Flying first class

[Eeyore5]

I am trying to find discounted first class tickets. I did a search and found sites that claim to sell first class for up to 70% off. Does anyone know if any of these are legitimate sites? I can't risk not getting an upgrade so I have to by a first class ticket.

 

[rwdavis2]

Probably not. If you don't mine me asking, why do you require a first class seat?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

As a general rule "if it sounds too good to be true" then it generally is.

I have heard of these sights but never heard of anyone who used them and was "satisfied" Some of these deals aren't actually "guranteed" They are trying things like "selling an airline employees 'buddy' pass" which MIGHT get you first class etc (Assuming the airline doesn't find out about the illegal sale and just cancel the ticket)

There is a "mile run" board on www.flyertalk.com that sometimes posts good deals on business/first that are legit.

 

[Eeyore5]

Thanks. I will check out that site. As to why, it is a couple reason. I can fit in a regular seat but it is snug and I end up with bruises on my hips. And, because of joint and muscle issues, keeping my legs bent that long is bad for me. It makes it hard for me to walk after the flight.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Usually the only ways to get a first class seat is to (1) buy a first class ticket, or (2) be a frequent flyer who has "status" with the airline and thus may be upgraded to first class (which isn't always a given - depends on how far you are down on the wait list for upgrades) or (3) have enough frequent flyer miles to be able to upgrade to first class but with those tickets you need to buy a certain fair class (not deeply discounted). Sometimes airlines will allow you to upgrade to first class at check in for a price, but this depends on the airline and number of first class seats available after frequent flyers are upgraded.

So if you want an upgrade and don't want to pay for it, the only real PROVEN method is to attain status (as high as possible) with the airline, and even then you have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. The next best way would be to use miles, earned however you want.

 

[Jestocost]

And, buying a FC ticket even with substantial savings can still be extremely expensive.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

If you are flying domestically, many airlines offer Y-UP fares that book in coach but give you seats in first class. They are still expensive but may work for you. On AA, they call them "instant upgrade."

As already noted, you can upgrade coach to FC using miles. But wasn't noted is that you can buy miles from the airlines. On AA, you need 15,000 miles each way to upgrade, plus $75. You can buy those miles for $442.50. On AA, even the least expensive coach ticket can be upgraded, so this may be a cost effective alternative.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

My husband and I am able to fly first class fairly often domestically (from free upgrades due to FF status) and quite frankly, flying first class domestic is not worth the price if you are paying for it yourself. It just isn't worth paying for an occasional meal/snack and free liquor. I have had seats in United's economy plus (exit row) with more legroom that 1st or business class.

 

[rwdavis2]

Thanks. I will check out that site. As to why, it is a couple reason. I can fit in a regular seat but it is snug and I end up with bruises on my hips. And, because of joint and muscle issues, keeping my legs bent that long is bad for me. It makes it hard for me to walk after the flight.

Good reasons. Would it be cheaper to just buy 2 coach seats? If you are flying with another person you could share it between you.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree that if the problem is not enough side-to-side seat space that you might want to buy two economy seats for one person or find an airline which offers business class; both options will be cheaper than first.

 

[tinka-belle]

All major airlines will sell a second seat for "comfort" at the same fare as your ticket. You may have to call for online booking instructions or use a TA, as both seats must be booked at the same time and coded as EXST. Just look at www.seatguru.com to see if the aircraft used have seat arms that raise. Some aisle side armrests do, some don't, but most middle seat ones do thus making a larger space. Of course with seat assignments they must be next to each other!

If Jet Blue services an airport near you, they offer a "more legroom" seat for a small upcharge. However even their normal seats are a couple of inches wider than normal and with greater seat pitch (distance to the seat in front of you) than most of the major airlines.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I agree that if the problem is not enough side-to-side seat space that you might want to buy two economy seats for one person or find an airline which offers business class; both options will be cheaper than first.

The question would be, are they flying domestic or international. Business Class is an excellent option Internationally from a cost perspective, but limited in availability in domestic travel. First in domestic can be hit or miss in terms of leg room (hip room is usually much better), some extra leg room seats (as JetBlue calls them) or economy plus can be better then most domestic first.

 

[Eeyore5]

Thanks for all the replies. I will try to answer everyone. I have tried buying two coach seats. There were three issues I had with it. 1st is it didn't solve the leg room issue and I was in significant pain from not having enough leg room. 2nd was there is a metal piece between the seats that dug into my back. and 3rd, was that I couldn't select a set ahead of time with purchasing 2 seats on delta and ended up the last row of the plane on the way home with a tighter space for leg room and no ability to recline at all. So, since I don't need to travel for work, its just for visiting family, I will just have to save up for trips. I know it is a more expensive way to fly, but for me it is the only option for me to tolerate flying. I did check into jet blue, and it doesn't fly to where I live.

 

[DebbieB]

I have flown in first class on upgrades or award tickets, the leg room isn't that much more, especially if the person in front of you reclines. I remember one time on USAir the people in front of me were fully reclined, I had to practically do a limbo to get out to use the restroom.

I would get an aisle seat and get up regularly to move your legs.

 

[Eeyore5]

The leg room must depend on the airline. I tend to fly delta. My knees were touching the seat in front of me in couch. In 1st class I could straighten my leg (feet under the seat in front of me..

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

The question would be, are they flying domestic or international.

Flying first class internationally cannot be compared to flying first class domestically. I assumed the OP was flying domestically.

 

[Eeyore5]

I am flying domestically.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I am flying domestically.

Seat Guru can be your best friend. As noted by others, some airplanes for some airlines have little more legroom than in couch, while in others, the additional legroom is significant. Also, some airlines, such as United allow you to buy up to a economy plus seat for significantly less than FC. This may work as another option for you. -- Suzanne

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Also, keep in mind, seats, even in First Class, cannot be guaranteed, plane changes would be the most common reason for First Class seat changes.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

My parents bought FC seats for our Nov cruise. It really wasn't that expensive. On USAirways, it was around $90 for coach, $300 for FC going down. For the return, they wanted $280 coach, $300 for FC. (This is a popular travel week in NJ so the $280 coach was totally inflated anyway & I wouldn't pay that either.) My parents are happy with it but we opted to return on Airtran for $130.