$500 Business class upgrade
 

We are flying USAir from PHL to Venice in about a month. USAir allows a passenger to upgrade 24 hours before flight time to Envoy/First claas if there are seats open...for the fee of $500 p/p. The plane is the old Boeing 767...which I believe have very recently been upgraded..in the Envoy seating...ie almost flat seats etc. Has anyone recently done this upgrade?

Hi O,

Business/1 cl is really just a very, very small hotel room, with a very narrow bed.

Would you spend $1000/night for that kind of hotel room?

((I))

But a hotel room that moves you significantly round the world.

Flying, particularly long haul in Cattle Class, is such a gruesome experience that I for one would consider paying this (GBP250) to reduce the misery.

I've flown BA Club Class to Canada/USA and elsewhere (at others' expense admittedly) and would jump at this price.

Having done that route in BC, I would take it. ((*))

An upgrade to business for only $500? I would grab it!!!

I will only offer that USAir's product does not have the best reputation. But it is still international business class, and the extra space and service can mean the difference between a sleepless night and arriving (relatively) well-rested. Accordingly, I think we can modify Ira's statement to be something like this:

How much do you spend per day, while in Europe? If you could "save" a day, by being better rested and more alive, then would it be worth $500?

For many, the answer is that it isn't worth it, that they have no trouble sleeping in coach, or that they still can't get enough sleep to "save" a day. Only you can answer those questions. I would offer, though, that I don't find the westbound upgrade (the flight back to the US) as valuable, and wouldn't pay $500 for it.

FWIW, I have paid to upgrade twice: Once to upgrade my wife to biz on BA for a SFO to LHR flight, and another time to upgrade from a packed SAS coach cabin to economy plus for a BKK to CPH flight. I thought it money well-spent both times.

I've paid at the gate (on UA) to upgrade to business class on flights to Europe and Asia. Once to FRA ($599) and once to LHR for about the same, maybe slightly less. Price from ORD to Narita Japan was $749 to upgrade. It's based on miles flown on said trip, I would guess.

If I need sleep, it's worth every penny. If I think I can "manage" in econ+ I won't pay at the gate. Just depends on how prepared I am to withstand the long flight.

It might also depend on how crowded EC is. You can check online before you go to the airport to see the seating chart, which may not be perfect, but gives you some idea.

If you can manage to get an empty row, that may be alright. ((*))

I've flown in Envoy on several occasions.

I never had any reason to believe that the service wasn't decent so I honestly cannot talk to the "reputation" assertion.

Full First Class on Singapore Air I can tell you..it isn't..but you aren't paying that kind of money, either, and neither is your employer who passed that cost on to the rest of us.

If you can afford it, go for it although if the plane is only half full in the back you might do be wise to consider those possibilities.

>>Would you spend $1000/night for that kind of hotel room?<<
Depends on what your choices and resources are.
Would I spend it to avoid spending a night in a cramped prison cell that wouldn't meet Geneva Conventions standards -- which is about what you get in coach? Maybe.

At the risk of hijacking this post, here goes:

We sure are spoiled, aren't we? I think about an econcomy tran-Atlantic flight like this:

1. I get a relatively comfortable seat, generally with my wife to my right in a two person row as I book early.

2. I get a state of the art video and audio entertainment system, with more movies and song than I can receive on any device I have in my home.

3. Generally speaking, a very polite flight attendant brings me all of the drinks and food that I need - or want. Right to my seat. And it's free! (Meaning I don't have to sign a credit card slip or leave a tip - I know that I paid for it in the ticket price).

4. Generally speaking, this huge aircraft travels effortlessly across the ocean, with me in relative comfort, and deposits me safely on the ground in my destination city.

5. All I had to do was eat, watch TV, sleep, drink, read, walk about a bit, use the rest room, and get off the plane.

It's a miracle that we can travel like this for what it costs in coach. I promise never to complain about it.

Go for it.

I have traveled in coach, and business/first class. Obviously, bus/1st would be my preference, and for $500.00....I'd go for it. It just depends on your budget. However, last month I flew from IAH to LHR in coach, and most of the back of the plane was empty. I had a row of 3 seats to myself, which allowed me to stretch out and sleep for a few hours. I was refreshed & awake in my afternoon meeting.

But ya gotta love those ice cream sundaes they serve in 1st class.

>I've flown BA Club Class to Canada/USA and elsewhere (at others' expense admittedly) and would jump at this price.<

I would jump at a free upgrade, too.
...............................
TG writes,

>I think we can modify Ira's statement ...<

Oh no you don't. You have to write your own statement. :)

((I))

ira, would I pay $1000 for such a hotel room? If the alternative was spending the night in a Turkish prison, probably would. Would I pay it to avoid being crammed into an upright position in absolute torture for 7 or 8 hours? You betcha.

For only $500? Oh heck yeah.

Johanna

Oh, if only I could actually sleep in a coach seat I'd probably never spring for Business or First unless I were using FF miles...sigh.

I can't sleep in business OR coach & always use mileage upgrades so I'd sure pay $500.00 for it. Well worth it IMO.

I agree with Jewela...if you can spend the money I wouldn't doubt..I fly bussiness when I can and I don't consider it as a hotel room expense but a better way to fly, I enjoy every detail and in case you have a delay or something like that...you get a better hotel also!

Now that BA has beds in Business I use my FF to upgrade and it's worth every dollar (instead of using miles for a "free" cattle seat.)

$500? Absolutely! The smaller, quieter cabin, better pillows, ability to put my feet up, USE OF THE LOUNGES (see if that's included if you're paying for the upgrade) is wonderful.

life is short...

if you can afford it, why not?

gruezi

Thanks for all the posts...now I'll be checking everyday to see if there are any Envoy seats left...today there are 12 of 18 avaliable

Yes, if you are in Envoy you can use the Envoy Lounge in PHL. Hopefully they haven't downgraded it to save money; used to have good snacks and sandwich makings, etc.

Just returned from Rome and I would rather undergo water torture than sit on that small plane again - US Airways. Maybe I just have a bad memory but I don't remember the seats being that small on other flights/airlines to Europe in my past trips. I'm only 5-4 and I was very uncomfortable. My son, who's 6-3 was absolutely miserable and he was in the aisle seat. I can't afford to upgrade to business/first class. How do you get an exit row seat? Also, his friend brought his carry-on on board with him because he had breakable items returning from Rome. When we went to board the plane from Philly to Las Vegas, he was told the overheads were full and he had to check the bag with his other luggage. So much for making sure nothing got broken. What I figured happened was since US Airways is charging in the US for baggage, now everyone is carrying their luggage on board. If so, what are they doing about liquid toiletry items (over 3 oz) they'll need when they arrive at their destination? To replace my shampoo etc. would cost more than $15. I'm sure I'll travel again but I need to erase this trip from my memory. Also curious about WHY the airlines board the people in the back last? Wouldn't it be less annoying and time effective to board these people first, then they wouldn't have to stand in the aisle for 1/2 hour while watching the people in front of them load everything they own in the overheads? It's no wonder that people are beginning to rather have a root canal than fly?

We flew US Air Business Class across the US and connected in Philadelphia to their Envoy Class to Milan. The Envoy class seats do not go totally flat, rather are angled. It was great for me, a little too short for my tall husband. The service was excellent on both flights and the food was pretty good. Airport check-in in Milan was a breeze with a very short line, express security line, etc. We were able to use their Envoy Lounge in Philadelphia during our layover and a lounge in Milan before we took off for the US.
US Air's domestic class cannot compare with other domestic airlines. It was better than Economy and we were fed, but I would never choose that again. Our total ticket price from west coast to Milan, RT was $2000. so can't complain and doubt if we'll see that again.We booked in March for September flights.

ourgetboat

Is the upgrade available for only certain fare classes, or all?

I'd jump on the upgrade in a heartbeat and especially for that reasonable price. It would be worth it not to be cramped up in cattle class having to listen to screaming/crying kids and waiting in long lines to use the restroom. When I fly my 17.5 hour, non-stop flights between L.A. and Bangkok, I try to do it in Premier Economy...between regular Economy and Business Class. It makes a night day difference when I arrive to my destination without frazzled nerves. I also like being able to take my time boarding the plane and get situated as I'm able to board before regular Economy. Also there's no fighting over overhead compartment space. I've flown in all classes on a plane and when the price is right, I stay the heck out of regular economy! When the price is not right, then I lament, in regular economy all the way to my destination. Smiles. Happy Travels!

THE OP, <b>ourjetboat</b> has already gone on his/her trip.

<i>Date: <u>07/28/2008</u>, 10:17 am

We are flying USAir from PHL to Venice <u>in about a month.</u></i>

This thread was topped by

Author: blondiepopo
Date: 11/17/2008, 11:18 am

yk - The OP may have come and gone, but the helpful and interesting advice continues. ((*))

I'm just pointing out that perhaps anybody who wants to reply to this thread should reply to blondiepopo's post from today, as she has some questions in her post.

Carry on...

I am now back from our trip. While there were seats open several days before our departure...the upgrade for 500 is avaliable 24 hours in advance...(for any fare class)..the upgrade seats were soldout at the 24 hour point. Looking back now though...I am glad we didn't have the opportunity to spend $1000, I would MUCH rather spend $100 more per night for a better room for 10 nights ($1000) than the 8 hour upgrade. Is the bigger seat/amenities nice?? Heck ya!! But after a day or 2 after the flight..all is forgotten/forgiven once in Italy!!

So it would seem that, despite a raft of naysayers, the question asked by Ira in #1 was apt?

I asked my DH if he would &quot;do this&quot;. I thought he was going to have a conniption fit. I am still trying to calm him down ;-), He has become so frugal(nice word for cheap), it makes me a crazy!

Since Ourjetboat has gone and returned, as well as reported, I have a comment to Blondiepopo. On my recent trip to Europe, all the flights boarded the normal first, frequent flyers, and passengers with children earliest. But after that, general boarding was from the back of the plane to the front.

In reference to the other part of your post regarding carryons, it's become a very big problem. I was travelling with carryons only because I was flying standby and didn't want to take a chance of my bags flying on without me. But it turns out that now that the major carriers are charging for the first piece of checked baggage, &quot;everyone&quot; is walking on with two pieces of luggage, one of which should be a handbag, but very often that is the THIRD piece. So if you are one of the later ones to board (i.e. rows near the front of the plane behind first class), you may be out of luck -- no space in the overhead bins. Many people with all their extra pieces of carryon were scrambling to find space. Many had to put one piece in one bin and another piece somewhere yonder. And trying to keep your fragile things safe -- ha! -- you had to squish your bags to fit them into the bins or someone squished their things onto yours!

I went from Hawaii to Paris on 5 flights. Boarding took forever on all of them because of all the extra carryon baggage.

I am now advising my friends that plan to travel with just carryons (a) get to the airport early as getting through security is taking a little longer with more carryon pieces going through, and (b) board as soon as your row is called (no dilly dallying) to try to find space in the overhead bins while you can.

By the way, for those that opt to upgrade to business, no problem with the carryons, so that's another reason to spring for it if it's cheap enough. I flew business on the flights to and from CDG from the U.S. and it was heaven compared to coach. Either I'm getting bigger, or those coach seats are getting smaller (or both!).

Comparing coach class to a Turkish prison is a bit ridiculous. Just how spoiled have we become? Did any of you fly back in the 707-era with those stiff seats, no entertainment and much longer flight times? I'll never begrudge anyone's right to spend or earn their money, but a few hours on a semi-uncomfortable aircraft is hardly a hardship.

Unless the upgrade is free (or close to it), I'm afraid I cannot condone such a practice! :)

adeben - &lt;despite a raft of naysayers&gt;

They weren't naysayers, they were yeasayers.

This thread exemplifies the saying, 'each to his/her own opinion'. ((*))