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brooklynite

(94,352 posts)
70. I've flown Business Class, First Class & Concorde...
Thu Jun 14, 2012, 12:42 PM
Jun 2012

...and the quality always depends on the destination (Domestic vs International), the airline (Domestic vs Foreign) and the duration of the flight. Five hours to the west coast isn't worth it, but neither is a flight where you end up sleeping all of the way and go get the meal/comfort experience (a Westbound flight from Europe to the US is better than the reverse).

Truly top of the line would be Emirates or Singapore Airlines. British Airways and Air France have both old school FC and cheaper but still enjoyable Business Class. Almost any Asian airliner would be good in FC, and almost any European Airline (possibly excluding KLM) will have a good Business Class product.

For some descriptions, let me suggest you visit FlyerTalk.com or Airliners.net.

Have you ever flown First Class? [View all] Bertha Venation Jun 2012 OP
A couple hours of slightly more tolerable conditions for a premium that may or may not be worth it. Scuba Jun 2012 #1
I used a bunch of airline points to fly first class to Ireland. We flew on sinkingfeeling Jun 2012 #2
The longer the trip, the more difference it makes phantom power Jun 2012 #3
Agree. The airline and type of plane makes a difference too. Auggie Jun 2012 #9
agreed La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2012 #21
Several times, but no more. RiffRandell Jun 2012 #4
Comfortable and considerate siligut Jun 2012 #5
Actually, yes. KamaAina Jun 2012 #6
Flew it once across the Pacific geardaddy Jun 2012 #7
I did a few times when I was working for an airline. The Velveteen Ocelot Jun 2012 #8
It's worth it for a flight of longer than 3-4 hours, IMO. It's the way flying should be. Brickbat Jun 2012 #10
my friend did after a car accident Kali Jun 2012 #11
If you are going overseas TuxedoKat Jun 2012 #12
I got bumped up to 1st class once on an overbooked flight rox63 Jun 2012 #13
Nicest trip I ever had. Baitball Blogger Jun 2012 #14
it might be the other way round pitohui Jun 2012 #49
I've been selected for additional screening at least eleven times out of the Baitball Blogger Jun 2012 #56
ok i get selected a lot also, but i'm v. frequently in first pitohui Jun 2012 #60
I get selected because I'm dark skinned. Baitball Blogger Jun 2012 #67
It's nice. Endless drinks, food, etc Taverner Jun 2012 #15
Spam deleted by NRaleighLiberal (MIR Team) Pauline89 Jun 2012 #16
Yes--I have only paid for it once (and that was a flight from Japan to USA, years ago) MADem Jun 2012 #17
i got bumped up to business class on a trans-atlantic flight 10 years ago fizzgig Jun 2012 #18
Could have but my points expired two days later Rambis Jun 2012 #19
Once. I used my Airtran points to upgrade. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2012 #20
I could NEVER justify the expense. I would gladly suffer 1,2, 10 hrs of discomfort... MiddleFingerMom Jun 2012 #22
On Air France, Delta and USAirways GoneOffShore Jun 2012 #23
A couple of times. Also Business Class. GoCubsGo Jun 2012 #24
I would if I didn't have to pay for it. bikebloke Jun 2012 #25
Yes, when I was on "stand-by". Graybeard Jun 2012 #26
Before I die.... MountainMama Jun 2012 #27
As the best man for my son's wedding I got to ride in a limo OriginalGeek Jun 2012 #31
then go ahead and do it pitohui Jun 2012 #48
I've been upgraded twice. Arugula Latte Jun 2012 #28
A few times without even paying treestar Jun 2012 #29
For longer trips, always Glorfindel Jun 2012 #30
You're sweet, Glorfindel Bertha Venation Jun 2012 #42
Not worth it for any duration below 4 hrs depending on how you get it stevenleser Jun 2012 #73
If you're just flying a short distance - say, Dulles to London or something (5 hours or so), save Flaxbee Jun 2012 #32
Yes. On Air Atlanta in the '80s. RebelOne Jun 2012 #33
Yes - on United from Chicago to Detroit. Initech Jun 2012 #34
Only by accident. Coach was over-booked (color me shocked). HopeHoops Jun 2012 #35
About a hundred times. MadrasT Jun 2012 #36
Bastid! You're the reason I can't get into first class. trof Jun 2012 #38
Yes, a lot. But many years ago. trof Jun 2012 #37
Never had the pleasure. I like the people better in coach. applegrove Jun 2012 #39
how do you know? pitohui Jun 2012 #50
I grew up with the wealthy. My family was cool but I didn't like the rich highschoolers I knew, and applegrove Jun 2012 #52
that's my point, they are real people pitohui Jun 2012 #61
Yes. Once. It was an upgrade after flight cancelled. Honeycombe8 Jun 2012 #40
no they were faking it too -- wealthy people don't fly commercial pitohui Jun 2012 #51
Wealthy professionals, such as my bosses, fly 1st class, & pay for it. Honeycombe8 Jun 2012 #53
they don't have to, they have fractional shares pitohui Jun 2012 #62
I could tell by their clothes and demeanor they were wealthy. nt Honeycombe8 Jun 2012 #54
Reminds me.... MountainMama Jun 2012 #57
I went to Europe (twice) on my brother's frequent flyer miles, once in Raffles class, kcass1954 Jun 2012 #41
Yes. On Air France jannyk Jun 2012 #43
Free whiskey Major Nikon Jun 2012 #44
I' ve been first and coach and first is better. broiles Jun 2012 #45
My daughter and I flew business class from Rome to DC. Fridays Child Jun 2012 #46
domestic or international? i'll give you a full report evilgrin :-) pitohui Jun 2012 #47
Domestic, DCA - FLL Bertha Venation Jun 2012 #55
well i have two ways for getting free upgrades/tickets pitohui Jun 2012 #63
Depends on the route and the airline DFW Jun 2012 #58
Tokyo to Honolulu business class on military orders on JAL kimi Jun 2012 #59
Yes RFKHumphreyObama Jun 2012 #64
No, but I've flown cargo class on a C-130 and a C-47. hobbit709 Jun 2012 #65
Me 2 Major Nikon Jun 2012 #68
Do It! blueamy66 Jun 2012 #66
I work for the airlines. There is s HUGE dif btwn coach and first! pink-o Jun 2012 #69
I've flown Business Class, First Class & Concorde... brooklynite Jun 2012 #70
Yes, Bumped up/ Air France 747 out of De Gaulle to Kennedy era veteran Jun 2012 #71
Do it! I was a flight attendant dana_b Jun 2012 #72
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