Which airline is best for first class?

[disneyholic family]

Very nice - what airline was that?

it's El AL - we live in israel so to the states that's our preferred airline..
El Al, Delta and US Airways are the only airlines that fly non-stop from tel aviv to the US....other airlines all fly through europe, doubling the length of the trip..

i got DD those tickets using frequent flyer points (mostly converted from credit cards)....they flew to the US business class and came back first class..

we've all flown business numerous times, so she knew the difference....
while the business class staff is really good, she said the first class staff was even better (there are only 12 FC seats and 3 flight attendants - and the first class wasn't full..so the ratio of crew to passengers is very good..)..

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

Four years ago we flew indirect with Continental MAN-EWR-MCO. On the way home we were given a free upgrade to First Class but sadly only on the MCO-EWR leg of the journey. It was wonderful, huge seats, fabulous legroom, great food and snacks on proper china with proper cutlery and superb cabin service. Not sure how much this costs to pay for, but if I could, I would!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Four years ago we flew indirect with Continental MAN-EWR-MCO. On the way home we were given a free upgrade to First Class but sadly only on the MCO-EWR leg of the journey. It was wonderful, huge seats, fabulous legroom, great food and snacks on proper china with proper cutlery and superb cabin service. Not sure how much this costs to pay for, but if I could, I would!

Remember that and then consider the fact that the national product is nothing compared to the loung-haul product. You might now be able to paint a picture of what a nice product long-haul BC and FC can be.

It is always blessing to read experiences like yours. I'm not stupid and know what eco is and what my experiences were flying it, but it puts back into perspective the shift of expectations that did come with flying BC, or at least for me. Before, an US national upgrade would be a thing for me (which would be pretty normal with about an 80% upgrade factor). After starting to fly BC TA? Shifted so much that I don't think it is that much of a difference, let alone worth the money. When still flying CO I would actually book my TA leg in BC and the international one in eco considering the price not even being close to being worth the small difference for me. Doing this, it would safe about €800,- on a roundtrip ticket AMS-MCO to give you an idea of possible prices.


Having said that, if you are that impressed already and might consider it if a price is affordable; you might want to price out BC on Aer Lingus (EI) for a future trip. Their prices are shockingly affordable compared to the rest and it is a very good product. To give an idea; Eco roundtrip for my upcoming trip this october would be around €550,- for AMS-MCO with EI. BC is €1500,-. The others do not come in until at least €3000,- and many quite a lot higher. Yet the product and service is the same if not better (depends on who you compare with). Be warned though!! For some it does result in them having a hard time going "back" to eco on following trips. Obviously it is still quite a lot more money for a family and I'ld be the last to state it is affordable for any family because reality is, it isn't. But if having the budget, being OK with spending it on a flight, definately check them out.

 

[Portugal1000]

Last flew British Airways Business Class to Phoenix in April with work. Loved it. On a 747 both times, on the way there we were downstairs and upstairs on the way back. Loved the lounge at Heathrow, assume they have the same sort of thing at Gatwick. Had a free mini facial and massage. Food and service on board were excellent but its really the seat that makes all the difference. So nice to just stretch out. We fly PE to Orlando. Just can't justify paying for Business so only get to do that at work which is a shame. If money were no object then I would definitely pay the extra.