Is first class worth it?

[Disneydiversion]

I HATE FLYING! Not so much the fear of crashing, but more the lack of control and that feeling of being closed in is unbearable for me. I also had a very bad experience coming home from Disney in 2003. I had an extreamly bad head cold and my ears were congested. I was in severe pain from the pressure. I called my doctor and she could hear how sick I was she warned me before I got on the plane that I might rupture my eardrums. What made it worse was we had a connecting flight and I had to endure the pain a second time. It took two weeks before I could hear again. So I'm wondering If I can manage to afford first class is it all that wonderful and could I be that much more comfortable. Now I realize it wouldn't matter which part of the airplane I sit in if I'm sick but then it might make me more comfortable. IDK just a thought.

 

[Jestocost]

If you are travelling on a domestic flight, the benefits of First Class are very limited. You do get to board first (and get off faster due to being in the front of the plane) and will have a wider seat with more leg room than you would have in coach. Beyond that, the benefits are almost exclusively food (you actually might get some) and beverage (free cocktails) related. Sometimes you also get a nice warm hand towel.

First Class on international flights is another story, as you will have much more room than coach, probably a seat that reclines flat into almost a real bed, high-quality food and beverage service, more robust entertainment options, etc. You also may get access to a private lounge at the airport and other perks.

Unfortunately, if your problems are with pressurization and such there's no difference between coach and first class.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I fly F class, even domestically on a semi-regular basis, and enjoy it, mostly because it is just a little better then coach, it's less cramped and if you're an adult without kids like me, less often are their kids in F class.

Some perks of flying F are:

• Usually a Dedicated Check-in At Airport (or line)
• Free Checked baggage (most offer 3 pieces per ticket, a few airlines only offer 2 now)
• Preferred boarding/Dedicated boarding line
• Complimentary drinks (all) and snacks that are often more upscale then coach and meals on flights over 3 hours usually (most airlines) which is different then coach for most airlines
• Pre-Takeoff cocktails/drinks
• Larger seats, more width and legroom, if you happen to be on an International jet flying domestically (connection), you may get a lay flat seat as well.
• Usually a dedicated FA for the class, seperate from coach, making them more responsive

Other then that, its about it. Is it worth it, well to each there own. Some people think that the method to getting the destination doesn't matter, others think its part of the trip. This isn't that disimilar to people's opinion of booking a Value room at a resort or an inside stateroom on a cruise. It's all what matters to you, as a traveler.

 

[backyardponder]

If you hate flying, how about Amtrak?

 

[Disneydiversion]

If you hate flying, how about Amtrak?

How long do you think it would take to get fron NJ to Orlando?

 

[crashbb]

Based on the reasons that you'd be considering it, for me, I don't think US domestic first class is worth it. But, I totally respect those who think it is.

A quick view of the Amtrak site shows a train that goes from New Jersey to Orlando in about 21-22 hours. It is the Silver Service (there are two trains Silver Star and Silver Meteor on this route). I think the Palmetto also does this trip.

ETA - I think the Palmetto may turn around in Savannah.

 

[Disneydiversion]

I'll look into it. My son's would LOVE to take the train!!

Based on the reasons that you'd be considering it, for me, I don't think US domestic first class is worth it. But, I totally respect those who think it is.

A quick view of the Amtrak site shows a train that goes from New Jersey to Orlando in about 21-22 hours. It is the Silver Service (there are two trains Silver Star and Silver Meteor on this route). I think the Palmetto also does this trip.

ETA - I think the Palmetto may turn around in Savannah.

 

[dburg30]

You also may want to look into earplanes for your ears. They are supposed to be a pressure relief valve for your ears. They, from what I've read, SLOWLY bleed off the pressure so you dont have that pain. It still does the complete pressure cycle, but slows it down. We are probably getting them for some kids that are flying this fall, I've always been lucky to be able to pop my ears on demand. They are earplugs that you insert before takeoff.. When you level out at full altitude, you then take them out and just before you start your decent, you put them back in and they work in reverse.