It isn't always true that First class and Coach arrive at the same time. <BR> <BR>We were able to fly First Class to Australia( using mileage awards). <BR>When we arrived in Sydney, the 11 first class passengers got off first. We were through immigration and customs before coach passengers even had their bags. <BR> <BR>My wife and I usually fly coach...but after this experience, we understand why coach passengers are usually "held back" until the first class deplane. <BR> <BR>It's too bad we can't afford to fly this way on a regular basis.

As recently as last month I flew the Atlanta to London route via Delta's business class (using frequent flyer miles). Delta has a business class lounge in the international terminal of the Atlanta airport, which all Delta international business class passengers may use at NO charge (show your ticket to enter). It is comparable to most of their Crown Rooms (essentially the same food/beverages), though slightly more "posh" in certain respects --- I would definitely go to it rather than one of the Crown Rooms on the domestic concourses.

Comment for Rico, Larry and Jim: I remember back when the first of my peers got a car with leather seats (which I couldn't afford). I distinctly remember arguing with him about the drawbacks to leather seats and what a waste of money they were (having never had them myself). Once I got them in a car of my own, I felt silly looking back on my prior comments and I'd never do without them again. <BR>Same for five star hotels, first class air, good wine and good food. Until I had the chance to savor these luxuries on my own terms, I decried them as being colossal wastes of money. <BR>There are surely those who thoroughly sample such luxuries and remain unmoved. I suspect they're in a very small minority, though. Usually the ones who dismiss such pleasures as being overhyped are the ones who have the least experience. <BR>Just a common sense question: if nice cars, hotels and flying accommodations are so much hype, why do so many people covet them? Why do people pay such large sums for them? Why don't celebrities fly coach, drive 4 cylinder cars and stay at Motel 6's? Guess they're all way off base. Hmmm.

I'm sorry. I thought this was a forum on travel, not luxury. Personally, I feel sorry for people who choose to travel first class. by so doing they isolate themselves from the people in the countries they are visiting. Why stay in a first class hotel in Italy a when it is a carbom copy of one in the U.S.? Give me a US$50 a night double in a family run pensione any day. To me, $2,000 represents another three weeks wandering around Europe - not 15 minutes less in customs.

Jim, <BR>What if, God forbid, you WERE rich... would you STILL feel the same way?

When I flew to Spain last year my mother and I were "bumped up" to first class. It was really nice!!! I'm spoiled for coach now. I instantly decided that when I get older and richer, hopefully, the one luxury I'll have is to travel first class. It may be a lot more money but there's nothing like getting to your destination refreshed and ready for travel and coming home relaxed, Vs getting there cranky and coming home even crankier!!!! Enjoy your trip and especially the flight!

C'mon, Jim, you can do better than that ("I thought this was a forum on travel"....so a discussion of the merits or lack thereof of flying first class doesn't have anything to do with travel?). <BR>Your comments nicely illustrate the "tunnel vision" Harper was referring to. Are you telling us that if you had $100,000 to spend on a trip to Europe you'd stay at hostels, skimp on quality food, and ride the buses in order to make your experience more 'authentic'? <BR>And why do you assume that expensive Euro hotels are "carbon copies of those in the US"? That's pontificating about something you aren't familiar with. The upper end hotels I've stayed at in Europe have been unmistakeably European and nothing like US hotels. In fact many of the better hotels are in very old, historically significant buildings. Try to find a Four Seasons in the US housed in a 15th century convent (Milan), an ancient prison (Istanbul) or a Michelangelo-designed monastery (Villa San Michele, Fiesole, Italy). <BR>Very true that money does not make one appreciate culture. The traveller still has to dig into all that the local scene has to offer in order to enjoy it to the fullest...which can be done without spending big $$. But please don't "feel sorry" for people who choose to spend some of their hard earned $$ enjoying travel abroad. Your yardstick for appropriate travel budgeting just may not be universally applicable.

Does anyone know of any sites/agents who give discounts on business class air? Anybody know of 2-for-1s? I am planning to travel to India from U.S. midwest <BR> <BR>The Amex Platinum card offers 2-for-1s on business and first class...the only problem is that you have to buy unrestricted tickets <BR> <BR>Thanks

Thank you everyone for all your wonderful replies, suggestions and objections. We have really enjoyed reading these. We appreciate you taking the time to repond.