Flying First Class - First Time

[donnajz]

A dear friend was kind enough to get DD14 and myself free First Class tickets on USAir using her frequent flyer miles. We'll have a 7:30 a.m. flight to Disney and a 5:30 p.m. flight on the way back. Since I've never flown First Class before, can anyone tell me what to expect. DD14 and I always eat a quick breakfast at the airport. What do you get when you fly First Class, other than a larger seat in the front of the plane.

 

[Mousema]

On Air Tran business class (same as others First Class), you get free beverages and snacks (crackers, chips, pretzels). I haven't flown any other first class in 6 years and I'm sure it's changed since airlines have been cutting back.

 

[MrsNick]

Wow, I've never flown first class, but just want to say I'm thrilled for you! How nice of your friend to use her FF miles for you I hope you have a great experience.

 

[Donald is #1]

How long is your flight? I haven't flown first class in years, but I think that they probably serve a meal in first class.

 

[bavaria]

Even on flights under two hours, United serves some form of meal. Go to USAirways website and look up in flight services.

What type of aircraft? Just a word of warning that domestic first class is not always very special. On a 737, for instance, the seats are slightly wider, and there may be a little more legroom, but not much special.

On United, meals may include: beverages before take off; hot nuts; Asian chicken salad; Trader Vics meals on Hawaii flights; ice cream sundaes with hot fudge sauce

For a true first class experience, the aircraft usually needs to be a 767 or larger. International first class is a considerable difference, with lie flat beds on long haul routes, amenity kits, eye shades, personal entertainment, often massage seats, and even sleeping kits with pyjamas.

A typical first class long haul flight on Lufthansa meal service may be something like: preflight beverage; appetizer and aperatif; entree; dessert and coffee/tea service; midflight snack; breakfast with hot and cold choices. The main meal includes bread and hot buns offered up from a basket. Meals are produced under the direction of renowned chefs. Coffee service includes Lindt chocolates.

The amenity kit includes earplugs, eye shades, and some form of higher end toiletries. There is usually a 'surprise' gift waiting at each seat ie during World Cup we received each some form of collectable soccer themed items.

On landing, one can use the showers in the arrivals lounge.

I fly first a lot with miles or paid, and just want to give you the heads up as you may be envisioning international first class, and don't want you to be disappointed..... you will most likely also have access to the lounge before departure, so that is something to consider. But lounges vary widely as to services offered

If you can list the type of aircraft, I can try and describe it for you.

 

[safetymom]

On US Airways first class usually means you get a pre departure drink or a bottle of water in your seat as you board. If it is under 3 hours they will bring around the snack basket. A few flights if it is around meal time will give you a meal if it is a longer flight.

Really on US Airways it means a larger seat, no china or glass, you get to look at all the pen marks on the back of the seat, the sticky tray tables.

It's better than coach but I don't consider it a real first class like it used to be.

I am a preferred freq. flyer on US Airways and have been up front quite a bit. I got tired of the rundown planes and switched to Delta. Their first class is much better. If you don't believe me check out www.flyertalk.com Go to miles and points, airline forums and then US Airways.

I like it because I can get off the plane faster.

 

[justplaingoofy]

awesome love 1st class

Its like on Seinfeld.... "more everything!!!"

 

[dis-happy]

Not sure what city you are leaving from, but you should have access to a special check-in line for first class. Make use of it, it can save you some time.

At some of the hub airports (Charlotte is one) you can also get a front of the line bypass for security.

Other than that, pre-boarding, bottles of water at your seat, pillow and blanket, free alcohol, offer to store your coat in the coat closet, some food depending on length of flight. If you check your luggage oftentimes it will come onto the carousel first.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

What type of aircraft? Just a word of warning that domestic first class is not always very special. On a 737, for instance, the seats are slightly wider, and there may be a little more legroom, but not much special.

Sadly, bavaria is 100% correct. Domestic first class is not worth the money, at least if you are paying for your own ticket. On short flights, you do not get a meal, although you do usually get at least some warm nuts and wine!

On international flights, it can be very, very nice, depending on the airline and plane type. The best first class flight I ever had was on SAS from Boston to Stockholm. Huge sleeper seats, individual entertainment systems, delicious food, and even a snack and espresso bar in the back of the cabin.

 

[bavaria]

First Class cabins are available on most flights within the United States, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean.

When you fly First Class with US, you’ll enjoy:

• Dedicated check-in counters at the airport
• Priority baggage handling and boarding
• Wider, more comfortable seats
• Generous legroom
• A quiet environment to work, relax or rest
• Complimentary audio and video entertainment options on flights over three hours
• Appetizing menu choices and premium wine, beer and liquor selection

First Class customers enjoy complimentary meals on domestic and Caribbean flights longer than 3.5 hours in length, departing between 6 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Doesn't sound like you will see a meal, OP.

Assuming that you will be on an A319/320 or 737 for that 2 hour flight, seat pitch 37 inches and width 20-21 inches.

To compare, United seat pitch on those flights in First is 38 inches, and in Economy plus 35 inches.

 

[bavaria]

I am a preferred freq. flyer on US Airways and have been up front quite a bit. I got tired of the rundown planes and switched to Delta. Their first class is much better. If you don't believe me check out www.flyertalk.com Go to miles and points, airline forums and then US Airways.

UGH. Safetymom, I wandered over to the US Airways forum on flyertalk from my usual United/Lufthansa and am now NOT looking forward to my upcoming US Airways flights.

Looks like predeparture drinks are also pretty hit and miss, OP....

 

[donnajz]

Even on flights under two hours, United serves some form of meal. Go to USAirways website and look up in flight services.

I fly first a lot with miles or paid, and just want to give you the heads up as you may be envisioning international first class, and don't want you to be disappointed..... you will most likely also have access to the lounge before departure, so that is something to consider. But lounges vary widely as to services offered

If you can list the type of aircraft, I can try and describe it for you.

My flight is from Pittsburgh to MCO and is approximately 2 hrs, 15 min. The types of aircraft are a Boeing 737-400 and an Airbus A320.

What can I expect with these flights when flying First Class? Even if its nothing great, since my tickets cost me absolutely nothing, I'm thrilled!

 

[DebbieB]

I'm preferred with USAir and have had a few upgrades. The pre-departure drink is hit or miss as Bavaria said. For a 2 hour flight, they will pass the snack basket, you usually have a choice of 5 or 6 items (chips, pretzels, peanuts, granola, cookies, crackers). They will keep refilling your drink. Free liquor.

You can use the preferred security line at PIT, which is on the left side as you approach security. If you check-in inside the terminal, there is a first class/preferred line. You will be able to board first.

 

[searlproudbottom]

dear donnajz

I am not sure about your airline as I have only flew with Delta.
You should be boarded first and receive a preflight drink. Check out this website for the best seats.
http://www.seatguru.com/
have fun
Searl

 

[bavaria]

My flight is from Pittsburgh to MCO and is approximately 2 hrs, 15 min. The types of aircraft are a Boeing 737-400 and an Airbus A320.

What can I expect with these flights when flying First Class? Even if its nothing great, since my tickets cost me absolutely nothing, I'm thrilled!

a little wider seat, a little more legroom - but not a greater recline or anything. Maybe a bigger pillow and blanket..