Flying high in style

Many passengers try to overcome the discomfort of flying economy class by opting to upgrade to either business or first class, especially on a long-haul flight. But while they expect the quantum leap in price between economy and business, most are shocked at the difference in cost between business and first. So what do you get in first and is it really worth it?

Today the lay-flat seat is a standard in business class too, so chances are you’ll get a decent sleep regardless of which you choose. Business class passengers also enjoy priority check-in, use of a lounge and a decent menu.

On the other hand, first class guarantees the very best of service and being one of only eight passengers as opposed to rubbing shoulders with 60-odd fellow business class travellers.

And of course, the first class passenger who’s laid out $10,000 or more to be one of the special few is inevitably going to feel a little snubbed on discovering that the special airport lounge caters to both first and business passengers, a common occurrence in Asia.

Even worse is shelling out for a first class ticket to Bangkok from LA on, say, JAL and finding out there is no first class service from Narita to Bangkok. Be wise to the fact that most Asian airlines and European carries don’t offer first class on short to mid haul flights, so always check out the connections before you book.

Also look at the aircraft. If you are flying on a plane with a smaller business class cabin or a Boeing 747 with the upstairs business class, going first will probably be a waste of money.

Airlines like British Airways offer little in the way of gourmet food in first class, making it an easy choice to opt for their business class product. Many Asian airlines still offer a caviar service but the quantity if not the quality has diminished. Long gone are days of flying Air India from London to New York at a discounted price while enjoying an abundance of Dom Perignion and copious amounts of caviar. Today every bottle of booze is accounted for, so don’t expect to leave the plane with a souvenir.

The Middle Eastern and Asian airlines generally don’t scrimp on service and food and if you are flying European, then opt for Lufthansa and Air France. Lufthansa even offers a car service to the first class terminal and straight to the plane.

And then there’s the amenity kits. These range from fantastic, such as Singapore Airline’s first class Ferragmo kit to surprisingly bland with Cathay Pacific’s Bally kit.

And before booking, give consideration to travelling one way first and one way business. After all, if you are going to do nothing but sleep, why bother with the extra cash? 

 

TV chef Daniel Green writes a regular column for Sunday Leisure.