Why Business or First class?

In another thread we are discussing food on board. This raises a question: if there is only one, what is the reason you prefer to fly Business or First? Two sub-questions though:
– Why on short-haul?
– Why on long-haul?

Not wishing to be pedantic Swiss but am not aware that there was a true F product on short haul.

With respect to Longhaul, F is usually double the price for what I percieve as little extra. For me the seat/bed comfort is the only critical factor. The added privacy, status and cuisine aspects of F have little influence.

I never plan on spending any more time than is necessary in a terminal so an upgraded lounge for 30 mins has little bearing also.

Am happy with Business Class.

Ian: One reason!

Am duly enlightened, thanks Ian/Swiss.

Well, Swiss, in the US they call it First, but it isn’t really – it would be called Business anywhere else (and with the exception of a very limited number of routes, mostly transcontinental, they operate with only two classes so there is nothing between “First” and coach)

Sorry about asking my first question – I thought there might have been a word missing, but I can see that your original question does make sense as it is!!

Here are my answers, but with an extra set of sub-answers to deal with the region issue:

Short-haul Business on business: In Asia, it gives me enough space to work, which is virtually impossible in an economy seat.
Short-haul Business for leisure: In Asia, for the added space, comfort, and ability to relax that goes with the above. In Europe, and in my limited experience, there really isn’t any point
Long-haul Business (whether business or leisure): For the comfort and ability to sleep
Long-haul First: Those days are long since gone, alas, but it was at that point that I would have identified “luxury” as the reason

My trips in “First” in the US would fall under “Short-haul Business on business” above

If you want to boil all this down to the simplest possible answer, which applies to all the categories, it would be “the seat”

For me, the class purchased is a matter of pragmatism.

If I am travelling on business, what do I need to arrive in good shape and ready to work.

Short haul, usually I would choose Y, except where C is bundled in a long haul package. I maintain status with enough airlines to get lounge access and also have a Priority Pass for when using locos. I might burn some miles on longer sectors to upgrade. Also, when travelling on a flexibe ticket, I would normally buy C, simply because the prince differential is low or non-existent.

Medium/long haul – by which I mean 4 hours or more, then I’ll look at business – unless it is a day flight of 6 hours or less, that stops half way and one can walk around and have a break. If it is an overnight flight, then I will be looking to sleep and will pay the premium for a flat bed. Same applies to early morning departures.

“If I had to travel in Y I would rather not go. The idea of it is enough to make me shudder, being in such close proximity to so many other people is not something I would relish.”

Sorry but you are nothing but a snob! and if flying in Y it is enough to make you shudder you are deffo INSECURE. You should feel privilaged that you are in that can afford it. There are lots of others on this forum who fly in Y as its there only choice and more people are unable to afford to fly and some not at ALL! I fly Y when not on business, but when i am get First, but only because i dont pay. Personally i think there are so many of you on here that have totally lost it who demand your luxuries and forget how much fortunate you are compared to others around you.