Christopher
Member
...What lies beyond the curtain!? I never can justify the cost, but maybe some gaffers here can give the inside scoop.
Anyone ever fly FIRST CLASS...what are the peasants missing?
- Thread starter Christopher
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RangersFan
Member
Everything is "free" for one, you don't have to pay anything for movies or food. Seats are bigger. You are boarded and depart the plane first as well.
I once sat next to John Lithgow on JFK to LAX way back in 2007. He took a dump in the first class shitter that stunk up the front of the cabin.
I once sat next to John Lithgow on JFK to LAX way back in 2007. He took a dump in the first class shitter that stunk up the front of the cabin.
TrumanBurbank
Member
I've flown first class my whole life. Can't believe people actually sit in those cramped seats for hours on end. There always seem to be babies crying in the cheap seats back there too.
<dreams can hurt so much>
SolidChamp
Banned
My wife and I have been flying internationally for the past 7 years.
Maybe someday our skymiles will be worth a first class seat.
Maybe someday our skymiles will be worth a first class seat.
Barrylocke
Member
I've had the opportunity to fly it a couple times. The perks are pretty nice, but I'm not sure if it justifies the price. I'm generally an easy person to please when it comes to this sort of thing and as long as I have some music and a book, my laptop, or portable game consoles with me, I can easily keep myself entertained on a flight. Granted, I'm on the short side, so "cramped seats" have never really been a major issue for me.
Aquamarine
Member
The best seats are the ones with the beds where you can just lie flat.
I was upgraded to first class once due to an error the airline made. it was their apology.
the meal served was quite good. amosphere is better too, had more space and even adjustable fans to blow air on you. the other flight i took that trip didn't have those things.
I guess the only downside is that all the people not in first class have to pass through first class on the way to their seats (on this particular plane anyway), and they all looked longingly at the seats in first class and it all felt very depressing.
Just imagine... when you're rich you get to experience other people's longing like, every day. Maybe even many times per day. How do they endure that!?
the meal served was quite good. amosphere is better too, had more space and even adjustable fans to blow air on you. the other flight i took that trip didn't have those things.
I guess the only downside is that all the people not in first class have to pass through first class on the way to their seats (on this particular plane anyway), and they all looked longingly at the seats in first class and it all felt very depressing.
Just imagine... when you're rich you get to experience other people's longing like, every day. Maybe even many times per day. How do they endure that!?
CitizenVectron
Member
I did, and it was glorious.
Let me paint you a picture:
It was August in the Philippines, and my brother and I were returning home after visiting our dad who was living there (we are from Canada). As we await the 12-14 hour flight in the Manilla airport, the security service locks down our terminal and does a random check on our entire plane's list of passengers. This was troubling as there had been a bombing at an airport the day of our arrival. We went through the checks with armed military all around us, and were left in a small roped-in area, with not even a bathroom break allowed. As we are finally allowed to sit at our gate, the airline asks a few people to report to the counter immediately...and lists my brother and I. We of course are terrified as we are the only 2 white people in this entire room and have just been called up after the security check. Fortunately English is well-spoken in Manilla so we could communicate, but it was still nerve-racking.
As we get to the counter, the attendant says these words: "Hello sirs. I am sorry to inform you that we have overbooked the flight from Manilla to Vancouver." Immediately thoughts start racing through my head. We don't have anywhere to stay. We don't know anyone in Manilla. Our connecting flight in Vancouver will be missed. But as soon as I thought them, she said these magic words: "So I am happy to say you will be bumped to first class, if that is okay with you." My relief was palpable and I didn't care about what class I was going to fly in, I was just glad I was going to get on the plane after being scared like that. The flight itself was fantastic, with large comfortable chairs (which reclined all the way into a sort of bed), great food, and free alcoholic beverages. We basically got a $5,000 experience out of it. One of the interesting parts was that the guy next to us was a CEO of a Philippine power company, and talked to us for a while. We definitely didn't look like we belonged there, being two pale sweating white guys clearly unprepared for the 45C heat and 100% humidity.
So in the end it was a great experience, and I am happy we had great seats for the 12 hour flight home. We took 2 days to decompress in Vancouver and then came home.
A+ would fly again, but not if I have to pay for it or have to be scared by guys with machine guns.
Let me paint you a picture:
It was August in the Philippines, and my brother and I were returning home after visiting our dad who was living there (we are from Canada). As we await the 12-14 hour flight in the Manilla airport, the security service locks down our terminal and does a random check on our entire plane's list of passengers. This was troubling as there had been a bombing at an airport the day of our arrival. We went through the checks with armed military all around us, and were left in a small roped-in area, with not even a bathroom break allowed. As we are finally allowed to sit at our gate, the airline asks a few people to report to the counter immediately...and lists my brother and I. We of course are terrified as we are the only 2 white people in this entire room and have just been called up after the security check. Fortunately English is well-spoken in Manilla so we could communicate, but it was still nerve-racking.
As we get to the counter, the attendant says these words: "Hello sirs. I am sorry to inform you that we have overbooked the flight from Manilla to Vancouver." Immediately thoughts start racing through my head. We don't have anywhere to stay. We don't know anyone in Manilla. Our connecting flight in Vancouver will be missed. But as soon as I thought them, she said these magic words: "So I am happy to say you will be bumped to first class, if that is okay with you." My relief was palpable and I didn't care about what class I was going to fly in, I was just glad I was going to get on the plane after being scared like that. The flight itself was fantastic, with large comfortable chairs (which reclined all the way into a sort of bed), great food, and free alcoholic beverages. We basically got a $5,000 experience out of it. One of the interesting parts was that the guy next to us was a CEO of a Philippine power company, and talked to us for a while. We definitely didn't look like we belonged there, being two pale sweating white guys clearly unprepared for the 45C heat and 100% humidity.
So in the end it was a great experience, and I am happy we had great seats for the 12 hour flight home. We took 2 days to decompress in Vancouver and then came home.
A+ would fly again, but not if I have to pay for it or have to be scared by guys with machine guns.
SHAFT MASTER
Banned
I've seen plenty of hot flight attendants in scrub class.
I don't think I could ever justify the cost of flying first class. I mean, yeah the extra leg room is nice but it's not like they stop you from getting out of your seat.
The best seats are the ones with the beds where you can just lie flat.
Holy shit, that is my dream flight. Just sleep through the whole thing in pajamas.
NekoFever
Member
I treated myself once and it was really good, but hard to justify spending that much money. First long flight where I've come out the other end without feeling exhausted, sweaty and generally horrible. Nice to get on first and disembark first too, avoiding the melee for overhead locker space.
I'd consider it again for a really long flight because fuck being cramped for 15+ hours but otherwise I won't be paying for it.
I'd consider it again for a really long flight because fuck being cramped for 15+ hours but otherwise I won't be paying for it.
I'm flying first class in 6hrs 
I avoid economy like the plague.
First class / Business class completely depends on the carrier. Most US airlines have really
Essentially here's what you get from US carriers like United and US Airways:
- First on, first off
- They take your jacket.
- Some airlines will also say "Hello Mr.<Last Name>" for a personal touch but that's rare nowadays.
- The seat is 20+ inches vs the 17 inches standard economy has, with an amazing amount of legroom. It makes the world of difference.
- Complimentary Beverage & newspaper (depending on airline) before takeoff
- They bring a menu to you and ask you what you would like
- They bring you a hot towel to wash your hands & face
- Depending on flight length and airline, you either get a gourmet snack or they bring you several courses (salad course, meal course, dessert course, snack). These are cooked at the airport they left from, delivered just before, and re-heated. They are generally pretty tasty and gourmet-ish. Think $20 meal.
- All you can drink alcohol orders.
Bolded is all that really matters.
I avoid economy like the plague.First class / Business class completely depends on the carrier. Most US airlines have really
Essentially here's what you get from US carriers like United and US Airways:
- First on, first off
- They take your jacket.
- Some airlines will also say "Hello Mr.<Last Name>" for a personal touch but that's rare nowadays.
- The seat is 20+ inches vs the 17 inches standard economy has, with an amazing amount of legroom. It makes the world of difference.
- Complimentary Beverage & newspaper (depending on airline) before takeoff
- They bring a menu to you and ask you what you would like
- They bring you a hot towel to wash your hands & face
- Depending on flight length and airline, you either get a gourmet snack or they bring you several courses (salad course, meal course, dessert course, snack). These are cooked at the airport they left from, delivered just before, and re-heated. They are generally pretty tasty and gourmet-ish. Think $20 meal.
- All you can drink alcohol orders.
Bolded is all that really matters.
So I'm flying to Minnesota from Vancouver (YVR > Ohare > MIN) and it cost me $250 total to upgrade both the flights. Work pays for the actual trips and I get to reimburse part of the upgrade.
Now this is upgrades though on a US carrier (United). It costs more to pay for First Class as your original ticket, but it guarantees you a spot. Generally rule of thumb is increase flight cost by 50-100% for First Class vs Economy when paying upfront. Upgrades are cheaper but aren't guaranteed.
Upgraded to first class once on a return flight from Dallas via American Airlines. It was shit - other than the marginal improvement in room, it was pretty much the same crappy experience in the front as in the back. Well, increasingly so, since it seemed like cabin noise was an even bigger issue in the first class section.
Don't use my experience as a guideline though - I assume that virtually every airline has better first class accommodations.
Don't use my experience as a guideline though - I assume that virtually every airline has better first class accommodations.
Too much. Most people in first class get upgrades from frequent flier programs.
I've only flown first class from being randomly upgraded, or using upgrade coupons. It's nice, free booze and there is always an attendant right there. Better food too if it's a flight with a meal.
CyclopsRock
Member
My boss and I got a rare double upgrade on a British Airways flight from Beijing to London (which is also the longest flight I have been on, so especially good luck!)
It was really nice, but I'd never spend my own money on it unless I was so wealthy that I literally wouldn't notice the money being gone. The 'beds' are significantly more comfy than a normal seat but unless you sleep on your back without rolling around, it's not going to be anything like a normal night's sleep (though I've seen what appear to be proper, full on double bed on Emirates? I've heard that's a nice airline). The food was excellent though, and you get real, adult cutlery - all free of course. You could just wander up to the galley at the back and ask for whatever you wanted whenever you wanted, but it didn't literally have a bar like Virgin Atlantic's first class.
All in all, it was a really nice way to fly but no way is it worth the money they ask.
It was really nice, but I'd never spend my own money on it unless I was so wealthy that I literally wouldn't notice the money being gone. The 'beds' are significantly more comfy than a normal seat but unless you sleep on your back without rolling around, it's not going to be anything like a normal night's sleep (though I've seen what appear to be proper, full on double bed on Emirates? I've heard that's a nice airline). The food was excellent though, and you get real, adult cutlery - all free of course. You could just wander up to the galley at the back and ask for whatever you wanted whenever you wanted, but it didn't literally have a bar like Virgin Atlantic's first class.
All in all, it was a really nice way to fly but no way is it worth the money they ask.
Essentially only 4+ hour flights are the ones where you start getting first class service. International flights are the ones with really good first class service. Then finally non-US carriers like Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, etc deliver amazing first class service.
US carriers have really stripped down in the cheapest airfare rush of the 90's and 00's.
bodyboarder
Member
The best seats are the ones with the beds where you can just lie flat.
Now that's first class.
Also to be a little superficial, the hot first class flight attendant's of yester year no longer exist on US carrier flights that aren't flying international. Usually older ladies or men nowadays. That's one thing airlines like Virgin add but there's never an option to fly Virgin where I'm at.
Did fly first class on Northwest Airlines to Detroit once. Felt like a fucking country club where everyone got to know each other, sat next to some female IT firm boss from California and got some insightful career advice (I was in university at the time), champagne was flowing freely, air hostesses constantly suck up to you while you decide on what to eat from a massive menu, seats go all the way back.
Not gonna lie but I got a good night's sleep in first class.
Not gonna lie but I got a good night's sleep in first class.
First class/business class on Air New Zealand is pretty good. I've flown in it a bunch of times because I have enough air miles and free upgrades to upgrade fairly regularly.
In AirNZ business class, everyone has their own "pod" with a footstool and fold out table, that all converts into a lie flat bed. You can eat or drink pretty much as much as you like, with champagne/spirits/wine selection, chocolates, and other snacks etc all available. Meals are multiple courses served on proper dining ware, with food quality that beats the average restaurant. Some flights they even have an inflight chef who will do burgers, steaks, and eggs then and there. Service is overall pretty good (service on the airline in general is good anyway), and it's a lot quieter with less foot traffic than economy.
All that being said, I can't ever see myself (or my company) ever justifying the extra cost of paying to fly first class.
In AirNZ business class, everyone has their own "pod" with a footstool and fold out table, that all converts into a lie flat bed. You can eat or drink pretty much as much as you like, with champagne/spirits/wine selection, chocolates, and other snacks etc all available. Meals are multiple courses served on proper dining ware, with food quality that beats the average restaurant. Some flights they even have an inflight chef who will do burgers, steaks, and eggs then and there. Service is overall pretty good (service on the airline in general is good anyway), and it's a lot quieter with less foot traffic than economy.
All that being said, I can't ever see myself (or my company) ever justifying the extra cost of paying to fly first class.
Never flew until I was in my 20s and my first flight was an international flight that was upgraded to first class (well, actually it was business prime or something like that). Didn't know how good I had it with the leather recliners and food that actually looks like (but doesn't necessarily tastes like) something from a restaurant until my flight back.
neogaffer1
Banned
Are US airlines really that much worse compared to international airlines? I flew on Singapore Air as a kid and I loved it because they had a TV embedded in the headrest with int'l channels and a few different emulators plus controllers but I always assumed that was because it was an int'l flight and that domestic Singapore Air flights were like normal US flights.
First class international flights are where it is at. Hot face towels to refresh at your beck and call, ordering your multi-course meal from a menu and being served on actual plates with proper cutlery, free wine and spirits, getting to sleep and hang out in those pods with all sorts of amenities. Leather seats with massage options.
Once you go 1st class on international flights, you can never go back.
Once you go 1st class on international flights, you can never go back.
SuperAndroid17
Member
Singapore Airlines is pretty much the best in the world.
travisbickle
Member
I was offered a free upgrade after an overbooking mistake.
The extra space is ridiculous and there's free champagne.
If I was earning a lot of money I would travel first class, that's slightly redundant to say but I mean I would value the upgrade and not be a tight-arse string in coach.
The extra space is ridiculous and there's free champagne.
If I was earning a lot of money I would travel first class, that's slightly redundant to say but I mean I would value the upgrade and not be a tight-arse string in coach.
broncobuster
Banned
Only ever been for 8+ hour flights on larger planes. Apart from what's been mentioned about food and service, it's helpful if you have trouble sleeping on a plane; both by making it easier to sleep and easier to stay entertained for the duration. Obviously quality varies by plane and airline. The seats where every passenger sits in their own pod are nice. I've yet to encounter a special bathroom that's notably better than coach.
terribletwo
Member
I liked it more than flying Days of Future Past
BUNTING1243
Banned
When I was fourteen and going to Rome with some friends I got bumped to business class (my dad flies a lot, so he's top class frequent flier on like five different airlines). It was one of the coolest things I've ever done, the bed-seats were incredibly comfortable and the food was amazing. Such a cool experience.
Ollie Pooch
In a perfect world, we'd all be homersexual
Never first, but did get upgraded to Qantas business (after a similarly panic-stricken 'we over booked the flight.... *long pause* but...' conversation) on a flight from HK->Brisbane, which was pretty luxurious. It was an (almost) lie-flat bed, a la carte menu and amazing wines. I got totally smashed watching Inception, passed out in the most comfortable seat and arrived at 7am fresh as a daisy. The best! I'm 5'6, too, so any increase in leg room is already a massive upgrade in space.
Some kid was seated next to me, looking totally awkward. We exchanged knowing looks, aware neither of us was really meant to be there.
Some kid was seated next to me, looking totally awkward. We exchanged knowing looks, aware neither of us was really meant to be there.
Mysterious
Banned
It cost $7000 for an int'l first class ticket?! Is it usually that much?
Can you please expand more on this "upgrade" thing? How much would a economy+upgrade cost as opposed to first-class off the bat?
I'm flying first class in 6hrs
First class / Business class completely depends on the carrier. Most US airlines have really
Essentially here's what you get from US carriers like United and US Airways:
- First on, first off
- They take your jacket.
- Some airlines will also say "Hello Mr.<Last Name>" for a personal touch but that's rare nowadays.
- The seat is 20+ inches vs the 17 inches standard economy has, with an amazing amount of legroom. It makes the world of difference.
- Complimentary Beverage & newspaper (depending on airline) before takeoff
- They bring a menu to you and ask you what you would like
- They bring you a hot towel to wash your hands & face
- Depending on flight length and airline, you either get a gourmet snack or they bring you several courses (salad course, meal course, dessert course, snack). These are cooked at the airport they left from, delivered just before, and re-heated. They are generally pretty tasty and gourmet-ish. Think $20 meal.
- All you can drink alcohol orders.
Bolded is all that really matters.
My eyes widened like I like just saw DD tittes at that bolded part.
Not sure, it was my first time going 1st class. But yeah I think its pretty damn expensive.
Also it was actually to Tokyo and then I switched to get to Seoul, I forgot Virgin doesn't fly directly there.
yup.
For the price of a first class international ticket you can purchase a decent 4* holiday package.
Was bumped up to first class once. Was surprised as I thought I wasn't going to make my flight.
Air Canada or Westjet - can't remember. Small plane, as it was supposed to be a short 1 hour flight from Calgary to Vancouver, New Years morning (I mean like 6 am departure...). Once we get into Vancouver airspace, it's way too damn foggy down there for them to make a proper approach so we end up circling for another half hour. Then the pilot says we're going to have to land in Victoria and refuel while waiting for the weather to clear up. Ended up sitting on the Victoria runway until noon, then we took off back to Van. Entire time, I'm sitting in a nice spacious seat with a surprisingly okay breakfast watching documentaries. Flight attendants offered a 'hot towel' at one point.
Not the worst way to spend 6 hours.
Air Canada or Westjet - can't remember. Small plane, as it was supposed to be a short 1 hour flight from Calgary to Vancouver, New Years morning (I mean like 6 am departure...). Once we get into Vancouver airspace, it's way too damn foggy down there for them to make a proper approach so we end up circling for another half hour. Then the pilot says we're going to have to land in Victoria and refuel while waiting for the weather to clear up. Ended up sitting on the Victoria runway until noon, then we took off back to Van. Entire time, I'm sitting in a nice spacious seat with a surprisingly okay breakfast watching documentaries. Flight attendants offered a 'hot towel' at one point.
Not the worst way to spend 6 hours.
SpectreFire
Member
Emirates First Class is best first class.
They even have a fucking shower.
So you can have a nice hot shower before you put on your pajames and head to bed in your private suite.
They even have a fucking shower.
So you can have a nice hot shower before you put on your pajames and head to bed in your private suite.
First time I flew to Japan, I ended up getting bumped up to Business Class. Not First Class, but man, I'd take it anytime. Upon first getting onto the plane, they were bringing around orange juice and champaign. Seats were really nice, had built-in massages, and could lean back pretty far with an extending footrest for sleeping.
Food was from a menu, not a choice of two meats. Between means, we're be brought snacks and whatnot, like soba noodles or some sort of ice cream dish.
Ruined me forever for traveling overseas. I could never imagine paying the price for business/first for domestic flights, but if you're able to do so for international flights? Absolutely. Makes a world of difference in surviving all those flying hours.
Food was from a menu, not a choice of two meats. Between means, we're be brought snacks and whatnot, like soba noodles or some sort of ice cream dish.
Ruined me forever for traveling overseas. I could never imagine paying the price for business/first for domestic flights, but if you're able to do so for international flights? Absolutely. Makes a world of difference in surviving all those flying hours.
Ollie Pooch
In a perfect world, we'd all be homersexual
Do US airlines not serve alcohol to economy passengers? In Aus you get complimentary beer and wine on domestic flights, budget carriers excluded. I never realised how lucky we are...
That Qantas flight sort of gave me the bug too. I did premium economy to the UK recently with Virgin Atlantic, which was great, and trying Air NZ premium to San Francisco early next month. It's obviously more expensive, but not outrageously so if you can get a decent deal. I'd go economy no probs, but when I go to book if I've had a good work month I'll often splurge
CyclopsRock
Member
I think it has more to do with flight time rather than Domestic vs International , though I guess for most of the US, an international flight basically requires a longer flight time. But I'm Europe I flew "first class" from Heathrow to Gibraltar and it was just like that photo up there - slightly bigger chair, slightly less shit food and a glass of champagne when you get on. It's just not worth putting beds etc onto a plane that's only in the air for 3 hours.
Domestic Singapore flights, haha.
Flying Domestic US 'First-Class' is generally (read: always) a poorer experience than flying international Business class, let alone First.
Flew First Class on a domestic flight with Alaska a couple months ago. The inflight meal looked pretty legit but I'd already eaten so I wanted one of the cheese plate things they sell to the plebes and the flight attended said they'd have to charge for it and then I raised my eyebrow and then she said "nah we'll let it slide lemme grab one sir" so it's at least a six dollar value.
Aquamarine
Member
Agreed wholeheartedly.
I tend to go business class internationally and when I travel domestically I tend to get a bit underwhelmed at the accommodations.
The airline and aircraft model make a big difference.
Coach service on a Japanese airline like ANA, for instance is probably generally better than First Class service on United (not talking about food quality, just service).
Anyway, first class is the shit. I've been upgraded a few times.
The best parts are probably the seats and the food/drinks... but the smug satisfaction you get from looking down on the peasants in coach is pretty great too.
Coach service on a Japanese airline like ANA, for instance is probably generally better than First Class service on United (not talking about food quality, just service).
Anyway, first class is the shit. I've been upgraded a few times.
The best parts are probably the seats and the food/drinks... but the smug satisfaction you get from looking down on the peasants in coach is pretty great too.
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