Flying First Class - Question

BobH

DIS Veteran
Joined
Mar 19, 2000
Messages
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I have been thinking of flying first class on frequent flyer miles for a trip for my wife's birthday. I haven't flown first class for years (30) and then only because the airline offered it to correct a mistake on seating. I was just wondering if anyone can offer any info on what you get in first class vs coach? Is anything different except the fact you get wider seats? Thanks.
 
Your mileage may vary, but the only real benefits I've experienced in 1st class vs coach were (a) wider seats and (b) the ability to get off the plane faster.

Both of which, I add, were valuable, but no so much so as to expend the effort, miles, or $$ to get 1st class on my own.
 
I flew first class probably my one and only time last May using freq flyer miles. I flew from PA to CA. I thought it was wonderful. Constant drinks, alcoholic or not, served in glasses not plastic. Choice of meals from a menu. Snacks and cookies in between. And being addressed by name. Not to mention the larger seats with earphones included. Maybe it doesn't take much to impress me but I enjoyed it. I will save up my miles to do it again.
 
In Feb. I was bumped from Delta and ended up 1st class on Continental. Aside from bigger seats and easy access, I also got:
-choice of sandwich or lasagna w/fixins (potato or green salad)
-free alcoholic beverages
-free headphones for movie ($3.00 in coach?)
-the lavatory in the front of the plane was for 1st class (pulled a curtain to separate from coach)

It was great...I'd say go for it!!! :p
 

At least on United you'll get something better for a meal in 1st vs. cattle car. Example, you get only a bag of nuts in coach you'll get at least a choice of two snacks in 1st. I always upgrade, when I can, just so you get the extra space and service. If you have the miles to do it enjoy, it's a great way to start and end a vacation.
 
A wider seat, more leg room, constant beverages, and better food (on a shorter flight, a variety of snacks; or real food on longer flights). There is also more personal service. :) I like first class! :cool:
 
You don't say where you are flying and that makes a difference. As a frequent traveler I upgrade a LOT. First class between Nashville and Atlanta is not worth a lot. First class between Atlanta and California is great. On really short flights if the weather is bumpy you might not get anything.
 
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I've only flown first class once and that will probably be my only time. We upgraded, for $150 from Las Vegas to Philly and it was worth every penny! We started off with big, comfy, leather seats...then we got warm towels...(don't know what they were for, though! lol!)...followed by salad, then our entree...we had a choice from three...followed by dessert. We ate off of real plates with real silverware and real little salt & pepper shakers (I have the pictures to prove it! lol) We drank out of real glasses. It was soooo nice! That was two years ago. We just went to Vegas again, last month, different airline, but we got a little tiny bag of pretzels and two horrible little cookies, in coach. Don't know what they were serving in first class, but it smelled pretty good! If it's a long flight I would go for it...if not, then save the miles for a long flight, unless you'll lose them.
 
Thanks for all the great replies. We are flying from Boston to Florida a flight of about 1500 miles. It is a special occasion so even though it would make more economic sense to use the miles for a more expensive cross country flight we will not be traveling any farther than Florida any time soon. I have plenty of miles accumulated thanks to running my kids college tuition through a credit card (that I immediately pay off) that is linked to the American Airlines frequent flyer program. There were no seats available in coach using frequent flyer miles but there is room in first class so I am going to treat my wife to first class travel on her birthday. Many thanks to you all for your input.
 
We will also be flying first class for the first time this Dec. Since we are going without the kids, we are really looking forward to it! My Dad gave us his frequent flyer miles and we will be flying from AZ to Florida, with a one hour layover in Dallas. Each leg going is about 2 hours and on the way back about 2 1/2 hours. Hopefully it will be worth it! We are REALLY looking forward to this, it is our anniversary trip, and we never had a honeymoon.
 
Its a great way to travel, if the flight is at least 3hrs or more!!
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What a nice treat for you and your wife on her birthday! I think it is a wonderful way to use your frequent flyer miles. Just keep in mind that you will never be completely happy flying coach again. LOL

I have never paid for 1st class but have been able to fly in it several times based on frequent flyer status when I had a lot of business travel. The biggest differences are space and service. You get to board first so there is no problem finding space for your carry-ons. As soon as you are seated, you are offered a drink in a real glass, alcoholic if you choose. Don't be shy about asking for an alcoholic drink in the morning if you want it, I saw it happen all the time. Once the plane takes off, you are offered a hot damp towel. Sometimes it is HOT so be careful. It is mainly to clean your hands before eating but if you have been traveling for several hours, it feels heavenly to clean your face. You will be served an "upgraded" meal or snack from coach, depending on the length of the flight. You can keep asking for drinks until they prepare to land unless you hit turbulence and the attendants are asked to remain seated.

Finally, you are near the front of the plane and can be one of the first ones to deplane.

Enjoy!
Peggy
 
We flew from Vermont to Hawaii last September (12 1/2 hours!!) and that was our first experience in first class.
We're flying coach to Orlando next month and I don't know how I'm going to do it!:jester:
 
I hope I can adjust to the real world after this next trip. We are also trying a 1 Bedroom at OKW for the first time as well as flying first class. We have reserved Inn Rooms or Studios on previous occasions. From what I hear will be ruined forever.....Thanks for the replies.
 
I usually fly first class for business trips out of Philadelphia and one of the biggest benefits these days is that you check in at the first class counter and go through a separate, first class only security checkpoint (at least here in Philly). I've rarely, if ever, waited for more than one or two people ahead of me in either of these lines and it really helps in cutting down the amount of time you have to spend at the airport. I usually get to the airport for domestic first class flights about 30-45 minutes before takeoff, whereas I would be uncomfortable leaving myself less than an hour and a half if I were flying coach.

I'm heading to DW with the family for the first week in December :D , flying coach :( .
 














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