"First Class" Questions....

[kristenrice]

I am a "budget" flyer who only flies once per year, generally on SWA. I have flight anxiety which stems from claustrophobia more than actually flying but I do OK since I always get an aisle seat near the front and I have friends/family with me. This year, for the first time in my life, I will be flying ALONE! My friend has an out-of-state wedding to attend right before our trip is scheduled to begin so she will be flying out of PHL to get to Orlando. That means I get to put on my big girl britches and do this by myself. (She suggested that I fly to PHL and meet her there...she knows how bad it is) I've decided that I am going to make myself feel as comfortable as possible and fly "first class". Since it's from GRR, the options are Delta, AA and United. None of those are going to be non-stop and this will only be one-way since we are flying home together on SWA.

Since I have never flown "first class" before (and I realize that with a 2.5 hour flight, none of these options will provide a true "first class" experience), I would appreciate any insight on which ones I should consider, or avoid. Some of the concerns I have are the connections. United has connections at ORD that are between 35 and 55 minutes and I think that is simply too short. AA has connections in CLT that are also in the 35 minute range. I mean, it will be just me and since I can check 2 bags, I will probably only be carrying my purse so I won't be hauling any luggage, but still...I am not a runner! Is there any benefit to first class that would make these short layovers possible? Do you get on/off the plane quicker? Is your checked baggage expedited to the next plane? I usually do not pick a flight that has less than an hour connection time, especially at airports that I am not familiar with....which is almost all of them since I fly once a year. I know...um...DTW and MDW and I've been to BWI twice....that's it.

I'm hoping to pay around $500, but prices right now are hovering around $600. I don't think the other airlines offer credits/refunds for price drops like SW does so I'm assuming I will have to wait a bit to book. Is there a "best" time to book FC seats? Do they take longer to fill up or do they book up quicker than the "budget" seats? I had considered the "mid-level" seats, like Comfort+ on Delta, but the main reason I am shying away from it is, due to the claustrophobia, I prefer the 2x2 configuration of FC (or the 1x2 on those dang CRJ's which are AWFUL!) so that I can minimize the number of people in my immediate vicinity. I can handle SW when I fly with my friend/family because we sit across the aisle from each other and I keep my attention turned away from my row-mates. It would be awkward to do that if travelling alone.

 

[EACarlson]

AA should also have connections at CLT in the 90 minute range. They fly CLT-MCO about every hour. Can you fly GRR-ATL on Delta? Delta really does fly ATL-MCO every hour, but you're going to miss out on the mainline FC experience flying in a 717.
Delta offers credits for price drops, but you have to use it within a year of your original booking.
I've done FC ORD-MCO on United and MCO-DTW on Delta. I think I preferred United but just barely. I also did ATW-MSP on an E175 in FC and definitely wouldn't pay for that.
Prices fluctuate with no idea what they are going to do. If the seats aren't selling well, the price will come down, if they are selling well, they are only going to go up. When you are flying makes a difference as well as where. Since it's MCO, it's probably not going to be cheap, that said I flew RT FC last week for only an extra $80 over Main Cabin. Are you willing to drive from GRR to either ORD or DTW? From ORD you can fly United or American non-stop and from DTW you can fly Delta. ORD would have some competition so you may end up getting a better price there.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Domestic first class is better than coach, but unless you are on a long haul plane (think NY to SFO) it isn’t that nice. Yes, you get off the plane sooner, you board in group 1 (or the equivalent, after a bunch of pre-boarders) and your bags will be tagged as “priority” but so are about a third of the other bags on the plane due to status, etc.

Unless you can get a good deal, it probably isn’t worth it for a sub-4 hour flight. Spring for extra legroom and sit in the bulkhead or emergency exit row, and treat yourself to something nice when you arrive.

Also I wouldn’t chance anything less than an hour connection or you may find yourself flying in a middle seat standby because you missed your second flight.

 

[TinkAgainU]

Personally, nonstop is always a win. There are variables with connections that outweigh a Southwest flight. If you do decide on SWA pay for Early Boarding as soon as possible as they may assign #s based on when you buy the EB.

 

[sam_gordon]

Speaking just for Delta since that's what I have some FC experience with...

1) You'd be among the first to board (after the preboards). Doesn't really help with a connecting flight though.
2) Seats are wider. It might be a 1x2 situation depending on the size of the plane.
3) Pre-takeoff drinks, including alcohol (if that's your thing)
4) First group off the plane (this helps with the connecting flight)

I agree with others that while it's nice, it's not really "worth it" IMO for shorter flights. C+ seats are a better deal, and it would probably be even better financially if you pick exit row seats (even if you have to pay for them) if you can fulfill the requirements.

I would not chance a 35 minute layover in CLT. I *WOULD* chance a 35 minute layover in ATL, but would look and see if there was a longer layover available (in either city).

 

[EACarlson]

Speaking just for Delta since that's what I have some FC experience with...

3) Pre-takeoff drinks, including alcohol (if that's your thing)

Sometimes you get the Pre-Departure Beverage. I did not get one MCO-DTW on Monday, I did on the way down, but not on the way home.

 

[sam_gordon]

Sometimes you get the Pre-Departure Beverage. I did not get one MCO-DTW on Monday, I did on the way down, but not on the way home.

I don't get to fly it often, but I think 9/10 times I've gotten one. Even when I didn't, there was a mini bottle of water at the seat when we boarded.

 

[Mommb]

First class passengers deplane first, so that would help with a short connection. They are able to board first, but if you are not yet at the gate when boarding starts, you can board anytime without significantly inconveniencing other passengers, since your seat will be near the front of the plane.

I would choose an aisle seat, so you will not need to ask anyone to move as you take your seat. You can then talk to the flight attendants instead of your seatmate, if you prefer. First class will have a lower passenger to crew ratio so you will see the flight attendants more than in coach.

If you are nervous about flying, I would not choose an exit row seat. Not only are they farther back, but you need to verbally agree to assist in the event of an emergency. It is very, very unlikely that you would be required to assist, but if you are stressed anyhow, thinking about that could stress you more.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Is it possible for you to drive to DTW so you can have a direct to MCO?

 

[Dug720]

AA should also have connections at CLT in the 90 minute range.

My question is how do you book those without calling? When I look on the web for flights, they seem to only show the short layovers and I can't figure out how to be like "I want this first flight and this later one to connect".

 

[Miffy]

OP -- I think you are adding extra anxiety--and time--as well as overcomplicating your trip by eliminating the possibility of flying nonstop.

 

[kristenrice]

First class passengers deplane first, so that would help with a short connection. They are able to board first, but if you are not yet at the gate when boarding starts, you can board anytime without significantly inconveniencing other passengers, since your seat will be near the front of the plane.

I would choose an aisle seat, so you will not need to ask anyone to move as you take your seat. You can then talk to the flight attendants instead of your seatmate, if you prefer. First class will have a lower passenger to crew ratio so you will see the flight attendants more than in coach.

If you are nervous about flying, I would not choose an exit row seat. Not only are they farther back, but you need to verbally agree to assist in the event of an emergency. It is very, very unlikely that you would be required to assist, but if you are stressed anyhow, thinking about that could stress you more.

I've been a paramedic for almost 27 years (and counting) so I thrive on emergencies! The "claustrophobia" stems from my brain taking over and telling me that I "can't get out" once we are airborne. I do a pretty good job of controlling it (xanax, a few cocktails, a video, etc) so I have good coping mechanisms. I just know my weaknesses and want to be prepared.

Is it possible for you to drive to DTW so you can have a direct to MCO?

I would, but it's a 2.5 hour drive and we are flying home to GRR so I'd either have to have someone drop me off (not likely) or I'd have to do a one-way rental car which is running almost $100 right now. The price difference between a non-stop from DTW and a flight from GRR that connects in DTW (on Delta) is only about $30 more so it seems silly to spend the extra time and money just to avoid a 30-minute flight. But, yes, I definitely considered it.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Honestly, I think first class is a waste of money on short distance flights. I flew from NYC to Miami first class once courtesy of points. The only worthwhile benefit I noted was getting on and off the plane first.

 

[jimmymc]

Definitely do not get a 35 minute connection in CLT or ORD. Both of those airports are notorious for missed connections. Flying first class and earlier in the day, I would probably risk 55 minutes in ORD. It's a large enough airport that they probably have more flights to Orlando the same day. Anyone with a shorter connection will have their checked bags expedited, but being first class means you might get them earlier in Orlando. The big advantage is you will be off the plane first at your connection, meaning you'll probably have more than 45 minutes to walk from gate to gate.

I would also check prices out of Lansing. They also offer connections in Chicago and are sometimes unusually cheap. First class to Orlando doesn't usually fill up, but the connecting flight might.

 

[kristenrice]

Speaking just for Delta since that's what I have some FC experience with...

1) You'd be among the first to board (after the preboards). Doesn't really help with a connecting flight though.
2) Seats are wider. It might be a 1x2 situation depending on the size of the plane. *The "1" would be perfect!
3) Pre-takeoff drinks, including alcohol (if that's your thing) *Definitely my thing!*
4) First group off the plane (this helps with the connecting flight)

I agree with others that while it's nice, it's not really "worth it" IMO for shorter flights. C+ seats are a better deal, and it would probably be even better financially if you pick exit row seats (even if you have to pay for them) if you can fulfill the requirements.

I would not chance a 35 minute layover in CLT. I *WOULD* chance a 35 minute layover in ATL, but would look and see if there was a longer layover available (in either city).

I'm familiar with the Delta terminal at DTW (but more the international side due to CDC stuff my company did there during COVID), but how spread out is the domestic side? I remember a tram running the length of the terminal so I feel like there could be quite a distance between gates. Is a 35-minute layover doable at DTW on Delta?

 

[jimmymc]

OP -- I think you are adding extra anxiety--and time--as well as overcomplicating your trip by eliminating the possibility of flying nonstop.

I don't think Grand Rapids has nonstop flights to Orlando.

Edit: looks like southwest, Frontier, and Allegiant do on certain days. @kristenrice If it's available on your travel day and you want to make things less stressful, I recommend booking Business Select on Southwest. You get first choice of seats and can fly direct.

 

[EACarlson]

My question is how do you book those without calling? When I look on the web for flights, they seem to only show the short layovers and I can't figure out how to be like "I want this first flight and this later one to connect".

For me, I just have to scroll further down to see them. I don't like that AA doesn't allow you to filter by connecting airports. My local airport has one flight a day to CLT, I can see connections of 55 minutes, 2 hours or 3 hours.

I'm familiar with the Delta terminal at DTW (but more the international side due to CDC stuff my company did there during COVID), but how spread out is the domestic side? I remember a tram running the length of the terminal so I feel like there could be quite a distance between gates. Is a 35-minute layover doable at DTW on Delta?

It is, infinitely more doable than 35 minutes at ORD. And I've done and made both. RJs will come in out at C, then you will have to walk through the tunnel to A, where in A your MCO flight leaves from is going to be the unknown. But I was shocked at how small the DTW airport actually is. Ground transit time there is nothing like it is at ATL. ORD, CLT or even MSP.

 

[Dug720]

For me, I just have to scroll further down to see them. I don't like that AA doesn't allow you to filter by connecting airports. My local airport has one flight a day to CLT, I can see connections of 55 minutes, 2 hours or 3 hours.

Thank you!

 

[sam_gordon]

I'm familiar with the Delta terminal at DTW (but more the international side due to CDC stuff my company did there during COVID), but how spread out is the domestic side? I remember a tram running the length of the terminal so I feel like there could be quite a distance between gates. Is a 35-minute layover doable at DTW on Delta?

Delta used Terminal A for the larger planes and B/C for the smaller (in general). Doesn't matter if it's international or domestic.

I like DTW, but terminal A is LONG.

 

[elvispursley]

Given that they’re now barring flights 40-45 min prior to departure, I would absolutely not risk a less than 60”connecting flight. You may board your first flight on time but there could be unseen delays that cause you to miss your. You might also risk your checked luggage missing such a tight connection.

Agree with others that 1st class isn’t worth it in shorter flights. Why not sit in economy plus right behind first?