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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.
Depends where in the world you are, TdC. There are plenty of First Class short-haul flights from here, including A380 flights to Singapore and China, 747s to Japan, Taiwan and Thailand, among many others
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"
Totaly agree with you Tim. Business is good enough for most peoples needs if its not then they are just insecure. You dont need any a private room, fancy food or wine. I would settle for a basic simple meal and a regular IFE with something good to watch ;) xx
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.
I suppose I fly F & C because I can. It makes the experience more pleasant and a little bit of pampering is always nice. 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. If anyone remembers, I'm with Penny from Come Fly with Me on the subject of Y class travel.
I've never regarded myself as insecure but I do prefer F to C on most airlines, the extra space and better choice of food makes the journey more pleasant so I disagree with BB at 0915.
There are a few airlines where F is not worth the money like BA but on the airline I travel with most which is EK it is definitely worth the extra.
"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.
Flat bed - privacy - cabin crew who assist with my obsessive food requirements
Upstairs on a -400, window shades open, a good seat companion, decent IFE, 12 hours +, my relax time!
As business classes improve, no need for First!
ps - Happy Valentines Becky and to all the other ladies on this forum.
@BeckyBoop: "If I had to travel in Y I would rather not go." This is not about being snob. This is about managing efficiency. I don't know about Henkel, but I am 6.4" tall. An overnight flight in Y means almost no sleep and 1 to 3 days to fully recover. In busy time, I cannot afford this. So it goes beyond pleasure...
Hi-there Henkel.Trocken
Looks like you actually managed to provoke BeckyBoop - suspect you had your tongue in your cheek you old devil!
Anyway as an insecure First traveller I would say I generally agree with your comments - except in the case of BA's unimproved First where I believe their Business Class is actually better - and that's before we get round to value for money
Sorry Henkel.T - missed your last sentence where you cover my BA point
BeckyBoop my Funny Girl you are so right in reminding the less than First Class fizzy drink that not everyone is so prieviledged to afford F or C travel.
Even though I was born with a Jade (not silver) spoon in my mouth that I would never display such arrogance. In fact I am quite down-to-earth most times.
But I do love the comfort and the finesse of CX and SQ F class.
Thanks Martyn, luv you too :)xxx I agree with your point about improving business lowering the need for first. I think Cathy and now the new AA might of done this with there new seat xx
SwissDiver - yes i see your point but the point of the matter is that some people have no choice but to fly Y regarless of size. Just like people who are obese! If you are tall you can always request seats with extra legroom like near a door way xx
FC good to hear it hun! :) xx
More personal space, better service and food, arriving refreshed and departing without being in a scrum.As far as long haul is concerned wouldn't do it if it wasn't in J.
Becky dear, please don't all high and mightly, it doesn't suit you. There are people who can only travel in Y, I think we all know that, it has nothing to do with being insecure.
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