Have you ever flown First Class?

[Bertha Venation]

Thinking about it for my birthday trip in February. If we can afford it, we'll do it. Cross your fingers!

Please tell me what it's like to fly in first class . . . sigh.

[Scuba]

1. A couple hours of slightly more tolerable conditions for a premium that may or may not be worth it.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. I used a bunch of airline points to fly first class to Ireland. We flew on

Aer Lingus and it was nice. Got a little 'kit' with socks, toothpaste, brush, eye shade, etc. Had a very nice dinner and breakfast. This was some time ago, so the seat made out into a kind of bed, more like a recliner. Was it worth the money going first class? No. I can't see spending another $800 for that.

[phantom power]

3. The longer the trip, the more difference it makes

For a 1-2 hour trip, I'm dubious it's worth the money. For a 10 hour transatlantic flight, it makes it way more bearable, assuming you can afford it.

As always, YMMV

[Auggie]

9. Agree. The airline and type of plane makes a difference too.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

21. agreed

[RiffRandell]

4. Several times, but no more.

My husband used to travel all the time for several years so he acquired tons of frequent flier miles, so whenever we would fly we would upgrade. I'll be honest; it was nice while it lasted--free drinks, more room, boarding and exiting before everyone else. I think the last time we flew first class was 2 years ago.

He got a new position and rarely travels anymore so it's back to coach.

[siligut]

5. Comfortable and considerate

Flying coach nowadays is so cramped and you are treated like criminals by the TSA.

Flying first class, you have much more room where you sit, drinks are free and plentiful if you desire and the food is upscale.

Flight personal are much more considerate and seem to want to pamper you.

You don't wait in long lines for TSA and TSA may ask you a few questions, but treat you like a person.

You board the plane first and get off first.

I hope it works out for you

[KamaAina]

6. Actually, yes.

It was an upgrade, of course.

The food is edible! Steak, even. Which goes to prove that it is indeed possible to serve food in a plane, as opposed to whatever it was they used to serve in coach -- just not cost-effective.

They did run out of beer rather quickly (this was a long-haul Atlanta-Honolulu flight).

And you'd certainly enjoy all that extra space!

[geardaddy]

7. Flew it once across the Pacific

from Minneapolis to Taipei.

Well worth it.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. I did a few times when I was working for an airline.

If you were traveling somewhere as a standby passenger and coach was full and all the upgrades had been taken care of, you might get lucky and score a first-class seat. It didn't happen often, but it was nice when it did. More leg room and wider seats is the best feature, and could be worth it for a longer flight. If it's just an hour or so, you might want to save your money and stick it out in coach. Check out this web site for the best seats and amenities on a particular aircraft type for any airline. http://www.seatguru.com/ Even some coach seats aren't too bad, depending.

[Brickbat]

10. It's worth it for a flight of longer than 3-4 hours, IMO. It's the way flying should be.

[Kali]

11. my friend did after a car accident

from here back to Germany. (her German health insurance paid for it) She REALLY liked it, but even as often as she flies and for such long distances she hasn't paid to do it again. too much $$ for the comfort but I would agree with someone above, the longer the flight the more it would be worth it.

you can sit cramped fine for a few hours - just getting somewhere, but those 15 -20 hour flights are a whole freaking DAY, the temptation would be much more intense for me. (fat ass, bad knees - do I need to say more?)

however that is all academic for me, too poor and too busy to fly anywhere in the near future.

whatever you do, have fun!

[TuxedoKat]

12. If you are going overseas

to Europe, Asia or Hawaii I would say go for it if you really want to have the experience. I used to work for various airlines so I got to fly first alot in those days. Going first class overseas was wonderful. They gave you champagne and caviar when you first boarded while waiting for takeoff, menus with a choice of three or four different 3 or 4 course meals (I still have some of the menus!), unlimited drinks, lots of pampering. Nowadays, domestically there is barely any service on flights so I wouldn't think first class is worth it. I doubt most domestic flights have meals anymore, unless it is in first class going somewhere over three or four hours. For the money, I'd probably tough it out in coach and spend the money on a really nice cruise somewhere or buy a round-the-world coach ticket. Those fares used to be fairly reasonable.

If you were going overseas, I've read/heard some of the foreign airlines (Swissair, Singapore Air, etc.,) have much better service. Probably because some of them are government owned/supported/regulated and don't have to compete as much as the American airline companies. I'm thinking some of their first class service may still be like it was 20 years ago on the US carriers. A little bit of research on the internet could probably tell you the best ones.

[rox63]

13. I got bumped up to 1st class once on an overbooked flight

It was lovely - Real food, adequate room, comfy seats. But I can't afford to pay for it.

[Baitball Blogger]

14. Nicest trip I ever had.

I always get picked for additional screening. If not me, then someone in my party. I was in a bad mood, but for some reason, our airline put us in first class. It was great! So much space and free drinks!

[pitohui]

49. it might be the other way round

there was a period there where if you got upgraded to first class then for some reason you also got upgraded for additional screening

i'm glad they got over that, because i'm pretty good at getting upgrades and the SSSI was getting pretty old..although yes i'll tolerate the bullshit for the upgrades but i wish they'd figure out that we've done this dance before and i'm STILL not a terrorist or a drug dealer

[Baitball Blogger]

56. I've been selected for additional screening at least eleven times out of the

last twenty times I've traveled. (coming and going counts as two) And if it's not me, then someone in my party makes it nearly 100%

I've only made it to First Class once. I hardly think this is part of a courtesy system. Could have been a slow day for the airlines.

[pitohui]

60. ok i get selected a lot also, but i'm v. frequently in first

so maybe the pattern i thought i was seeing was just an illusion

there was however a known bug where upgrades to first class were all triggering the secondary screening for awhile but it is fixed now

i think i just get searched/selected a lot because i travel solo a lot and also maybe because of my destinations

but who really knows

i just let that stuff roll off

[Baitball Blogger]

67. I get selected because I'm dark skinned.

[Taverner]

15. It's nice. Endless drinks, food, etc

If you do an overseas trip, your seat folds into a real bed

[MADem]

17. Yes--I have only paid for it once (and that was a flight from Japan to USA, years ago)

My work put me in business class when I travelled, and occasionally I would get moved up (no complaints, here).

It's nice--more room, certainly; great if you want to sleep, quieter, usually, nicer food and service--but it is pricey.

Check the business class rates, and if there's a substantial difference, go with that. You get the butt room, which is the most important thing!

[fizzgig]

18. i got bumped up to business class on a trans-atlantic flight 10 years ago

i was flying british airways from london to denver, coach was full and they bumped me up.

it was absolutely incredible. so much food, so much drinks, hot towels, nifty little kits with a toothbrush and slippers. it was the only time i've ever had foie gras.

i have to wonder what first class was like. i don't know that i'd pony up the money for anything less than three hours, though.

[Rambis]

19. Could have but my points expired two days later

I know points where a bonus but I would have loved to have been in 1st class during the 3 hour wait to take off.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

20. Once. I used my Airtran points to upgrade.

I have to say, it was pretty nice with the extra leg room and elbow room. Plus I like to sit by the window, and it was nice to get up to go to the bathroom and not feel like an ass having to disturb my seat mate by having to contort my body in front of him/her.

The only thing that sucked was I had a layover in Atlanta, and Airtran wouldn't let me use first class for both legs of the trip, just one. So it was a quick trip back to reality for me.

[MiddleFingerMom]

22. I could NEVER justify the expense. I would gladly suffer 1,2, 10 hrs of discomfort...

.
.
.
... and spend the $800-$2000 at my destination.
.
.
.
Free drinks?
.
.
.
Flew coach on Christmas Day once when drinks were free. Kept the flight attendant
running for more Bloody Marys and got to my folks' house here in Tucson SHITFACED!!!
.
When the Stagecoach dropped me off, I stumbled up the driveway shouting, 'MERRY
CHRISTMAS, BEDFORD FALLS!!!!".
.
MiddleFingerMomMom: Gee, MiddleFingerMomSon, you look exhausted. Why don't you
go take a half-hour nap before Christmas dinner?
.
.
.
That's the last they saw of me for about 12 hours.
.
.
.
Edit to add: Most of us wouldn't spend $800-2000 to luxuriate all day in a fantastic spa...
why would you spend that much for slightly more leg room and a meal that's only
half-crappy instead of completely crappy?

[GoneOffShore]

23. On Air France, Delta and USAirways

To and from France.

Got upgraded, never paid. Had a Y ticket.

Loved it. Air France was the best. USAirways only moderately better than coach.

[GoCubsGo]

24. A couple of times. Also Business Class.

The few times I flew First Class, I had been "bumped". I flew Business Class to Europe, which was almost like First, but the seats were a little narrower, although they were still plenty roomy and comfy. You also will likely get access to the "sky club", where you have a quiet lounge with free drinks and snacks, wi-fi, and showers. If you are flying long-distance, it's the way to go.

When I flew Business Class, it was a step down from First Class. I think some airlines may have merged them on overseas flights.

[bikebloke]

25. I would if I didn't have to pay for it.

Boarding a flight once, a bloke joked after walking through first class towards the back, "They pay extra just so they can die first."

[Graybeard]

26. Yes, when I was on "stand-by".

I was in the Army, based in Georgia and was going home on leave for Christmas. We GIs always flew stand-by, waiting for a flight that had an unclaimed seat available. There was always a group of us at the airport in Atlanta.

Sometimes we waited many hours and even into the next day. This particular time I had waited and was the last soldier left on the day before Christmas Eve. The airline folks called me up to the counter and told me that there would be no seats at all in Coach for a long time but they were going to break the rules and give me an empty seat.... in First-Class.

[MountainMama]

27. Before I die....

I want to fly first class and ride in a limousine.

[OriginalGeek]

31. As the best man for my son's wedding I got to ride in a limo

from the church to the reception - total of about a half hour ride as they took the scenic route.

However it was kinda sucky because my son is a cheap bastard and the only drinks in there were bottled water. Plus the whole wedding party was in there so it was cramped and the A/C was working hard to keep up.

The ride itself was smooth though so maybe I should try it again without all the goobers in there.


Hell, Goobers would have been a nice addition!

[pitohui]

48. then go ahead and do it

i'm the poorest person on DU and if i can do it you can do it

if you don't have the $$$ then apply for credit cards and build up the miles to pay for it with credit card bonuses

it's totally worth it, the only problem is, i really don't care to fly coach any more and so i have to keep applying for more credit cards to get the bonus...i'm canceling and applying for new credit cards as fast as i can type, ha ha

[Arugula Latte]

28. I've been upgraded twice.

Once when I was a teen -- I mostly remember the big, comfy seats.

Once recently on Hawaiian Air -- oh heaven on Earth. It was just unbelievable. The food was better than almost anything I've eaten in fine restaurants. We had our choice of several "tasting" plates of delicious morsels.They'll keep pouring you as much wine or guava juice whatever you'd like into your "real glass" glass. Warm, moist towels appear out of nowhere so you can refresh yourself.

It's great -- especially for a long flight. For something under three hours, though, I don't know if it would be worth the money.

[treestar]

29. A few times without even paying

I'd get moved into that seat or it would be the last seat they have. Hasn't happened in many years, though.

You get a lot more attention from the staff. And of course there is more room.

[Glorfindel]

30. For longer trips, always

It's well worth the money or the frequent flyer miles, or the American Express points. For example: I spent Christmas in New York City in 2010 (as I almost always do) and was on the last flight out of LaGuardia just as the blizzard was striking. We had to sit on the tarmac for an hour and a half while the wings were de-iced. If I had been in a middle seat in coach, I'd have experienced a panic attack or worse. I hope you get to experience it, my dear Bertha. You have, in my opinion, the coolest user name in DU.

[Bertha Venation]

42. You're sweet, Glorfindel

I'm not sure we'll make it onto first class on this trip. We're just going from DC to Ft. Lauderdale. We're trying to pay my sisters' way, from CA, too. So I guess I am just dreaming about first class. But given the responses here, I do hope I get to fly first class someday.

[stevenleser]

73. Not worth it for any duration below 4 hrs depending on how you get it

If you use the cheap upgrades, like the $30/$60/$90 upgrades after purchasing a coach ticket, that isnt so bad, but certainly do not buy a first class ticket for a flight that short or use frequent flier or credit card miles.

But it is definitely worth it if you go beyond 4 hrs.

[Flaxbee]

32. If you're just flying a short distance - say, Dulles to London or something (5 hours or so), save

the money for a nicer hotel, or some treats wherever you're going.

But I flew from Atlanta to Taipei coach, and man did it suck. (Coming back the plane was almost empty so I could stretch out).

As others have said, length of flight definitely determines whether or not it's worth it.

Where're you going? Can you tell?

[RebelOne]

33. Yes. On Air Atlanta in the '80s.

They were just introducing their airline flights. I flew from Miami to Atlanta, and the entire plane was first class. My ticket price was only $125 after a $75 rebate for the round-trip flight.

[Initech]

34. Yes - on United from Chicago to Detroit.

Only a 30 minute flight but hey still counts right?

[HopeHoops]

35. Only by accident. Coach was over-booked (color me shocked).

I did get free booze and some nice cream cheese sandwiches.

[MadrasT]

36. About a hundred times.

I'm a frequent flier and get upgraded automaticaly.

Big seats that are actually comfortable, lots of leg room, real food, free drinks, and cocktails before takeoff while you're waiting for the rest of the plane to board.

Love it to bits.

And they are super nice to you.

The difference is even more extreme on an overseas flight.

I am too cheap to buy first class tickets, but I love my comp upgrades when I get them.

I would pay for first class for a very special occasion though. (I have once or twice.)

Then there is the added bonus of the fast lane though security in many airports.

Ahhhh, I fly again Sunday, can't wait.

I just love to fly, period.

[trof]

38. Bastid! You're the reason I can't get into first class.

I'm a retired airline pilot.
Every time I fly on a pass I list for first class.
You frequent flyer pukes always get upgraded and I'll never see first class again.

[trof]

37. Yes, a lot. But many years ago.

I was an airline pilot (TWA) and got passes.
Here's a typical First Class service, coast-to-coast, or international.
Boeing 747 in the 70s and 80s.

You boarded first, Natch.
As soon as you took your seat a cabin attendant offered a glass of champagne or orange juice, your choice.
At your seat was an 'amenity kit'.
Usually a soft leather zipper bag with headset, sleep mask, slipper-socks, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, maybe a small electronic calculator.

As soon as the seat belt sign went off drink orders were taken All booze was free. And it was GOOD booze.
(the 'No Smoking' sign went off as soon as you were airborne. Light Up! )

Then the appetizers came out.
The choices were mind boggling.
Lobster bites, caviar, quiche, nuts, cheeses, various crackers, etc.

More drink orders.

Then...the main course.
Menus were handed out.
Big fancy menus like you'd see in a fine restaurant.
The choices were mind boggling.
(Did I already say that?)

Chateaubriand (my favorite!), Chicken Cordon Bleu, salmon, and on and on.
Sides of roasted potatoes, asparagus, French green beans, and so forth.

THEN! The dessert cart came around.
And the after dinner liqueurs.

Oh, I forgot the wine selection with dinner.
Finest kind.

Then the movie came on.
Oh, and there was audio entertainment throughout the flight, on your headphones.
Whatever kind of music you enjoyed, plus a comedy channel with popular stand-up comics, and a current news channel.

You could watch the movie or kick back and doze off.
Plenty of space, and you head wasn't in the lap of the guy behind you.

About an hour before descent (on international flights) you got BREAKFAST!
Omelets, French toast, Danishes, croissants.
And juice, coffee, how about a Bloody Mary?
Yeah!

When you reached the arrival gate, first class passengers were the first to 'de-board'.
The coach passengers stood like serfs while you filed past them.
Cabin attendants blocked their exit until all first class passengers had left.

So, naturally, you were the first through customs.
The unwashed came after you.

That's what it was like in the olden days.
Not quite the same now, I think.

Good luck, anyway.

[applegrove]

39. Never had the pleasure. I like the people better in coach.

[pitohui]

50. how do you know?

actually they're the same people, but the people in domestic first (we have now established she's flying IAD-FLL or something like that) are exactly the same as the people in coach, except they fly a lot for business, so they get the upgrades

nobody in domestic first pays for first, these are all working folk (or i guess in my case hustlers of some kind) who fly a lot and thus are shortlisted for upgrades

i've sat next to all kinds in domestic first, from regular good ole boys to high end escorts

they are people

yes, the very poor and the working class are not represented, but they are not represented at all, they're not in coach either

the person who thought everyone in first was wealthy except for herself was like me on my first time in first...i caught on REAL quick though...everybody there has imposter syndrome and is a real person if you just talk to them

[applegrove]

52. I grew up with the wealthy. My family was cool but I didn't like the rich highschoolers I knew, and

they didn't like me. I gave up on the wealthy a long time ago for many reasons. I'd prefer to talk to real people.

[pitohui]

61. that's my point, they are real people

they are not different from the folks in coach in any way, except that they fly more often so they get short listed for the upgrades

they're exactly the same people who say exactly the same thing and behave exactly the same way

wealthy people can get a fractional share on a jet these days, even if they're not exactly carlos slim or bill gates

everybody on the plane from the guy in the back row to the guy in seat 3B, is within a very narrow range of middle class, probably not even lower middle class just middle middle to lower upper middle...

you talk to these guys for a few minutes and it becomes clear they are not dripping diamonds

[Honeycombe8]

40. Yes. Once. It was an upgrade after flight cancelled.

So I didn't have to pay for it.

It actually made me feel uncomfortable. It was hoity toity. The flight attendants were overly nice and attentive. The other passengers were clearly wealthy, while I was not. I got extra cookies or something that coach class didn't get. And I felt guilty that I hadn't paid for the upgrade.

The only thing I liked about it was the space. More leg room, and more room to lean seat back.

So, for comfort, it was great. For hoity toity, unnecessary luxury stuff, I hated it. I felt like I was pretending to be something I'm not: wealthy.

[pitohui]

51. no they were faking it too -- wealthy people don't fly commercial

this makes me a little sad, because that's the way i was on my first flight in first and there's no reason for it

no, the people in domestic first are NOT wealthy, they are working people, who get a lot of miles in for their job, if they were wealthy, they'd be on a corporate jet

no reason to feel guilty that you didn't pay for the upgrade, on MOST domestic flights, NO ONE in the first class cabin has paid for the upgrade (ok, i'm speaking as a northwest and delta flyer and by the rules, northwest and now delta can NOT even sell upgrades unless EVERY frequent flyer has been upgraded first for free -- most of the time, NO ONE has paid for the upgrade

i'd say in less than 10% of domestic flights is there an opening where the gate agent can legally sell upgrades because all frequent flyers (who are owed free upgrades) and then all non-revs (employees) have been upgraded and there are still seats to sell...

wealthy people have private planes and jets, they do not fly commercial

what would happen if you just assumed that the person sitting next to you was also on an upgrade and you started chatting based on that? well, i'll tell you...i can't think of a time when that person next to me WASN'T also on an upgrade

[Honeycombe8]

53. Wealthy professionals, such as my bosses, fly 1st class, & pay for it.

They are truly wealthy. They are not Romney wealthy. Just wealthy. Most businesses and law firms and medical practices don't have corporate jets.

[pitohui]

62. they don't have to, they have fractional shares

maybe northwest/delta is the slum airline but these people i meet are not "truly" wealthy

they are working people

i know, alec baldwin tried to fly commercial, we all know how that turned out

but i can't say i've ever been seated next to some one who intimidated me by their wealth, although i am probably beyond a doubt the poorest person on the plane virtually every time

[Honeycombe8]

54. I could tell by their clothes and demeanor they were wealthy. nt

[MountainMama]

57. Reminds me....

one time my sister and I went into this shop, while my mom was in another. It was a bit upscale. We were poor and probably looked like it. The saleslady "kept her eye" on us and it wasn't the most comfortable shopping experience.

So, some time later, we were going someplace "more fancy," and I mentioned my unease to my mom. I'll never forget what she told me:

"You just go in there like you own the place. They're not better than you."

I'm not poor anymore (but not wealthy), but I'm still a country girl and still not comfortable in "more fancy" surroundings. However, I pick my head up and follow Mom's advice.

[kcass1954]

41. I went to Europe (twice) on my brother's frequent flyer miles, once in Raffles class,

which is equivalent to business class on Singapore Air. It's a good thing we used miles to pay for those tickets, because neither one of us has enough money to use dollars. The seats were just under $4600 each.

As soon as we boarded, the drinks were flowing. Dinner was fabulous - we had to go online two weeks prior to make our selections. It was an overnight flight, and we had seats that stretched out almost into a cot.

I will probably never be in a position to go to Europe again, so I'm glad that just once, we did it up fancy.

[jannyk]

43. Yes. On Air France

several times SFO-CDG. All on hubbies air miles, he used to fly all over the world for work and had millions of miles - all gone now. The champagne, slippers, fully reclining beds, white duvets and the designer pajamas you got to keep. And the food was out of this world - served whenever you wanted. Sigh.... This year it's steerage with the rest of the unwashed

Also, on Alaska Air. They had a deal for years where it was only a $25 upgrade if they had seats available. We used to go to Mexico on Alaska all the time because of this deal. Nothing like Air France though, just basically bigger seats and slightly better food.

[Major Nikon]

44. Free whiskey

That's all I remember.

[broiles]

45. I' ve been first and coach and first is better.

I think its worthwhile only on long flights, but the difference between first and business class is minimal. Chose business for more bang for your buck.

[Fridays Child]

46. My daughter and I flew business class from Rome to DC.

It's pretty close to first class. Compared to coach, the plane seats were like big comfy recliners (I think it was a Boeing 777).

We had filet mignon and Tuscan chicken wraps for dinner, and we were given socks, sleep masks, and other goodies. Also, we had access to the "VIP" waiting lounge in Rome. It was lots of fun, and I had an aching hip at the time that I don't think would have survived the long ride in coach. The upgrade was pricey but it was worth it.

[pitohui]

47. domestic or international? i'll give you a full report evilgrin :-)

i've flown first class many times and sometimes it's meh and sometimes it's a really nice experience

if you let us know whether you're flying domestic FC or international and on what airline we can give you much better advice

[Bertha Venation]

55. Domestic, DCA - FLL

I've pretty much ruled out going FC, though. Mrs. V. reminded me that we intend to pay for my sisters' room, too, so it's best to hang onto every penny. Unless you know some tricks for getting free upgrades. You sound quite knowledgeable.

[pitohui]

63. well i have two ways for getting free upgrades/tickets

the first way is that i just fly a lot and by my airlines rules if you fly a certain amount of miles in a year they put you on the upgrade list, so it kind of grows on itself -- i flew a lot one year some years ago and then got status, so then i got lots of first class upgrades which encouraged me to take more trips so i kept getting the miles i needed each year and ... but this is not a helpful method if you are just taking one short trip

the other method is to figure out which airline you would like to fly and apply for credit cards that give bonuses, even though we don't have much money, we have great credit because we are just real anal about book-keeping, paperwork, keeping on track of stuff like that...so we apply for credit cards and get bonus "miles" given to us for signing up, we've had many trips just off that

the credit card method is the best way for people who don't fly a lot to get cheap free class tickets, they are not really free, you still have to pay the taxes, but they are trivial,
for a domestic flight, we've had tickets where we paid in miles and the taxes were as little as $5...

so if you have enough time before the trip, find out what credit card works with your airline and both of you sign up, one example is delta, they have amex, you can both get amex bonuses ranging from 30K apiece and on up depending on the card you choose, for american airlines, the place to start is citibank has lots of AA miles bonuses

even if you don't have enough time to get all the miles you need this year, maybe you can work on it for next year's vacation

[DFW]

58. Depends on the route and the airline

If it's a domestic flight, don't bother unless it's something like east coast to Hawaii or Anchorage to Miami. Most American carriers just don't bother to make it special any more, although I've never tried Hawaiian or Virgin America.

If it's overseas on a good foreign carrier, try any trick in the book to get a seat at a reasonable fare. Many airlines have reduced "negotiated fares" for overseas business class trips, which are cheaper than the published fares. They HATE it when travel agents find them for their customers, but if your travel dates are so firm they are carved in stone, then you can sometimes get a great deal if you book far in advance.

I'm platinum for life on Air France, but their miles program sucks. Any time you want to cash the miles in, unless it's Paris to Bulgaria on off-peak hours, they never have space. And just forGET finding a seat on Delta with Air France miles. Their "Sky Team" may exist on paper, but Delta wants nothing to do with Air France miles. Maybe you can find a seat on the Macon to Providence night flight that stops in Chattanooga and Scranton if you book far enough in advance. Maybe.

I haven't flown first class in years. I got an upgrade from Paris to L.A. in 2005. That was the last time on a major route. It was comfortable as could be, and the food was, well, good French food! Way back in the 1980s, when the dollar was stupidly high, I was allowed to take Swissair in First class from Germany to Boston, changing in Zürich. Now THAT was class. Better service and food than anything I'd ever had, including the Concorde.

I've heard that some of the new airlines, especially Etihad and Emirates, have amazing first class service, and I might be tempted to splurge on that if I ever go to Australia. the cost is scary though, and I might chicken out and just go Air France and upgrade.

I did recently go British Airways in Business from London to Dallas and from Chicago to London, and the service was quite adequate. The British Airways business class lounge in Chicago has never-ending food, and is just fabulous--way better than the one in London! Delta eliminated first class on at least some overseas routes, as did Holland's KLM. Delta's Düsseldorf to Atlanta flight, which I used to take when heading to anywhere in the South, only had business class. It was crummy five years ago, is much better now. But when Delta pulled its advertising from the Daily Show, I pulled Delta from my schedule. That is not an easy thing to do if you fly in the South, but I have managed to avoid them so far ever since, and American is still king in Dallas, not that their service is any better than Delta's.

Short version: DON'T waste your money on a domestic first class ticket, and unless it's to Australia or Thailand or someplace FAR away, where sitting like a sardine for 15 hours will cripple you for life, the most I would go for overseas is business class with an overseas airline that still remembers that it's good business sense to show people who spend money on them a good time. If it's for vacation not too far away, save your money and spend it on a fabulous hotel. Keep this in mind: you'll be spending a LOT more time in that hotel than you will in the airplane.

[kimi]

59. Tokyo to Honolulu business class on military orders on JAL

Yeah, go figure. Military PCS orders, no less, for me, the ex, & 4 kids. Man, were WE spoiled! HUGE seats, private TVs, fantastic meals (with jellyfish, which we all love) - all the perks. Then, from Honolulu to San Diego - coach. What a frickin let-down. The kids were furious, & I wasn't too happy myself.

Then on a flight mix-up from Phoenix to MCI last year I got upgraded to first class - niiiice!! Free drinks, cookies, nice meal, etc. Wouldn't be worth the extra $s though, really. On a trans-ocean flight, perhaps - but I've flown Virgin Atlantic Dulles to London where the seats were half empty & it was almost like flying 1st class, really, also Rome to Dulles, Canada Air, same thing - so it's all a matter of timing & figuring out seating. SeatGuru really is a good site - check it out, check out your flight, & have fun - most important thing!! Cheers!!

[RFKHumphreyObama]

64. Yes

I've come late to this thread but I'll just reiterate the point that everybody else has made. There is a gulf of difference between domestic first class in the United States and international first class travel.

I traveled first class in the USA from Washington DC to Minneapolis. It was great -the seats were spacious, we got the extra drinks, treats and attention. I'd like to do it again at some point

I've traveled first class between European cities (i.e. Copenhagen to London and so on). Increasingly, these days, these types of trips are becoming more like domestic US flights -i.e. first class has the extra space and drinks and the like and is great but it is not on the scale of long distance first class between continents. Still, I got access to the business lounges in Stockholm and Copenhagen and those were wonderful -lots of comfortable chairs, a good variety of food and beverage and easy Wi-fi access among other things. And of course priority check-in and the like. It costs about the same

Never actually traveled first class long distance (not that rich!) but a crowded flight and a late arrival at the airport caused me to be upgraded to business class on a Lufthansa flight to Singapore to Frankfurt (an approximate 13-hr flight). I could be wrong but I had the distinct impression that business class and first class were very similar on my flight. Regardless of that, it was an out of this world experience. We got served pre-departure drinks, gourmet food, had comfortable and spacious seats, extra treats, a wide selection of television, music and movie channels, seats reclined almost like beds, vibrated, massaged and of course the special attention. The best 13 hours of my life -it flew by too quickly!

[hobbit709]

65. No, but I've flown cargo class on a C-130 and a C-47.

[Major Nikon]

68. Me 2

As well as a C-5, a C-141, and an AN-2.

[blueamy66]

66. Do It!

I grew up as an AA kid and flew FC on every flight.

It is def worth it!

[pink-o]

69. I work for the airlines. There is s HUGE dif btwn coach and first!

I don't get up there very often, cuz we lowly employee travelers (known as "non-rev's" for no revenue. Priorities.). Are dead last for consideration. The few times I have been upgraded live on in my happy memories. Once was to Paris on Air France...and let me tell ya, I thought I was the foie gras goose, the way they kept stuffing food down my gullet. Chocolate bon bons and Cabernet to wash it all down. Then Virgin put me in Premium Economy which is like business class. That was a pretty nice ride too.

One time I'd love to fly 1st on an airline like Singapore, which has gotta be like spending the day in a luxurious spa! But bottom line is: if the flight is longer than 5 hours and the upgrade doesn't break the bank, I say go for it!

[brooklynite]

70. I've flown Business Class, First Class & Concorde...

...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.

[era veteran]

71. Yes, Bumped up/ Air France 747 out of De Gaulle to Kennedy

A weird experience, I was bumped off the flight but the A.F. clerk had overheard me tell someone my Mother was sick, and I have a very French name. I was in the Army and had not been to the States for a while. Luxurious, and a treat for me. December 29th 1975, connected at LaGuardia to fly south, ran into a guy from my Kentucky hometown at the TWA terminal, had drinks, very a.m., and flew out. Later that day the terminal exploded close to where we were sitting. Still unsolved, eleven dead, 74 injured was the final toll.
As I said, weird.
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Lagurdia+bombing&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

[dana_b]

72. Do it! I was a flight attendant

and got to do it many times (as well as work in first class). I actually think that first class is nicer today than when I was flying (late 80s to 90s). The chairs that lie flat, the electronic amenities, not to mention real food. Do it on a longer flight such as cross country or international. You feel so much better and refreshed when you get to your destination as opposed to flying in coach.