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I haven't gone through this whole thread but in my mind there is some confusion, typified by the above post. I'm not berating anyone, just seeking clarification.
I tend to fly British Airways which has normal economy class (though there is a section where the seats are a bit more spacious), business class, and on long haul a separate first class.
I get the feeling that in some posts business class and first class are being used interchangeably.
I have flown economy/super economy and business many times but only once in first class.
That was on a return flight from the Caribbean many moons ago when the passenger next to me in economy suddenly went ballistic, thrashing around all over the place and my wife and I got bumped up to the only other seats available which were in first.
Back then there were maybe a dozen large armchairs dotted around a large area with the seat in front of me maybe ten feet away- difficult to remember. The layout has probably changed but it was super impressive at the time.
In the US for domestic travel, most planes have two or two and a half levels of cabin. Coach/economy, sometimes a few seats in that cabin are deemed "extra comfort," "economy plus," or a similar term. They offer some extra legroom and sometimes seat width, but generally get the same amenities otherwise as economy.
In the US, domestic first is nicer than international premium economy but more like a low end international business--with one or two exceptions there are no lay flat seats. Wider seats with more legroom and nicer padding, alcohol included, a meal on some flights, at minimum a snack basket passed around. Also you'll usually get a freshly laundered fleece blanket. On some cross-country flights the seats will be a 160 degree recline with footrests, but overall they only have slightly more recline and no footrests.
We have no true first class for domestic travel in the US--that includes Jet Blue's "Mint" which is more like a moderate international business than a domestic first, but is still not international first or even a really good international business product.
That's probably where the confusion comes in.
By the way, I adore the BA First long haul product.
Only when there is a one-leg opening announced on the PA system for a discounted price.
I fly business class overseas when I can. It's worth it. First class just isn't worth the premium.
I agree that business is fine for long haul international as long as the seats are lay flat. I will take first when I either have a ton of miles to use for the upgrade or when it's free, but I would never pay for it. Maybe on Emirates, just once. If I hit the lottery.
In the US for domestic travel, most planes have two or two and a half levels of cabin. Coach/economy, sometimes a few seats in that cabin are deemed "extra comfort," "economy plus," or a similar term. They offer some extra legroom and sometimes seat width, but generally get the same amenities otherwise as economy.
In the US, domestic first is nicer than international premium economy but more like a low end international business--with one or two exceptions there are no lay flat seats. Wider seats with more legroom and nicer padding, alcohol included, a meal on some flights, at minimum a snack basket passed around. Also you'll usually get a freshly laundered fleece blanket. On some cross-country flights the seats will be a 160 degree recline with footrests, but overall they only have slightly more recline and no footrests.
We have no true first class for domestic travel in the US--that includes Jet Blue's "Mint" which is more like a moderate international business than a domestic first, but is still not international first or even a really good international business product.
That's probably where the confusion comes in.
By the way, I adore the BA First long haul product.
Every once in a while, I have flown between NY and SF or LA in a first class that seems comparable to international. Definitely not every flight, but there are some.
Every once in a while, I have flown between NY and SF or LA in a first class that seems comparable to international. Definitely not every flight, but there are some.
With a lay flat seat in a 1-2-1 herringbone? With meals served course by course, a selection of 6-10 wines and Champagnes, etc.? On who?
With a lay flat seat in a 1-2-1 herringbone? With meals served course by course, a selection of 6-10 wines and Champagnes, etc.? On who?
The lay flat seats. And the multi course meals with menus. I have no idea how many wines. Over the years I was lucky enough to get some of these flights on Continental from Newark. Now it is obviously United, not sure if they still have them since they switched.
The lay flat seats. And the multi course meals with menus. I have no idea how many wines. Over the years I was lucky enough to get some of these flights on Continental from Newark. Now it is obviously United, not sure if they still have them since they switched.
While every now and then there could be a plane being repositioned, the days of that equipment being used for domestic flights are pretty well over.
I just did a google search and found the article below. It says that United is moving all of it's premium first class from JFK to Newark for it's transcontinental flights. Thats great for me, because I have to fly to SF in March for a conference. I'll be sure to make my reservation on one of these.
Quote:
including lie-flat beds and better dining options — in a bid to attract the three highly lucrative markets of Wall Street, Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
United said that by moving its West Coast operations to Newark, it could offer its passengers service similar to what they get if they connect to flights bound for Europe.
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