First class air travel

[Anonymous]

Was a "road warrior" living overseas for many years and flew first many time, but rarely on my own dime. Frequently just a courtesy upgrade.

The experience is similar to business, especially going across oceans, but there are slightly nicer touches. I could shower on arrival at Heathrow and have a car take me to my hotel. There was a different meal service prior to the flight and the stewardesses were more willing to basically put up with darn near anything in first vs. coach. The seats were slightly more comfortable and blanket a bit bigger than business. But were these little touches worth the $X,000 more? Hell no.

FWIW when we lived overseas and my son attended this posh international school the kids actually had a slang for first vs. coach:

'How was your flight? Oh, it sucked. Dad paid for our tickets and we had to 'turn right'"

('turn right'- -turn right after entering the plane and head into coach, instead of 'turn left' and into first).

[Anonymous]

Don't bother with domestic first, the different in so negligible my kids won't believe it 's not jut economy. They have been on international business using miles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is very little difference between first and business internationally.

For many international airlines business class is their first class.

No way. Have you even sat in first in Singapore Airlines or Emirates? Or flown with Lufthansa?

BIG difference between first and business.

[Anonymous]

Emirates, Qatar, Singaporean all have proper first class. Actual suites.

I've never flown those but I've flown Emirates/Qatar business quite a few times and it's decidedly nice. You get a proper sleep (yes, it does make a difference) and the food is markedly better and you eat at your pleasure and there's unlimited alcohol and the media package is even better. The general sense of space around you greatly welcome.

Most of the trips were upgrades using points/miles but Qatar often advertises reasonably priced upgrades to business two or so weeks out from the flight.

[Anonymous]

Used miles for a first class flight on American from Dulles to Denver and got saddled with the dreaded screaming baby (in first class to) for the entire trip. Not awesome.