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

[Anonymous]

While I've redeemed upgrades over the years, I've never bought a front-cabin ticket before. Now that I'm planning a trip to Africa, and thinking about my comfort on the 23+ hour journey, I'm seriously considering a business class ticket. I'm not rich but relatively comfortable (income just over $100K/no debt/healthy savings), yet part of me feels utterly crazy to even consider the idea. However, it's such a long flight, I'm tall, and coach is so cramped these days.

Because I have some travel credit from a rewards credit card I can apply to the airline I'm taking, I can either fly for free in coach (the credit I have is big), or defray the cost of a business class ticket, which would bring the price to about $2500 r/t. That seems like a good deal for such a long flight, but I've never spent so much money on anything except maybe the down payment on my house. It just feels so extravagant, but I keep saying that it would be worth it to be comfortable on such a long flight. Plus, since my credit would make a coach ticket completely free, it's even harder to justify the cost. However, I have the money, and the idea of a lie-flat seat and good food on the long flight is very appealing.

What would you do?

[Anonymous]

I would do it in a heartbeat. It's harder when you start to have 2, 3, 4 people you would want to upgrade, but if it's just you, that keeps the cost manageable. It sounds like it is a splurge given your income level, but by no means putting other financial goals at risk.

That is a LONG flight and business class is just a game changer on a trip like that. It will pinch now when you hit "Buy," but when you're boarding that plane, you won't miss the money and will be reallllly glad to be in business.

One of my life financial goals was/is to get to a place where we do business class for any long-haul flights. I have a "money script" in my head that says its wasteful and I should just make do with coach, etc etc -- and every time I'm getting on a 12+ hour flight and going into business class, I think "OMG I'm so glad I booked this, this is what I worked so hard for."

[Anonymous]

Just did thSt trip in coach....business is the way to go.

[Anonymous]

I would absolutely do it.

[Anonymous]

Round trip yes I would. If you didn't have the credit you'd be paying half that for coach.

[Anonymous]

I'm concerned that you never spent $2500 except on a house down payment. Sounds like a miserable life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm concerned that you never spent $2500 except on a house down payment. Sounds like a miserable life.

OP here. Wow, what a rude comment. My life is very full and rich, just not with a ton of "stuff" that I don't need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do it in a heartbeat. It's harder when you start to have 2, 3, 4 people you would want to upgrade, but if it's just you, that keeps the cost manageable. It sounds like it is a splurge given your income level, but by no means putting other financial goals at risk.

That is a LONG flight and business class is just a game changer on a trip like that. It will pinch now when you hit "Buy," but when you're boarding that plane, you won't miss the money and will be reallllly glad to be in business.

One of my life financial goals was/is to get to a place where we do business class for any long-haul flights. I have a "money script" in my head that says its wasteful and I should just make do with coach, etc etc -- and every time I'm getting on a 12+ hour flight and going into business class, I think "OMG I'm so glad I booked this, this is what I worked so hard for."

OP here - thanks for this great advice! I think we think the same way.

[Anonymous]

OP, you sound very responsible. You should absolutely do this for a long-haul trip. Arriving fresh will only enhance your adventure.

[Anonymous]

OP, there is no right or wrong decision. Only what you are willing and comfortable to do. I personally would not spend that kind of money on something I can have for free but I see travel of any kind as an a to b deal. I would take the free ticket and then splurge big time on something there or once I am back. And I'd feel incredible splurging knowing I did not spend on something that I did not have to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would do it in a heartbeat. It's harder when you start to have 2, 3, 4 people you would want to upgrade, but if it's just you, that keeps the cost manageable. It sounds like it is a splurge given your income level, but by no means putting other financial goals at risk.

That is a LONG flight and business class is just a game changer on a trip like that. It will pinch now when you hit "Buy," but when you're boarding that plane, you won't miss the money and will be reallllly glad to be in business.

One of my life financial goals was/is to get to a place where we do business class for any long-haul flights. I have a "money script" in my head that says its wasteful and I should just make do with coach, etc etc -- and every time I'm getting on a 12+ hour flight and going into business class, I think "OMG I'm so glad I booked this, this is what I worked so hard for."

OP here - thanks for this great advice! I think we think the same way.

This advice is dead on, and $2500 is pretty good for that long of a flight. This also sounds like a once in a life time trip for you, OP, and if you can afford to splurge, then do it.

[Anonymous]

That is a deal. Grab it! Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Our economy class tickets to Korea cost that much. I can't believe you can get business class on that long of a flight for that little.

[Anonymous]

I am 41 years old and have never flown business or first class in my life, but I have spent over $1000 for economy class to Europe and Asia. If I could do a higher class for $2500, I would definitely do it.
Enjoy your trip to Africa, OP!

[Anonymous]

Insane to me, especially the people calling it a deal. If it makes your trip better then go for it!