Economy or Business?

[Mtn_Infantry]

I can relate to you in many ways. On my long hauls to India, I’ve usually flown Premium Economy—definitely better than economy, but let’s be honest, it’s still the waiting room outside Business Class.
Our last Mumbai run was a family of five during peak season (Dec–Jan), so Premium was about as good as it got without costing an arm and a leg.
I’m planning a trip to Africa and started checking fares from Houston to Johannesburg for June–July. Here’s where reality hit hard:
• Economy: $1,250
• Premium Economy: $4,800
• Business: $13,500
• First Class: I didn’t even click it—some things are better left unknown.
At those numbers, Premium Economy suddenly feels like the “financially responsible luxury,” and Economy starts looking very… character-building.

I’m in the same boat shopping flights to Zim and Mozambique around the same time. First look at Business was $18k per seat. They’ve come down a good bit but there’s zero chance I’m paying where they’re presently at.

I typically book economy unless I can find business for sub $3k since I’d rather spend the different on another hunt or an extra animal. Due to flying a lot with work I’m Executive Platinum on American and either Gold or Platinum on Delta depending on the year. The status with each airline typically means a free upgrade to Premium Economy/Comfort Plus so that $1000-1500 ticket is a real cost savings. If I can use points or a systemwide upgrade to move to Business or First Class I will but they’re not always available. Reward miles are another way I’ve flown business, but you need to be careful since some airlines no longer let you travel with firearms on reward miles.

My typical game plan is window seat in the bulkhead or exit row. I wear an extra jacket onto the plane and roll it up as a pillow, take an ambien and wake up in London, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Jburg or Harare. Last trip to Zim, i slept through the small rolling layover in Lusaka before heading into Harare.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Anybody remember this commercial from the 80s? Back when BA was good.

 

[Russ16]

I’m in the same boat shopping flights to Zim and Mozambique around the same time. First look at Business was $18k per seat. They’ve come down a good bit but there’s zero chance I’m paying where they’re presently at.

I typically book economy unless I can find business for sub $3k since I’d rather spend the different on another hunt or an extra animal. Due to flying a lot with work I’m Executive Platinum on American and either Gold or Platinum on Delta depending on the year. The status with each airline typically means a free upgrade to Premium Economy/Comfort Plus so that $1000-1500 ticket is a real cost savings. If I can use points or a systemwide upgrade to move to Business or First Class I will but they’re not always available. Reward miles are another way I’ve flown business, but you need to be careful since some airlines no longer let you travel with firearms on reward miles.

My typical game plan is window seat in the bulkhead or exit row. I wear an extra jacket onto the plane and roll it up as a pillow, take an ambien and wake up in London, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Jburg or Harare. Last trip to Zim, i slept through the small rolling layover in Lusaka before heading into Harare.

For comparison my business class Emirates flight to Zim in July/August this year was right at $7k. Premium economy would have been around $3800.

 

[Andrew62]

For most of us, flying to Africa is about a 24 hour journey, you have to ask yourself, for 2 seats do you want to pay 3000k for straight economy, 4500-5000 for economy plus, 8000 for premium economy, or 10-20k for business class.

This past April I flew business class on Ethiopian, 3600, then in September I flew economy plus for 3000, because business was 12000.

Much like @Rare Breed said, I have limits on how much I will spend for a 24 hour period of time to be in upgraded comfort.

I can say, if money isn't an issue, definitely fly business class.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

For comparison my business class Emirates flight to Zim in July/August this year was right at $7k. Premium economy would have been around $3800.

Qatar on the dates I’m hunting Houston to Harare is $1113 in economy. DFW is about the same cost. Emirates is roughly the same. Business from either location/airline is over $8k per person. Due to Qatars affiliation with American, I’ll automatically get Premium Economy and seat selection at no additional cost for everyone on my reservation. While the Q-Suites are great, only the leg into and out of the US has them. For that difference in price (even for 1), I’ll save the dollars and put them towards my day rates for a future hunt, or shoot another buffalo or elephant while I’m already in country if the opportunity arises.

Maybe it’s me but I’ll deal with 35 hours of slight discomfort for a $7k price difference knowing that’s a return trip, or another DG animal this trip.

 

[Betterinthebush]

I’m with @Mtn_Infantry. My wife and I always put in at the gate for upgrades. Sometimes we cash mileage, most times we don’t. Depends on the offer.

I build in a full day of rest on both sides of my travel. For example: in May I’m taking delta ATL/JBG comfort, land and get an evening of rest. After both hunts I’m getting dropped back off at the Rand, have a shower, wonderful meal with bespoke quarters and Lincoln car service back to the airport for the economy flight home. Both hotel stays and meals together aren’t 1/4 of business upgrades cost. I’d rather have first class service for $200.00 at a five star hotel for 24 hours than pay $4k+ extra (one way) for a cubicle on an airplane with a little better food than what the coach seats are eating. I’ve done both. I’m most tempted to take the upgrade on the return trip across the pond. That way I’m fresh for the drive home.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I’m with @Mtn_Infantry. My wife and I always put in at the gate for upgrades. Sometimes we cash mileage, most times we don’t. Depends on the offer.

I build in a full day of rest on both sides of my travel. For example: in May I’m taking delta ATL/JBG comfort, land and get an evening of rest. After both hunts I’m getting dropped back off at the Rand, have a shower, wonderful meal with bespoke quarters and Lincoln car service back to the airport for the economy flight home. Both hotel stays and meals together aren’t 1/4 of business upgrades cost. I’d rather have first class service for $200.00 at a five star hotel for 24 hours than pay $4k+ extra (one way) for a cubicle on an airplane with a little better food than what the coach seats are eating. I’ve done both. I’m most tempted to take the upgrade on the return trip across the pond. That way I’m fresh for the drive home.

My thoughts also.
I booked Delta Comfort for June 2026 months ago right after it opened up. Saved
enough to arrive 2 days early and stay at Africa Sky before hunt starts. Also a night there after the hunt before return home. That way I’m well rested before hunt and after.

 

[Russ16]

Qatar on the dates I’m hunting Houston to Harare is $1113 in economy. DFW is about the same cost. Emirates is roughly the same. Business from either location/airline is over $8k per person. Due to Qatars affiliation with American, I’ll automatically get Premium Economy and seat selection at no additional cost for everyone on my reservation. While the Q-Suites are great, only the leg into and out of the US has them. For that difference in price (even for 1), I’ll save the dollars and put them towards my day rates for a future hunt, or shoot another buffalo or elephant while I’m already in country if the opportunity arises.

Maybe it’s me but I’ll deal with 35 hours of slight discomfort for a $7k price difference knowing that’s a return trip, or another DG animal this trip.

I’m a 20 year exec platinum American flier and wanted to fly Qatar but it was about $3k more than Emirates in business.

One of the few benefits of living in DC is we have relatively better international prices out of IAD. When booking always compare here to Newark and DFW as I have family in both places and can travel there the day before and fly out if it’s cheaper. But it rarely is. My brother is coming down from NJ to get the same emirates flight with me because of the price difference.

 

[Russ16]

I’m with @Mtn_Infantry. My wife and I always put in at the gate for upgrades. Sometimes we cash mileage, most times we don’t. Depends on the offer.

I build in a full day of rest on both sides of my travel. For example: in May I’m taking delta ATL/JBG comfort, land and get an evening of rest. After both hunts I’m getting dropped back off at the Rand, have a shower, wonderful meal with bespoke quarters and Lincoln car service back to the airport for the economy flight home. Both hotel stays and meals together aren’t 1/4 of business upgrades cost. I’d rather have first class service for $200.00 at a five star hotel for 24 hours than pay $4k+ extra (one way) for a cubicle on an airplane with a little better food than what the coach seats are eating. I’ve done both. I’m most tempted to take the upgrade on the return trip across the pond. That way I’m fresh for the drive home.

Funny how we all value different things. I’ll pay for business and cheap out on a hotel. The flight is part of the fun for me and the difference between and luxury hotel and mid priced one I hardly notice. And I spend a lot of time in luxury hotels for work. Maybe that’s it. They just feel like being at the office.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Funny how we all value different things. I’ll pay for business and cheap out on a hotel. The flight is part of the fun for me and the difference between and luxury hotel and mid priced one I hardly notice. And I spend a lot of time in luxury hotels for work. Maybe that’s it. They just feel like being at the office.

I get that.

 

[375Fox]

Funny how we all value different things. I’ll pay for business and cheap out on a hotel. The flight is part of the fun for me and the difference between and luxury hotel and mid priced one I hardly notice. And I spend a lot of time in luxury hotels for work. Maybe that’s it. They just feel like being at the office.

I’m the opposite. I fly so much for work that there is nothing I enjoy about it whether I fly in first or economy. Hotel while traveling is my time to relax.

 

[DLSJR]

I just looked up Biz Class fares on Google Flights for my Mozambique hunt next September. SFO-JNB is $6,312 on Emirates with 1-stop in Dubai and $4,987 on United/Ethiopian with stops in Chicago & Addis Ababa.

If those prices hold I’ll be flying Emirates. Qatar was over $9,200 for same route.

 

[dogcat1]

IF YOU WANT YOUR WIFE TO EVER GO BACK, YOU BETTER FLY BUSINESS CLASS.

I made that mistake on the first trip and had to beg and buy presents to get her to go again. That was 14 trips ago. Fly business class, arrange access to lounges, pay for meet and greet, if you overnight, stay in a suite. Forget that cost. You will love yourself for it and she will be a willing partner forever.

 

[Russ16]

I’m the opposite. I fly so much for work that there is nothing I enjoy about it whether I fly in first or economy. Hotel while traveling is my time to relax.

I fly with that I’ve become a bit of a plane nerd. I get a kick out of comparing the different airline offerings and club differences. But hotels are just hotels.

A colleague and I often joke about doing a vacation where all we do is fly around the world in first class and hang out in the best lounges.

 

[Racer00]

I just returned from Zim last Saturday. I found a great price on Delta comfort+. From my home airport, Grand Rapids, MI, to ATL to JNB. Overnighted at Afton then on to Bulawayo. Same on return with no overnight. All flights booked on one ticket for $2450 plus Travel Expresses fees. I was very happy with the price. The flights were very nice. Had an open seat beside me for both long legs.
Unfortunately, my guncase and bag stayed in Joburg for an extra day. Went thru the process and they did get delivered to my house the following day, but my bag had been pilfered. Minor loss. Only a small backpack and some dirty underwear that was inside of it. LOL Hope they enjoy.

 

[Scott CWO]

Headed to Namibia in June to observe/assist on a Nyae Nyae ele safari with a friend/client. We looked at all the options. Decided to avoid JHB and take Lufthansa to Frankfurt and then straight to Windhoek. Found and booked business for $5600.

 

[Russ16]

Headed to Namibia in June to observe/assist on a Nyae Nyae ele safari with a friend/client. We looked at all the options. Decided to avoid JHB and take Lufthansa to Frankfurt and then straight to Windhoek. Found and booked business for $5600.

Nice deal!

I will say there are better biz class prices on some of the airlines that aren’t gun friendly. If you’re willing to rent or aren’t needing a gun it is way cheaper.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Headed to Namibia in June to observe/assist on a Nyae Nyae ele safari with a friend/client. We looked at all the options. Decided to avoid JHB and take Lufthansa to Frankfurt and then straight to Windhoek. Found and booked business for $5600.

I like that route. Took the upgrade from Windhoek through Frankfurt to Newark. Very nice flights.

 

[coreydb]

Long trips are very uncomfortable. Business/First Class is extremely expensive but comfortable. If you travel once a year, you have a whole year to save the money that includes the upgrade. Well worth it.

 

[Killo]

Delta Premium Select
Row 20
Half price Business and you will be sitting in a recliner seat

Great Choice