Flying First/Business Class on your own dime

runner-guy · Jun 3, 2010

First class is so ridiculously expensive that I can't really see myself paying for it anytime soon. The only time I've flown "first class" was on Spirit Airlines, just because they were the same price as coach seats when I bought the ticket. But Spirit sucks so I won't be flying with them again.

gdl203 · Jun 3, 2010

I've used a "business only" airline for personal transatlantic flights twice. It was about twice the price of a coach seat but with two babies on our lap, having more space and fully reclining seats was the right thing to do.

otc · Jun 3, 2010

We bought a first class leg on the way home from spring break for my roommate one year.

We got screwed by the tour company and he had to fly in a day later so he could take a final (tour company switched dates on us). This meant *also* canceling and rebooking his return ticket even though he was on the same flight. It worked out that his new departure ticket was cheaper as coach but his return ticket was cheaper if you went business on both legs. He took it on the long leg and I took it on the short leg

(we had all split the extra price...and he was lonely up in front).

Szeph el raton · Jun 3, 2010

I privately fly business when taking cheap ass airlines to vacation. AirBerlin has business class for appr. twice the price of economy, that's worth it when flying 9 hours. It's nothing fancy but I don't need the food, entertainment or booze, all that I care for is the increased seat space so I can sleep better and arrive relaxed.

No way I'd pay business or first with a company like Lufthansa on my own, that's reserved for the company.

Cavalier · Jun 3, 2010

I guess this is one of the few good advantages of being short -- I could never justify paying twice as much to fly in business class, I'd rather just take twice as many vacations.

gdl203 · Jun 3, 2010

Originally Posted by Cavalier

I guess this is one of the few good advantages of being short -- I could never justify paying twice as much to fly in business class, I'd rather just take twice as many vacations.

That's a false dichotomy

JetBlast · Jun 3, 2010

Originally Posted by gdl203

I've used a "business only" airline for personal transatlantic flights twice. It was about twice the price of a coach seat but with two babies on our lap, having more space and fully reclining seats was the right thing to do.

Was this MaxJet or OpenSkies, by any chance? I wasn't too impressed with MaxJet.

foodguy · Jun 3, 2010

i upgrade to first or business using miles and i've got to say that while there was a huge difference when i started doing it 10-15 years ago, there really isn't nearly as much now. i remember flying to europe on one of those reclining seat jobs where you actually go horizontal to sleep ... and they bring you bottomless Champagne (real) to help you achieve horizontality. now you're lucky to get a little more leg room and a coke. plus, i fly jetblue most often now and for an extra $10 to $20, i can upgrade to exit seats that have as much legroom as most standard airlines business class.

impolyt_one · Jun 3, 2010

My girlfriend does it, and straight cash, and I'm really not sure what kind of money she has (but she obviously has some)... she comes back from her trips talking about the champagne and sushi being low-rung, and I'm usually sweaty and sticky after a long day of work. She's back on Monday after a trip and I expect the same, the Veuve Clicquot and sushi bento on JAL will not be up to her standards.

gdl203 · Jun 3, 2010

Originally Posted by JetBlast

Was this MaxJet or OpenSkies, by any chance? I wasn't too impressed with MaxJet.

OpenSkies / L'Avion. Flew once operated by OS and once by L'Avion. Very nice and competent service on board, awful ground service and BA does a sh1tty job supporting their subsidiary when something goes wrong. See my xmas travel post 6 months ago.

countdemoney · Jun 3, 2010

With companion airfare like Amex offers, I've seen the price come close to the same as two coach seats.

I've paid to upgrade after particularly brutal weeks.

JohnGalt · Jun 3, 2010

Originally Posted by Redwoood

Lufthansa is also one of the few airlines that are not bankrupt, coincidence?

because the German government props them up

Stokely · Jun 3, 2010

If you get it for free....sure.

If you pay for it...........well...............then. I just don't know.

Kind of like women.

Redwoood · Jun 3, 2010

Originally Posted by JohnGalt

because the German government props them up

orly?
and how would they do that without breaking EU competition laws?
While I don't really care either way, why don't you support your claims with something more substantial than a

JayJay · Jun 3, 2010

I have for cross country domestic flights, but not international.

Flying First/Business Class on your own dime

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