on the Korean Air Airbus 380, sponsored by Absolut Vodka:

Open bar, any cocktail you'd like as long as it's made with Absolut Vodka.

[graceC]

Originally Posted by WildColonialGirl

I would never pay for first class on a domestic flight.

Agreed. US Domestic first class is a joke and not worth it.

Come to think of it, even international business and first class by any US airlines are a big joke! I would take it if it were a free upgrade, but no way would I pay for something that's way, way, inferior compared to other airlines for the same price.

[graceC]

Originally Posted by Nonesuch

I've flown the Singapore air 1st class suites on the Airbus 380-800, Business Class on the Korean Air 380-800, as well as business class on an Asiana 777.

Not one of these flights, not even Seoul to LAX, cost more than $2K. Well worth paying double the coach price for an 11+ hour flight.

You must get lucky, or you're flying from the west coast. There's no way Singapore Airlines would offer less than 2K for their Business Class from US East Coast, let alone their First Class Suite. No freaking way.

For Asiana, Korean, or JAL, EVA Air, yes on occasions.

[eureka1]

Once, on Braniff and I didn't pay extra. They seated me with a seven year -old boy. I'd never pay for it.

[Nonesuch]

Originally Posted by graceC

You must get lucky, or you're flying from the west coast. There's no way Singapore Airlines would offer less than 2K for their Business Class from US East Coast, let alone their First Class Suite. No freaking way. For Asiana, Korean, or JAL, EVA Air, yes on occasions.

Correct -- I always book my own domestic flight to LAX or SFO on a partner airline (so I can use their lounge on US segments), switch airlines on the west coast.

Very few of these airlines fly direct from the East coast; my longest single segment was ~13 hours.

Locked in a flying tube for half a day, a fully-flat seat and room to stretch, room to roam or just hang out in the "Celestial lounge" (with a tray of snacks and an attentive bartendress), was well worth the premium, as was having lounge access at each end of the flight, complete with shower.

[Roadking2003]

Originally Posted by graceC

Come to think of it, even international business and first class by any US airlines are a big joke! I would take it if it were a free upgrade, but no way would I pay for something that's way, way, inferior compared to other airlines for the same price.

Not true at all. I've flown AA first class to India, Frankfurt and London on 777s. It's right up there with the other airlines.