Who can afford First Class prices?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

I find this hard to believe every airline I know that flies to the UK (Virgin Atlantic, BA, United, Delta, American) has lie flat beds in business. Were you flying some weird budget airline??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are traveling to Europe to visit our kid studying abroad over Thanksgiving break. I think that constitutes peak pricing. Round trip business is $8,000 plus on our route, leaving from IAD. Half the flights are already sold out of business seats. Wound up paying around $14,000 for three people using a combo of points and we are flying back premium economy. Cost is going to be very time specific. Also, not everyone is going to London or Paris.

Just looked for business class to Florence (popular spot for study abroad, figured), Nov 25, returning Dec 1, on Swiss through Zurich. $3,100 roundtrip in lie flat business.

SwissAir sucks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

But you're keeping the name of the airline anonymous to protect its identity?

Probably Icelandair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

But you're keeping the name of the airline anonymous to protect its identity?

wizzair?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It isn’t a rational decision when you think about the per hour cost. But here is how I justify it:

1. It means that I get a lot more value out of the first day or two of vacation.
2. Health concerns- having had back and shoulder surgery I am not keen to spend 8 hours sitting up in an uncomfortable chair.
3. Opportunity cost. I have enough money nowadays to meet my needs, which other than this are relatively modest. So if I didn’t spend the money on this, it would probably just be adding to my kids’ inheritance. And having paid for their education, weddings and a small down payment on a house, I feel that I have done more than enough for them.

The line that convinced my frugal DH, was “if you don’t fly first/business class, your kids will.”

Before everyone starts yelling about selfish boomers, we paid for our kids’ college and are paying for our grandchildrens’ college, have given them cars, rented ski houses etc etc etc. (and they’re still going to have very nice inheritances).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

I find this hard to believe every airline I know that flies to the UK (Virgin Atlantic, BA, United, Delta, American) has lie flat beds in business. Were you flying some weird budget airline??

Delta to London. There are four categories — Delta One (first class) has separate pods and lie flat seats. The others — Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main, do not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

I find this hard to believe every airline I know that flies to the UK (Virgin Atlantic, BA, United, Delta, American) has lie flat beds in business. Were you flying some weird budget airline??

Delta to London. There are four categories — Delta One (first class) has separate pods and lie flat seats. The others — Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main, do not.

Delta One is the equivalent of business class for international flights on other airlines. Premium Select is the same as Premium Economy on other airlines.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

I find this hard to believe every airline I know that flies to the UK (Virgin Atlantic, BA, United, Delta, American) has lie flat beds in business. Were you flying some weird budget airline??

Delta to London. There are four categories — Delta One (first class) has separate pods and lie flat seats. The others — Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main, do not.

Then you weren’t flying business…

[Anonymous]

I fly premium economy and buy something such as a Chanel bag to bring home from the trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Iceland air sucks it's not lay flats
Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

But you're keeping the name of the airline anonymous to protect its identity?

Probably Icelandair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

But you're keeping the name of the airline anonymous to protect its identity?

Probably Icelandair.

Iceland air sucks it doesn't have lay flats

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

I find this hard to believe every airline I know that flies to the UK (Virgin Atlantic, BA, United, Delta, American) has lie flat beds in business. Were you flying some weird budget airline??

Delta to London. There are four categories — Delta One (first class) has separate pods and lie flat seats. The others — Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main, do not.

Delta One is the equivalent of business class for international flights on other airlines. Premium Select is the same as Premium Economy on other airlines.

Their Premium Select is A+ compared to United’s and AA’s. The soft product is so much better. If you get the bulkhead seats you can put a duffle upright against the wall after takeout and stretch your legs out entirely using that to keep them elevated.

I’m baffled by the PP who thought Premium Select was business class though.

[Anonymous]

Takeoff* though in flight takeout would be nice too ; )

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

But you're keeping the name of the airline anonymous to protect its identity?

Probably Icelandair.

Iceland air sucks it doesn't have lay flats

Agree. The PP referenced an international flight in BC with no lay flat. This was the only airline that came to mind.

Not sure about SAS as I’ve only ever flown them intra Europe.

Tap Air Portugal has lay flat and they are competitively priced if you fly BC regularly but I find their seats to be uncomfortable when sitting upright and too firm for sleeping lay flat.

I have not had a great experience on AF in bc (found a bug in my food) and was not impressed by the quality or service. I flew an older plane so there was no door for privacy which I’ve grown used to flying BA. I have had great experience with BA. They refer to you by name and are very friendly. I fly them quite a bit but not enough to go beyond Silver. I hover between Silver and Bronze with BA. The tea service is really nice. BC in BA is a much better deal than first class.

I need to expand to other airlines and will likely try KLM next. Qatar and the other that escapes me are on my list but I don’t fly far enough to have use for them just yet. One day!

I’ve heard Lufthansa is not so great in BC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most are definitely NOT 12k. Just searched for a 10 day trip Dulles to Rome late September. $3600 roundtrip business on Swiss Air.

Still a lot, admittedly, especially for say 4 people, but not even close to 12k/person.

Wrong, I just looked, it is $12,800 per person from DCA all the way through 2026

Oh okay I guess Google Flights was wrong that every airline was under $5k.

I think you may only be looking at First Class? On international flights that's very similar to business class, and only a few airlines now even have a separate first class internationally.

Post dates and start- finish cities in Google Flights.

It obviously can vary by airline, but I just flew business class to the UK and it was not even close to first class. It was a more like economy with slightly more space to lean your seat back. First class had separate pods and lay flat seats (and this was a US carrier, not one of the airlines that is known for a fancy first class).

But you're keeping the name of the airline anonymous to protect its identity?

Probably Icelandair.

Iceland air sucks it doesn't have lay flats

Agree. The PP referenced an international flight in BC with no lay flat. This was the only airline that came to mind.

Not sure about SAS as I’ve only ever flown them intra Europe.

Tap Air Portugal has lay flat and they are competitively priced if you fly BC regularly but I find their seats to be uncomfortable when sitting upright and too firm for sleeping lay flat.

I have not had a great experience on AF in bc (found a bug in my food) and was not impressed by the quality or service. I flew an older plane so there was no door for privacy which I’ve grown used to flying BA. I have had great experience with BA. They refer to you by name and are very friendly. I fly them quite a bit but not enough to go beyond Silver. I hover between Silver and Bronze with BA. The tea service is really nice. BC in BA is a much better deal than first class.

I need to expand to other airlines and will likely try KLM next. Qatar and the other that escapes me are on my list but I don’t fly far enough to have use for them just yet. One day!

I’ve heard Lufthansa is not so great in BC.

Lufthansa is an old 2-2 configuration on most flights. Unless you want to fly upper deck for the fun of it, don’t fly them unless it’s a plane with their new Allegris configuration.