Economy or Business?

[Mark Biggerstaff]

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

Great Choice

Flew Premium last year for first time. I’m a big guy! 6’1”. About 330. I was uncomfortable in those seats. Tray table in armrest was cumbersome for me and the controls for the seat. I’m more comfortable in Comfort Plus. But can see its benefits for smaller people. Also extra cost this next trip for it wasn’t worth it to me. Use that money for overnights and extra animal.

 

[Red Leg]

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

Great Choice

International Delta Premium select is much better than standard tourist.

 

[DmacD]

Business on the way there, Economy on the way home. For me, that is the sweet spot of being fresh for the Safari, and still being half-assed affordable.

 

[Red Leg]

Some of you may not have been flying internationally long enough to understand the rather dramatic change in classes and seating design of the last decade. Over that period the airlines have completely restructured seating classes on long haul routes that increases both passenger loading and profits.

Twenty years ago, when employed as an appointed VP by a major defense corporation, I was flown everywhere internationally in first class. Virtually all wide bodies like the 777, 747, or A350 of most airlines here and abroad had three levels of seating - First, Business, and Coach. First was extremely luxurious, often with a captain's chair and separate bunk (Lufthansa 747) . There was often a bar. But regardless of ticket cost, there was space for a very limited number of passengers. Business was also very comfortable with lay flat seats. Coach was as bad as ever.

First class has been eliminated from virtually all international carriers. Business is the new first and the various "comfort" or "premium" classes are assuming the role of the old business class. Prices are gradually rising to reflect those changes. As an example, back in the days of United Global First, there were a total of only eight first class seats on a big 777 with two full time stews and the purser. Service, if not always the food, was excellent. The United 777 now has no first class seating and 60 business class pods that cost about two-thirds the cost of old first and half again more than old business class. There are an additional 24 premium economy. Do the math.

 

[mdwest]

I was flying 1st class with the World Bank 20 years ago… roughly 250000 miles a year…

What red leg describes is spot on…

The changes in international travel have been dramatic…

I swore I wouldn’t allow myself to get spoiled back in those days… I was flying on someone else’s dime..

I definitely miss those days…

 

[ActionBob]

The fascinating part of this whole discussion is the wide variety of what is "best". The various opinions and especially strategies are interesting to say the least. None are wrong, all are correct... Because it all boils down to each individual and each situation.

I'm actually surprised by the amount of non monetary considerations. And even not directly related to the comfort level during the flight... I'm impressed by the deep thoughts put into overall strategies considering the entire trip. It makes a lot of sense. If I had thought through the impact of the entire travel experience rather than focusing on the cost of the tickets, I may have flown business more often and sooner in my trips over.

I used to just go cheap and felt i could tough out anything. My wife has shown me the path to a much better experience Even though I could probably have afforded it without to much difficulty in the past, even my first trip to Africa, but i didn't feel good about spending the extra... Call it cheap or call it good business sense.. I was always focused more on the long term financial goal of being able to do what I wanted when I wanted in retirement, and to a large degree before. And honestly now it still makes me cringe to pay the difference... But my back, legs and feet hurt all the more and the cost is less important so we fly business on longer trips now. This discussion thread has definitely opened my eyes to considering the entire travel experience including lounges, etc.

I fully understand, respect, and agree with those who want to save the money and go economy. I do not follow the thoughts on having all year to pay for it, if you can't really afford it. But my mind doesn't work that way so I don't have to understand it, I can still respect the decisions.

 

[DLSJR]

Business on the way there, Economy on the way home. For me, that is the sweet spot of being fresh for the Safari, and still being half-assed affordable.

I’ve flown this exact scenario a couple times. When I’ve flown to Africa with my son or daughter, I’m paying for their fares so we’ve all flown economy, but in each case their return home was either before or after mine, so I flew back in Biz while they flew back in cattle class.

When flying alone, I try to fly Biz. When paying for family we all fly economy or premium economy. I’m thinking that future trips I’ll put them in economy and fly Biz myself.

 

[JimP]

The fascinating part of this whole discussion is the wide variety of what is "best". The various opinions and especially strategies are interesting to say the least. None are wrong, all are correct... Because it all boils down to each individual and each situation.

I'm actually surprised by the amount of non monetary considerations. And even not directly related to the comfort level during the flight... I'm impressed by the deep thoughts put into overall strategies considering the entire trip. It makes a lot of sense. If I had thought through the impact of the entire travel experience rather than focusing on the cost of the tickets, I may have flown business more often and sooner in my trips over.

I used to just go cheap and felt i could tough out anything. My wife has shown me the path to a much better experience Even though I could probably have afforded it without to much difficulty in the past, even my first trip to Africa, but i didn't feel good about spending the extra... Call it cheap or call it good business sense.. I was always focused more on the long term financial goal of being able to do what I wanted when I wanted in retirement, and to a large degree before. And honestly now it still makes me cringe to pay the difference... But my back, legs and feet hurt all the more and the cost is less important so we fly business on longer trips now. This discussion thread has definitely opened my eyes to considering the entire travel experience including lounges, etc.

I fully understand, respect, and agree with those who want to save the money and go economy. I do not follow the thoughts on having all year to pay for it, if you can't really afford it. But my mind doesn't work that way so I don't have to understand it, I can still respect the decisions.

On my last trip I tried to purchase business class tickets early but the TA suggested to wait, in that time frame economy went up to what I could of purchased business for and business almost trippled. This wasn't the only place that I got screwed by that TA agency.

But the flight in economy on Qatar wasn't bad going over. I had my aisle seat and could stretch out some. On the flight back Qatar changed my seat out of Joberg from the aisle to a middle seat. After those 8 hours sitting in the middle seat I never recovered and was even more miserable on the next 16 hour flight.

If I do go back I'll still fly economy but like the idea of getting there a day early and getting a hotel room to relax in, but I'll also fly direct out of Atlanta and I'll use Jennifer with Travel Express no matter what anyone else recommends.

 

[Red Leg]

For you American Airlines fans.

Millions affected as major airline ends advantage miles program on basic economy tickets

Affecting millions of budget travelers seeking loyalty points and miles, American Airlines has eliminated rewards earning on basic economy fares starting Dec. 17.

www.foxnews.com

 

[ActionBob]

On my last trip I tried to purchase business class tickets early but the TA suggested to wait, in that time frame economy went up to what I could of purchased business for and business almost trippled. This wasn't the only place that I got screwed by that TA agency.

But the flight in economy on Qatar wasn't bad going over. I had my aisle seat and could stretch out some. On the flight back Qatar changed my seat out of Joberg from the aisle to a middle seat. After those 8 hours sitting in the middle seat I never recovered and was even more miserable on the next 16 hour flight.

If I do go back I'll still fly economy but like the idea of getting there a day early and getting a hotel room to relax in, but I'll also fly direct out of Atlanta and I'll use Jennifer with Travel Express no matter what anyone else recommends.

What is TA?

 

[DLSJR]

D

For you American Airlines fans.

Millions affected as major airline ends advantage miles program on basic economy tickets

Affecting millions of budget travelers seeking loyalty points and miles, American Airlines has eliminated rewards earning on basic economy fares starting Dec. 17.

www.foxnews.com

This doesn’t affect me very much, or at all, since I never book basic economy flights. At a minimum I book preferred seats in Main Cabin, usually First Class if possible when flying American. I’ve found Premium Economy to be a nice blend of comfortable seat and cost savings on flights where it is offered. None of that is affected by changes to the AAdvantage Program.

 

[JimP]

What is TA?

Travel agent

 

[ActionBob]

Travel agent

Oh ok, confused me because then you refered to Travel Express and they are travel agents. Whom we've used several times also

 

[Arac]

How would you describe the difference?

I live in a place that only gets small planes, so there’s no value for getting upgrades here, and I haven’t got experience to compare the two.

It's not even close, IMO. In addition to the far, far more spacious accommodations and better food on the flight (unlimited booze if that is important) you get extra baggage allowance, priority boarding and access to business class lounge, which is nice if you have a layover. The business class lounges I have been in all had complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating (for the most part) and some even offered showers and sleeping areas.

I have noticed that the cost of business class flights have greatly increased lately, so ultimately you will have to decide if you have the ability and desire to pony up the extra money. I've flown only business class for my last 3 trips to Europe and 1 to Japan, but looking at the cost of flying to Africa in business class is leading me to believe we will probably go premium economy.

Having said all of that, if you can afford it then go for it!

Here are some pictures from the Lufthansa lounge in Munich, including the self serve buffet (the food was excellent):

 

[Tanks]

Business for sure, Qatar or Emirates if schedule permits. Also, a long nap at the airport hotel at Doha or Dubai is a game changer in landing fresh.

Price difference is not much of a factor if one takes the cost of the safari into account.

One thing that was interesting about my flight to NYC from LAX earlier this week. Only a third of the plane on the AA flight was economy, rest were business/first class. Both business and first class had lay flat seats, but first class had the individual pods. Flight was sold out.

 

[SStomcat]

Some of you may not have been flying internationally long enough to understand the rather dramatic change in classes and seating design of the last decade. Over that period the airlines have completely restructured seating classes on long haul routes that increases both passenger loading and profits.

Twenty years ago, when employed as an appointed VP by a major defense corporation, I was flown everywhere internationally in first class. Virtually all wide bodies like the 777, 747, or A350 of most airlines here and abroad had three levels of seating - First, Business, and Coach. First was extremely luxurious, often with a captain's chair and separate bunk (Lufthansa 747) . There was often a bar. But regardless of ticket cost, there was space for a very limited number of passengers. Business was also very comfortable with lay flat seats. Coach was as bad as ever.

First class has been eliminated from virtually all international carriers. Business is the new first and the various "comfort" or "premium" classes are assuming the role of the old business class. Prices are gradually rising to reflect those changes. As an example, back in the days of United Global First, there were a total of only eight first class seats on a big 777 with two full time stews and the purser. Service, if not always the food, was excellent. The United 777 now has no first class seating and 60 business class pods that cost about two-thirds the cost of old first and half again more than old business class. There are an additional 24 premium economy. Do the math.

Spot on.

 

[SStomcat]

Price difference is not much of a factor if one takes the cost of the safari into account.

Sir, with due respect, it depends on the safari. Hunting a 75-plus-pound tusker is a very different exercise than hunting a Cape buffalo, PG, or something else entirely.

 

[SStomcat]

On my last trip I tried to purchase business class tickets early but the TA suggested to wait, in that time frame economy went up to what I could of purchased business for and business almost trippled. This wasn't the only place that I got screwed by that TA agency.

But the flight in economy on Qatar wasn't bad going over. I had my aisle seat and could stretch out some. On the flight back Qatar changed my seat out of Joberg from the aisle to a middle seat. After those 8 hours sitting in the middle seat I never recovered and was even more miserable on the next 16 hour flight.

If I do go back I'll still fly economy but like the idea of getting there a day early and getting a hotel room to relax in, but I'll also fly direct out of Atlanta and I'll use Jennifer with Travel Express no matter what anyone else recommends.

I hear you—long-haul flights in a middle seat are character-building in all the wrong ways. A few years back, on Emirates, Dubai–Houston (16.5 hours), my wife and I struck gold when the middle seat in our economy row stayed empty. Total game-changer. I actually managed a solid 7–8 hours of sleep, which on a flight that long feels borderline illegal. The kids hit the jackpot, too—their middle seats were empty, so they rotated sleeping positions like seasoned pros and slept all the way through.

 

[steve white]

For you American Airlines fans.

Millions affected as major airline ends advantage miles program on basic economy tickets

Affecting millions of budget travelers seeking loyalty points and miles, American Airlines has eliminated rewards earning on basic economy fares starting Dec. 17.

www.foxnews.com

Oh NO! We have traveled all over on that program, and for peanuts. I wonder if a United card or other is now the best deal? Any recommendations?
This is a nightmare.

 

[Russ16]

Oh NO! We have traveled all over on that program, and for peanuts. I wonder if a United card or other is now the best deal? Any recommendations?
This is a nightmare.

The American card will still gain you points and just book regular economy not basic economy and you’ll earn points. The price difference is negligible.

On the American website you want to book the flights listed as “main” not “basic” I checked a could have regular routes I fly the prices difference was $60-$90.