Which is better: 8 hours on plane Non Stop in Coach OR 11 Hr plane trip wtih 1 stopover but in 1st Class?
Jul 9th, 2005, 11:01 AM
#1
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Which is better: 8 hours on plane Non Stop in Coach OR 11 Hr plane trip wtih 1 stopover but in 1st Class?
Hi, Traveling with hubby & our 6 month old to Europe...Because of scheduling & where we're going, We can either take a NonStop Flight to our destination (8 1/2 hours) in Coach OR take a flight that stops 1 time & has an 8 1/2 hr flight, 2.5 hour layover & 1 hour flight for a total of about (11 1/2) hours but in First Class...
We have never traveled before with baby but these are our only options b/c we want to use our points for the plane trip (as you know using points is not always the easiets)
From people who have traveled to Europe or long flights with baby which would be better? shorter trip or longer trip but more spacious/room?
Thanks!
We have never traveled before with baby but these are our only options b/c we want to use our points for the plane trip (as you know using points is not always the easiets)
From people who have traveled to Europe or long flights with baby which would be better? shorter trip or longer trip but more spacious/room?
Thanks!
Jul 9th, 2005, 11:35 AM
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It would help to know what airline(s) you are talking about, but regardless, first is still better than economy.
No offense, and I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but if I was on the same flight(s) in F, I would advize you to stay in coach. (the baby factor).
No offense, and I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but if I was on the same flight(s) in F, I would advize you to stay in coach. (the baby factor).
Jul 9th, 2005, 11:37 AM
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Does the baby get it's own seat in either option?
If not - defiitely do first class - so you will have a little room to move - otherwise you're going to have to take turns being completely trapped by baby the whole time.
If not - defiitely do first class - so you will have a little room to move - otherwise you're going to have to take turns being completely trapped by baby the whole time.
Jul 9th, 2005, 11:38 AM
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My first thought was that with a 6-month-old, I'd take the non-stop shorter flight. Under any other circumstances I'd opt for the longer travel time in first class.
I'm just thinking about you having to schlep diaper bag, gear, etc, on and off two planes instead of one. Possibly disturb the babe if sleeping.
On the other hand, if this is an exceptionally "good" baby, maybe first class would be the way to go. More room, as you say, better service, nice FC lounge for your layover, etc.
I'm just thinking about you having to schlep diaper bag, gear, etc, on and off two planes instead of one. Possibly disturb the babe if sleeping.
On the other hand, if this is an exceptionally "good" baby, maybe first class would be the way to go. More room, as you say, better service, nice FC lounge for your layover, etc.
Jul 9th, 2005, 11:44 AM
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Hi joaniejd, I personally would take the longer flight (about 12 hours by my calculations) in first class. I am sure you know how crowded coach is and although I always like nonstop flights in your case I would put up with the stopover for all the extra room etc. in first class. Best wishes to you.
Jul 9th, 2005, 12:19 PM
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Just curious - - what are the circumstances that provide you this choice - - at exactly the same cost to you? (is that zero? someone else paying the airfare?)
I believe that you can and should ask, in advance for an on-board bassinet. While holding your baby is commonplace, and you may find yourself doing it for quite a bit of the time - - I believe that you can get substantially longer/better sleep with a place to lay your baby down.
I'd also think you will want to talk with your pediatrician about this travel. I won't say what questions you should ask, knowing nothing about you or your baby, but perhaps, the conversation could include questions about the prescribing and use of chloral hydrate.
Best wishes,
Rex Bickers, M.D. (Pediatrics/Neonatology)
I believe that you can and should ask, in advance for an on-board bassinet. While holding your baby is commonplace, and you may find yourself doing it for quite a bit of the time - - I believe that you can get substantially longer/better sleep with a place to lay your baby down.
I'd also think you will want to talk with your pediatrician about this travel. I won't say what questions you should ask, knowing nothing about you or your baby, but perhaps, the conversation could include questions about the prescribing and use of chloral hydrate.
Best wishes,
Rex Bickers, M.D. (Pediatrics/Neonatology)
Jul 9th, 2005, 12:39 PM
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First class, no question!!!
For those who missed it, I thought joaniejd made it clear that these two options are possible using FF miles, so that's why there is no price difference, but perhaps a difference in number of miles being used.
For those who missed it, I thought joaniejd made it clear that these two options are possible using FF miles, so that's why there is no price difference, but perhaps a difference in number of miles being used.
Jul 9th, 2005, 12:53 PM
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I've traveled with 6 month old and 3 year old from upstate New York to Aruba, which entailed up to 3 stops. The stops are usually a major hassle, with racing to catch flights, which are occasionally delayed or cancelled, necessitating unscheduled overnights in cities along the way...I've also flown ultra first class to Europe, and nothing compares to the service.
So, you have to balance the hassle of the stops and layovers with the comfort of first class. If your baby has his own seat, and you can snag a row of three in coach, then depending on the plane, you might be better off with no stops or layovers...also more time at your destination...
So, you have to balance the hassle of the stops and layovers with the comfort of first class. If your baby has his own seat, and you can snag a row of three in coach, then depending on the plane, you might be better off with no stops or layovers...also more time at your destination...
Jul 9th, 2005, 12:59 PM
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Doh... I can't believe I didn't see that.
That sheds a bit of a new light. Using double, triple or quadruple the number of "points" or "miles" DOES mean a "cost" difference, in my book.
Unless joanie or hubby are accumulating "points" faster than they think they can possibly use them (not just now, but over a decade's span, for example) - - then personally, I might keep them in the "bank".
There could easily come a time - - and you're young now, but it will get there sooner than you realize - - that you might really enjoy the availability of those "points". Later in your life, for example, coach seats might fall readily in the zone of discretionary spending money for you - - yet first (or even business) class would jack that price up threefold, if not sixfold. The availability of "points" to get you upgraded - - once hubby has become "Middle-Age-Man" (I'm sure you, his lovely wife, will never age
) - - might seem priceless.
That sheds a bit of a new light. Using double, triple or quadruple the number of "points" or "miles" DOES mean a "cost" difference, in my book.
Unless joanie or hubby are accumulating "points" faster than they think they can possibly use them (not just now, but over a decade's span, for example) - - then personally, I might keep them in the "bank".
There could easily come a time - - and you're young now, but it will get there sooner than you realize - - that you might really enjoy the availability of those "points". Later in your life, for example, coach seats might fall readily in the zone of discretionary spending money for you - - yet first (or even business) class would jack that price up threefold, if not sixfold. The availability of "points" to get you upgraded - - once hubby has become "Middle-Age-Man" (I'm sure you, his lovely wife, will never age
) - - might seem priceless.
Jul 9th, 2005, 02:02 PM
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Hi this is Joanie. We actually have an abundance of points so it doesnt matter which option we pick-really I am looking to do what is most comfortable. I really appreciate everyone's feedback. We arent buying a separate seat for the baby-plan on having her on our laps-I will def. ask for the bassinet-although at 6 months not sure if it would fit her? Either way, thanks for the suggestions & would love to hear what other people think as well....
Jul 9th, 2005, 02:25 PM
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No question. Not even close. First class. The added room and comfort and amenities you get, for not that many extra miles, are miles well spent. (If paying though, I'd say coach because the price difference is preposterous.)
