$2500 for a business class ticket - am I insane?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it unless I had other things I wanted, such as nice clothing. I'd prefer to invest in some expensive pumps, a nice coat, staples for work, etc. You could have an awesome wardrobe for the next year or so instead.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like it's something you would value, and it's not a financial strain, so go for it. I know people who would begrudge you a coach ticket to anywhere because they don't value travel at all.

Personally, I would spend the money on the rest of the trip -- I could care less about the plane ride (it's non-time). But a nicer room, a better meal, a couple more nights on safari -- that's what I would pay for.

[Anonymous]

I probably would not have done that at a 100k salary. When I was younger, unmarried with no kids, I loved to travel. I would have taken that $2500 and done a trip to Europe, Asia and maybe Vegas too.

Now I'm almost 40 and we have a seven figure income. I 100% would pay for the upgrade.

[Anonymous]

do you already own your own house/condo? Did you max out your retirement this year? Do you have some cash savings? I wouldn't spend so much on an airplane ticket, especially when a free one is available, unless I had done all of these things. 2,500 can be much better spent.

Put it this way - what would your reaction be if someone handed you 2,500 in cash when you got off the plane in Africa and had flown coach? Would you rather have flown first and receive 0 dollars? I just don't think the 2,500 is worth it. Aren't you paying over $200 an hour to sit in business class? What can you possible get for $200 an hour that makes it worth it on a 100k salary?

[Anonymous]

I think a lot of people today can't stand discomfort -- even for a little while. A long flight in coach is definitely torture. I've done the DC-Johannesburg and SFO-Singapore runs (16-20 hours) several times, always in coach. It sucks. But you survive.

If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, then I get throwing money at it. It doesn't sound like the $2,500 is going to threaten OP's retirement.

However, OP, if you're just throwing money at the prospect of a few hours of discomfort, think it through. Sure, you'll probably sleep better in business class, but will you sleep $2,500 better?

[Anonymous]

Having done both (but never paid for biz class) it would not be worth $2500 to me. I have done "economy plus" overseas and while it's obviously not business class it is a bit better than coach and probably only $50-$100. These days international flights have movies and food.

[Anonymous]

I generally prefer to spend money on lodging/experiences over flights but if you already have some good lodging/experiences lined up then I'd say go ahead.

[Anonymous]

You are going to Africa where most people don't earn that much money in a year. No way when I was under 30 I would spend that much money on a plane ticket. There are people your age backpacking around the world for a month with that much money. If you were older than maybe but if you can't fly coach when you are young, you shouldn't go on a trip to Africa. Spend it on an extra adventure once you are there. Try and get a layover in London and spend the money exploring London or some other city to break up the flight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That is a deal. Grab it! Have fun!

+1

[Anonymous]

Do it. You will be in better condition when you arrive. Plus business is an awesome treat!

[Anonymous]

Before you commit to business class, ensure your airline of choice offers a comfortable environment for the flight. All business classes are different- and 2500 is a lot of money. Research the seat types, space in between the seats and the total number of BC occupants, and compartmentation in BC (this affects restroom access and convenience and particularly cleanliness by the latter part of the flight, for instance).

Just make sure you are happy with the conditions you expect to have with your flight. And safe travels!

[Anonymous]

Just flew back from Asia economy plus. It is torture. I was freezing all night, and sick for a week afterwards. No more overnight cattle class travel for me.

[Anonymous]

I've done the trip to Africa in economy plus and it was very long but not the end of the world. I've also flown business class all over the world and it is 1000% more pleasant. For a trip to Europe I wouldn't pay for bus. class on my own but for $2500 I would probably spring for a trip to Africa. Agree with PP that you need to check on what bus class is. I'd do it for lie flat seats and preferably pod seating.

[Anonymous]

This is a actually a reasonable price for business on a long-haul flight. I'd do it!

[Anonymous]

That is really cheap for biz. My company routinely spends $10k or more on r/t biz class tickets to black Africa and the far east.