Is first class on longhaul worth it?

Show all answers

bluecoastsf

Well, it rather depends on your preferences. Ask yourself the question: if money were no object, how would you like to travel? However, if money does matter, consider what things you really must and cannot compromise doing without during an extended length of time traveling in a pressurized tube. Having said that, First Class, if you really MUST have it, is truly worth it, IF AND ONLY IF you fly on the right airline. If you fly First Class on the likes of British Airways, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Asiana Airlines, American Airlines or those two perennial frequent traveler favorites, Singapore Airlines or Emirates Airlines, then you would probably leave the aircraft with a good feeling about your investment. However, please DO regard flying first class as a financial investment in yourself. Otherwise, you will regret it as it is absolutely expensive. In fact, so few people can afford all the frills of flying in First Class that many airlines no longer offer it. Instead, they offer a premium cabin service called either Executive Class or Business Class. Many airlines even give their premium cabin product a fancy name, such as Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class or British Airways' Club World. They are somewhat less expensive than First Class, but with many similar amenities and premium items that are found in First Class. The difference between First and Business Class is the width and pitch of the seats. In terms of amenities, flying First Class (and nowadays, even Business Class) is a great event. Fully lie-flat beds are now offered in these cabins, as well as large screen monitors featuring technology called AVOD (Audio-Video On-Demand). Food is served on fine china and real cutlery (no plastics except as a security precaution). You can now also opt to dine when you want - just let the cabin staff know. Bar service is also available. Another benefit of traveling First or Business Class happens before the flight. You have dedicated check-in desks as well as the use of a premium lounge while waiting for your flight. Once you land, your luggage typically comes off the aircraft first. So yes, if you want to arrive in better shape and can spend the money, go ahead and buy a ticket for the front part of the plane. Once you try it, you'll never want to fly any other way again.

Penfold

Why spend a few thousand pounds on first class when you could be spend it at your holiday destination?

I have flown business class and first class on business trips. You get better food and more leg room. However, if I'm going on holiday, most of my flights are typically less than 10 hours and I can put up with economy if I have more money to spend on my holiday.

I forgot to add that I did enjoy my experience in first class.

anastasha

absolutly.

Luxury food ad beverages. Good resting seat with flat bed.

God,You Are Worthy To Be Praised

yes. it's very luxurious!

Afallon

If you have loads of money, maybe but an extra Â£1000+ each way for my wife and I could pay for another holiday. How the other half lives, eh?

J S

Depends on how rich (or not) you are.

I flew Frankfurt to Dubai return 1st class with Emirates about 10 years ago. I was going on a job interview with them and although they had sent a Club ticket, I got upgraded. It was wonderful - infact, I didn't want the flight to end. However, I would not spend my own money.

To complete the story, I didn't take the job but had a damn good 4 days in Dubai - very kind of Emirates I thought.

Bz3rk

Honestly I don't think 1st class is worth the money. Sure it is nice but the ticket prices are so much more expensive. I've flown 1st class on short flights (Charlotte to Miami) when I got a free upgrade but mostly I have flown economy on long flights and it was just fine (from Chicago to Tokyo and Hong Kong)

Pebble da rebble

Oh yes, never again will i go ordinary.

.brynbach

IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT,THEN OFCOURSE IT IS GREAT WAY TO GET FROM A TO B

tamarindwalk

I find that it is. But there is a big IF... If the airline's first class is the full flat type - i.e. like a small bed and allows that you lie flat.

Example: Singapore Airlines offers it on its Boeing 747's and a few of its Boeing 777's. It's excellent. But its other first class seats are dreadful for overnight flights because they do not fully recline and in the end, you'll wind up with aches and pains.

It's best to ask the airline if it has the fully reclining, lie-flat type beds in first class. If they do, then it's really worth it.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: