first class vs. economy

[DreamLiveLoveDisney]

Because of DH's frequent flier miles/status, DS5 and I will be flying first class to MCO.
I don't fly much at all (it gives me serious anxiety, and if not for Disney, I wouldn't fly EVER) and I have never flown first class.
Can anyone tell me the differences between First class and economy? I know the seats are bigger and comfier, but what are any other perks?
We're flying US Airways, if that matters at all.

 

[kim532]

I have never got to fly first class. SO exciting for you! I have no info for you I just wanted to say I am jealous.

Kim

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Domestic first class depends a lot on distance. If you have a layover, I doubt any of your flights will exceed the in flight time required for a meal on US Airways (over 3.5 hours).

Here's a list of the inflight services offered for Domestic First Class:

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/intheair/envoyfirst/firstclass.html

Also, first class does tend to be quieter then coach in the sense that there are usually less kids and there are less people. You usually will have a dedicated flight attendant for First Class as well.

If you know the plane type you're flying on (already booked tickets), you can check out the configuration on Seat Guru as well.

 

[DreamLiveLoveDisney]

I have never got to fly first class. SO exciting for you! I have no info for you I just wanted to say I am jealous.

Kim

Thanks!! I really hate flying, but this is making it a bit more appealing.

Domestic first class depends a lot on distance. If you have a layover, I doubt any of your flights will exceed the in flight time required for a meal on US Airways (over 3.5 hours).

Here's a list of the inflight services offered for Domestic First Class:

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/intheair/envoyfirst/firstclass.html

Also, first class does tend to be quieter then coach in the sense that there are usually less kids and there are less people. You usually will have a dedicated flight attendant for First Class as well.

If you know the plane type you're flying on (already booked tickets), you can check out the configuration on Seat Guru as well.

I do have a layover, and I won't be having any meals.
I have also checked out my seats already.

Since kids don't usually fly first class, are people going to have an issue with DS5 being there?

 

[Jestocost]

Not yet mentioned, you will board first (and be able to get off of the plane faster). Checked bags are free, although that's typically true with FF status anyway. You can get a free cocktail or two. You may get warm nuts or a warm towel, or something.

 

[dis-happy]

When flying first on USAir you sometimes get offered a drink before the flight takes off. I usually just ask for a bottle of water when I board---it's nice not to have to wait for it later. If it's winter and you have a heavy coat they'll offer to hang it up in the closet. Enjoy your flight!

When checking in at the airport (and dropping off bags) you can go to the first class/preferred line for faster service.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Since kids don't usually fly first class, are people going to have an issue with DS5 being there?

My nephew (4) has flown First Class a quite a few times and no one really blinks an eye; although if you ask some Frequent Flyers who are hoping for a status upgrade and are denied because of a 4 year old in First Class, they may say otherwise (despite the paid ticket). We've had great service in First Class with my nephew too, the flight attendants tend to give him a lot of attention because he's too cute!

 

[deegack]

If there is a first class lounge at your airport, use it for your waiting. Usually there are nicer bathrooms, and free beverages/snacks.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

If there is a first class lounge at your airport, use it for your waiting. Usually there are nicer bathrooms, and free beverages/snacks.

If you're status allows or you have a AMEX Platinum, yes, but domestic first class doesn't qualify for use of airport lounges.

 

[SanFranciscan]

I guess the seats with more legroom would be nice for someone like myself, who is 5"10". I can also understand why people who are rather stout might want that extra width in their seats. I don't see the appeal of boarding first though, especially since you have a child traveling with you. Perhaps the less time that someone five years old spends in a confined space the better.

I was on four flights on my trip to WDW last month due to layovers. I noticed that the people on the airplane first got knocked around a lot by passengers boarding later and by luggage. I am thinking that it might be best to fill the airplane from back to front to cut down on the amount of bumping.

 

[dis-happy]

I guess the seats with more legroom would be nice for someone like myself, who is 5"10". I can also understand why people who are rather stout might want that extra width in their seats. I don't see the appeal of boarding first though, especially since you have a child traveling with you. Perhaps the less time that someone five years old spends in a confined space the better.

I was on four flights on my trip to WDW last month due to layovers. I noticed that the people on the airplane first got knocked around a lot by passengers boarding later and by luggage. I am thinking that it might be best to fill the airplane from back to front to cut down on the amount of bumping.

If you don't board first and you have a carry on bag to stow overhead, you're very likely to lose that space.

 

[DebbieB]

Not yet mentioned, you will board first (and be able to get off of the plane faster). Checked bags are free, although that's typically true with FF status anyway. You can get a free cocktail or two. You may get warm nuts or a warm towel, or something.

I've flown US in first class, either award tickets or upgrades. They do not serve warm nuts, just a selection of snacks in a basket (peanuts, pretzels, chips, maybe a chocolate bar). Warm towel is only with full meal service and sometimes not even then. The best part of it is you get a larger seat. I don't think their leg room is that great for first class, if the person in front of you reclines, you don't have alot of room. Free drinks, incl alcohol. No entertainment on US domestic (except Hawaii). Some planes have wifi for a fee.

 

[prncess674]

US Air domestic F is pretty lame. You get a slightly larger seat with slightly better legroom. You get a snack from a basket and free drinks. US doesn't even serve F beverages in real glassware which I think is very tacky. As others have stated a domestic F class ticket does not allow you lounge access.

Here is what a typical US Air domestic F cabin looks like.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/USAir/Boeing-757-2.../0048605/&sid=ed76146c52e126bfcfaebca8ea1c7dd8

 

[MAH4546]

Just don't expect too much more than a bigger seat. U.S. carriers have lost touch of providing first class service on shorter flights, other than American Airlines and the now-former Continental.

On American Airlines, a two hour flight in First during dinner time gets you this:

On US Airways, the equivalent flight will get you this:

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have flown first class many times domestically (due to free upgrades, I wouldn't pay), and there is no comparison at all between domestic and international first class, which is a whole different product.

You will get a larger seat and more legroom (although on some planes, not that much more). You usually, not always, get a drink, often only water or oj, before take-off. On a longer flight, you may get a meal while economy does not; more likely you'll get a snack box. You also will get free alcoholic drinks. In the past few years, I have only gotten warm nuts on international, not domestic flights.

In the future, one thread on a topic is enough:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2571127

On US Airways, the equivalent flight will get you this:
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...9/SDC10890.jpg

LOL!

 

[DreamLiveLoveDisney]

In the future, one thread on a topic is enough:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2571127

Since it really wasn't the same topic, I figured it was worthy of it's own thread.
This thread was asking about the differences between first class and economy.
The other one is asking people's opinions on children in first class.

Thanks for all of the great responses!!

 

[DreamLiveLoveDisney]

Just don't expect too much more than a bigger seat. U.S. carriers have lost touch of providing first class service on shorter flights, other than American Airlines and the now-former Continental.

On American Airlines, a two hour flight in First during dinner time gets you this:

On US Airways, the equivalent flight will get you this:

Well clearly I'm flying on the wrong airline!! Great pictures!

 

[MAH4546]

In the past few years, I have only gotten warm nuts on international, not domestic flights.

I don't know about other airlines, but American Airlines serves their warm nuts in First on all flights, no matter how short.

 

[Tasmen]

I don't know about other airlines, but American Airlines serves their warm nuts in First on all flights, no matter how short.

You beat me to saying that. I personally love AA first class.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I don't know about other airlines, but American Airlines serves their warm nuts in First on all flights, no matter how short.
MAH4546 is offline Report Post

You are right. I haven't flown AA in several years, but do remember getting nuts in the first class cabin on a flight from Anchorage to Boston.