What IS Sally's origination and destination? She never does say, does she? How can we possibly comment on cost differences? And in fact, she never even actually refers to air travel at all, does she? Did a post get removed?

Thanks for all the great replies. In the future I will save my miles for upgrades.

But I don't understand why people refuse to give answers to the kinds of questions that could help get her an answer!<BR><BR>Cost?<BR><BR>from where? to where?<BR>

coach/businessclass/first class-what are the differences?<BR><BR>I think that cranky gave you the answers,with no frills, and said you are welcome.<BR>what is YOUR problem?<BR>If you wanted more, you should have been clearer.If you needed serious info,you should have asked the airlines or done your own homework instead of asking us to do it for you.

Sally-<BR>Agree with the previous posters on the variations among airlines and the stairstep characterization of comfort/quality gradients. As in most things in life, you get what you pay for, whether $ or FF miles.<BR>Continental pioneered the BusinessFirst concept in which First and Business cabins are merged into one; NWA has adopted it, along with some others. It is tremendous - the only way to fly internationally if at all possible.

What about the fully reclineable seats? I think these are the greatest invention and I love when I have the opportunity to do the overnight flight using these seats (First only on American, I think BA has them in both First and Business). They make all the difference in getting some sleep on the flight. Another great invention is the distribution of the noise reduction headphones - the ones from Bose? They are great for cutting out everything!

The greatest thing about flying first or business class is when you arrive at the airport and look at those hundreds of people lined up at the counter and you just walk over to the special check-in counter for first and business class and breeze through!

What about restrictions. Does anyone know if business-class tickets carry the same refund/change restrictions as all other fares? Thanks.

I have flown many airlines in all 3 classes and I have ultimately decided that if you have the miles to upgrade, it's worth it not just for the comfort and service, but for the airport treatment as well -- not just checking in, but going through immigration and customs. Many countries outside the US have no qualms about flaunting the class system, and I have been able to go through shorter lines with a business class ticket. Then there are the usually wonderful 1st class lounges with free food, coffee, alcohol, internet access, and sometimes even showers. On the other hand, if you have to pay thousands of dollars more, well, Ambien is a lot cheaper.<BR>By the way, am I the only person on this site who uses my real email address?

cancellation/refund policy? I'd like to know, too.

Cancellation/refund policy varies, like any plane ticket. Basically the more you pay the more flexible your ticket. Specifically, if you pay the full published fare (booking class P, F [first] or C [business]), you have complete flexibility. With promotional/discounted ticket (usual booking code A [first] or D [business]), you have to look at individual booking conditions and fare rules. With some you cannot change your outbound travel, but after departure you can change the return date either free or for a fixed fee ($50 say) within the validity period (usually 1 to 3 months). Outright cancellation attracts a percentage penalty (often 50%) or fixed charge ($200 say). Also entitlement to FF miles differs. With some (e.g. LH), you get full mileage (double for biz and treble for first). With others you get reduced amount. When you get upgraded to first or biz (by using miles or operationally), the validity and FF miles are those of your original coach ticket.

to Business Class:<BR><BR>HOW did you get business class Delta for $1800 to Paris? Was it a last-minute deal? I tried Delta last year and again this year, they quoted me $6,900 for business Atlanta to Paris both times !! And almost flat? My Frequent-flyer upgraded envoy class on US Air reclined to 55 degrees. Wow, am I jealous.