First Class vs. Business

[atlcomedy]

I'll give you points for that one, but you know I speak the truth.

[pjorourke]

Originally Posted by WTF

I thought all you peeps had your own G5's

Its in the shop.

[atlcomedy]

Originally Posted by pjorourke

Its in the shop.

if it fucks, flies or floats.....rent it

[Sisyphus]

Originally Posted by WTF

I thought all you peeps had your own G5's

G5 is too small for me....but point taken...

FWIW, my experience all came about either as a result of either flying on someone else's dime; or, cashing in a boatload of frequent flyer miles. I used to work for MegaConsulting LLP. If job title was > x AND trip miles > y THEN the company sprung (read, billed the client) for a biz class. Or course, they expected you to work (read, bill) if it was a daytime flight. Or, in the case of a redeye, to work (read, bill) your ass off upon arriving rested & refreshed.

I was so impressed by biz class on BA that I actually cashed in a ton of miles to see what their first class was like. Short of joining the Mile High Club, I can't imagine a better flying experience...

[74comet]

Gryphon,

I have done the USA-Aussie trip several times and believe me Business Class is worth the up charge and save the extra $$ from First Class and use it for hobby activities. When I have go to the "Land Down Under" I have flown United and was upstairs on a 747. Being up there is like being on your own private jet. If I remember correctly there are only about 40 seats (10 rows of 2x2) and your own galley. Additionally there are two fight attendents stationed upstairs so service was excellent! No one who is not seated in that section is allowed up the stairs. The seating was extremely comfortable and stretching out worked fine for me & I am over 6 foot tall.
Save the extra 10G and fly BC.

[WTF]

Originally Posted by atlcomedy

I'll give you points for that one, but you know I speak the truth.

You always speak the truth my brother.....why you think we catch so much hell around here!

[Guest083011]

I did JAL to Tokyo a bunch of years ago in the upper section of a '47. Very nice and lots of space. This past July ('09) did American in BC, JFK to CDG (Paris). Very comfy especially for the red eye going over. No FC on the aircraft. Return flight had Martha Stewart and her entourage at the front of BC. And in case you're wondering I did not get a happy ending from her.

[Sydneyb]

I am sitting here jetlagged, just getting back from my Africa trip. Took Delta's Business Class (all that was offered) direct from Atlanta to Joburg and back. DG is right: the seats go flat and they feed you amazingly well. I will say that the planes (this was a 777) were a little old and frankly the seat area wasn't that clean on either the trip there or back - I thought that was kind of wierd. But you do have your own kind of "pod" or area off yourself.
On trips to Europe and China, I've flown Continentals business class (also all that was available) and while the seats don't lay flat, they come pretty darn close, the service was impecable, the food was great and it was clean. You sit right next to someone and don't have the privacy that Delta's 777 gives you, but I think the food, service and relative newness of the planes are nicer.

So that's my take. Different airlines have different qualities, but business class is good 'nuff. (really, really good 'nuff!)

[Guest083011]

In all airlines especially our domestics the international routes are different business units. I imagine it is the same for non-USA carriers.

I sort of care about who maintains the engines, fuselage, etc. Call me picky. I seem to remember AA handles their own as does Lufthansa, but I could be wrong on that. I know the pilots and crew want to get home safely just as much as I do.

[charlestudor2005]

Originally Posted by Sydneyb

Delta's Business Class ... I will say that the planes (this was a 777) were a little old and frankly the seat area wasn't that clean on either the trip there or back

I don't fly Delta all that often, but this is my opinion of Delta in general. A point-to-point fairly dirty trip with poor service.

[pyramider]

I have lived in the DFW area for 10 years. I have only flown American six times.

American, Delta, and USAir are the worst. The 757 is the worst plane imagineable in coach.

If you are flying long distances, pony up the funds to go first class. Your body will love you.

[Anne Shimizu]

On most of the good Asian airlines - Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, ANA - Business Class is already excellent... I'm not convinced of the value-add of FC.

Of course, I'm partial to SQ

[charlestudor2005]

Now, what would be the difference(s) between a FC Provider and a BC Provider?

[Gryphon]

Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

Now, what would be the difference(s) between a FC Provider and a BC Provider?

If we use the airfare difference as a guide, about $1,000/hr.

[Marcus Aurelius]

I fly first for a couple hundred bucks.
But I paid my dues.

Oh yeah, I did the mile high as well.