Coach vs. First Class
 

I'm getting ready to book our flight to Hawaii on Hawaiian Air using our FF miles. I find that I have enough to book first class. Aside from the obvious seating difference, what more do you get that justifies double the cost? Thank You for any replies.

Decent food, alcohol, the chance to sleep, sometimes (check) higher baggage limits and (sometimes) expedited baggage handling. You also can use the FC check-in lines and often a "fast track" security line (depends on airport.)

One widely-used rule of thumb is to value your miles at 2.5c per mile, then see what the equivalent purchased tickets cost in both coach and FC, and see what you're "paying" vs. the purchased cost. You'll probably see that FC is a much more efficient use of your miles. To complete the analysis, assume you "paid" 1.5c for each of those miles, buried in your credit card purchases etc.

My husband flies first class a lot for business, but for me, it's still a treat. It's just a more posh experience in general. Seats are more comfortable with more leg room. The flight attendant offers you something to drink immediately instead of waiting for the cart. When we went, we had a better choice of movies/shows to watch than in coach. Also, they give you linen napkins, real silverware, salt and pepper shakers and come around with warm towels after you eat. The meal we had was of very high quality as well - not sure if it was different than what was served in coach.

We only fly first class when our miles allow. I probably wouldn't pay for it, but it's easier to spread out and relax, and I think the service is definitely more attentive. We always try to use our miles for long flights, and Hawaii would be the perfect way to enjoy first class.

I would also suggest that the further you're traveling, the more enjoyable the first class experience.

Assuming you're at least flying from the West Coast to Honolulu, the flight time is what 5 hours? Think about being crammed in a packed coach section for 5 hours. (I did it coming from SF to NYC last night, it wasn't fun.) Now, ask if the extra miles are worth it.

If you're flying from the midwest or East Coast, it's a no brainer.

If you have the points - for me just not having to get off the plane looking like a pretzel is well worth it.

We too use our miles for first class or business class. Having flown to China, India and Hawaii 4 times in Business/First, it is the only way to fly. We save our miles for the flights we wouldn't want to buy.

Coming from the East Coast, I sure get my moneys worth flying to Hawaii :) You just feel better, it is a little special.
go for it!
Duane

Keep in mind that this is just domestic first class seats with 2-2-2 seating of 18.5" width and 42" pitch; vs 2-3-2, 18" and 32" in coach on HA's 767-300.

I don't know if you can use HA miles on Continental's flights, but CO has international business class seats that are much better than HA's for flights between HNL and the mainland.

I have to agree with the above poster: INTERNATIONAL first or business is worth the money, but I don’t really see any big difference on domestic flights. On domestic first or business I have yet to have a leg rest or a fully reclining seat, which are THE main reasons I like the first or business class seat. I don’t notice that the seats are appreciably wider actually either. Otherwise, the food is really only marginally better (it is all airplane food, even on the excellent Singapore airlines), the real silverware, etc is meaningless to me. For a domestic flight of 5 hours or less, really coach is not uncomfortable, IMO and I wouldn’t pay for first class for that short a flight. Over 5 hours and IF it really were a seat with a leg rest and a reclining seat, I would think it would be worth it. Co's Business First may do this, but I don't think the OP can take this from the Seattle area.

I will always firmly believe that first class is a waste of money OR points. (Remember that you earned those points by spending money...it's not a "free" upgrade!!)

This is how my DH and I look at it: If I offered you $1000 to sit on a wooden chair for nine hours, would you do it? And would you ever order a $1000 glass of champagne? Because essentially the people who are willing to pay that much for a few hours of "comfort" (in a plane? ha!) and free drinks are generally the same people who go into massive debt after vacations (or complain that they don't get to go away often enough).

We flew to Hawaii for our honeymoon from the East Coast and I would not have done it any other way. What a loooooonnnnnggggg flight. Even if on some of the legs it was only marginally better than coach, it was worth it. On some of the legs-- we flew Delta- the seats did recline and the foot rest shot up like a lazy boy recliner. If you have the miles, i'd use them if it's going to be a long flight for you.

Our dilemma right now is that we have enough miles to go to Hawaii ONCE in first class or TWICE in coach; it's a hard decision.

I've always hated to use up all our miles, but they always seem to pile up again. We've been to Hawaii 4 times (twice with our 3 kids), all on miles. We've also used miles for Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, and yet the miles adding up again!

But we usually fly coach. So far, it has seemed the best decision to be able to go more often in coach than to go in first class less often.

Honestly, you'd be willing to give up a second trip to Hawaii just for a few hours of marginal comfort?!? I'd rather spend those hours in coach dreaming about my extra week in paradise. But whatever, I'm sure that pop-up foot rest is just as relaxing as a week on Waikiki Beach.

Everything is personal and how things affect you.
I save my Delta points and use them to upgrade to first class when I fly to LA two or three times a year - I find a huge difference between 1st and coach from east to west coast - the seats are larger, which I like, -being on ly 2 across, I like being served (even if with plastic utensils) rather than having to carry take out on my flight and have to dig it out hours into my flight- I enjoy getting drinks, tea, coffee, water or snacks whenever I want them and not having to deal with long lines for the rest room - and usually less kids hanging over the seats or kicking seats or generally making noise (and I love kids) - the shorter check in and security lines, the 1st class lounge - all fo these are reasons I like flying first and save my points for it on delta for the coast to coast flight and otherwise use points for business or 1st when travleing to europe when I can and have them - doesn't mean I don't go when I don't have enough points- in which case I would not purchase a 1st class tix, but I'd defnitely go coach vs. not going at all -

But you do realize you're paying $1000 (one way or the other; points come from money spent) for the "luxury" of plasticware, short potty lines, and not having to "dig" food out of your backpack (heaven forbid!). And the first class lounge? Whatever. Would you pay a $1000 cover charge to get into a boring, fluorescent-lit nightclub that played bad muzak?

It just amazes me how many people are willing to waste $1000 on a few extra inches of leg room. And they're usually the same ones who complain later about being "nickel and dimed" for a $6 cup of coffee at their hotel.

I love the stories my TA tells me about his clients who actually wont take the trip if they cant get upgraded.Domestic and international.One of my favorites is the couple on trips from DFW to houston...AN HOUR!! They will not go if they aren't upgraded, whether they are travelling alone or with each other.The excuse: They are "too tired" to travel with the unwashed.......wow......Beulah, time for a couple a grapes....

Haha...exactly, BeachBoi!

I'm sorry, but the first class cabin is the biggest tourist trap out there. To quote an old song...put me in coach!

karameli,

We get it.

*YOU* wouldn't use your miles.

No matter how much you berate others about it being foolish to use the miles for an upgrade, it isn't necessarily going change their minds.

It is a personal decision.

nyc, it's called having a back and forth discussion. I notice you haven't contributed to this thread except to berate me for stating my opinion (and replying to others who did the same).

No way in hell would I fly to Hawaii in coach if I had enough miles for FC.

Everyone has different prioritites. I take 2 trips to Hawaii in coach, over 1 in first class... any day of the week!

Other than the "obvious seating difference" there is... well little difference. Free drinks and better food. Less people using your bathroom. That's about it.

karameli - the OP asked for opinions, people are giving them.

Yes, that can become a back and forth but it doesn't have to - people can just post their opinions - if you want to make it a back and forth discussion that is wonderful -

IF it is a back and forth discussion and a civil discourse and not one done with an intonation and tone via word choices that instead do not make for a discussion but makes it APPEAR anyway that you are indeed judging anyone who has a different opinion than you and further than that, making other assumptions about those people.

For example:to your reply:

"But you do realize you're paying $1000 (one way or the other; points come from money spent) for the "luxury" of plasticware, short potty lines, and not having to "dig" food out of your backpack (heaven forbid!). "

YES, I realize I am "paying" via points - but frankly there is nothing else I woudl choose to use my Delta points - or any other airline points - for.
I use them for upgrades to first class. I'm not interested in the other things they offer for my points. So I choose to use them so I have short or zero potty lines, and personally have never experienced the toilet being so smelly or backed up or filthy or closed, as I have in coach when so many people are using it on an overseas or longer flight -

and there are PLENTY of flights I did my lunch or dinner out of my backpack or briefcase on coach, b/c that is how I accumulate my points from airlines and Amex to upgrade for those trips to the opposite coast, or to new zealand or australia, or swtizerland or wherever.

Perhaps you choose to "spend" your airline points on something else they offer - what I don't know and I didn't ask - but I wouldn't berate you for your choice of what you use your points for.

You then wrote:

"And the first class lounge? Whatever."

Civil back and forth means losing the attitude the "whatever' implies. Again, judging someones answer to the OP's question, 'what more do you get that justifies first class" -

The first class lounge on various occasions gives me the following: a place to shower and change prior to a business meeting or function, room to do business for an hour prior to my flight with internet, fax and phone access in a well lit, quiet area; room to spread out with my paper, a drink, tv news or sit at a nice table with my family and play cards or "whatever" -or the time I needed to reach my son who was overseas for a family emergency and I doubt I would have rec'd the same immediate help I did in the first class lounge - so those are some of my 'whatevers'

To your statement:

"It just amazes me how many people are willing to waste $1000 on a few extra inches of leg room. And they're usually the same ones who complain later about being "nickel and dimed" for a $6 cup of coffee at their hotel."

I waste my points on what I want, you waste yours on what you want - the use of the word 'waste' is what makes this not a back and forth discussion but a 'judgement call' apparently on your part, which is not necessary.

To say someone uses points for first class for 'a few inches of leg room' when other reasons have been given also and to further assume I am a person who then complains about being nickel and dimed over a $6 cup of coffee - well I can't imagine where that comment even comes from, except that in your life you must run into some miserable travel companions or people to make you assume judgements on personality and character as that sentence implies.

Sometimes first class has been a few inches of leg room, a wider seat and a meal - sometimes it has been seats that recline fully with tons of room, various foot and neck rests, china, fine wines and glassware and a wonderful hot shower in a first class lounge and yes, I will use points for that for a 19 hr flight as well as for extra leg room and other amenities in a coast to coast flight vs. other things I could use points for.

You can respectfully also state why you do or do not use your points for first class without attitude or assumptions-

I don't know or presume to know what you use your airline points for, I hope you enjoy whatever it is you choose to use them for - and I would never berate or use a tone in responding to what you use them for.

oh and I forgot this gem:

"are generally the same people who go into massive debt after vacations (or complain that they don't get to go away often enough)."

wow. talk about judgemental ? Now you are assuming that 'generally' I am in the category of being in massive debt after vacation and/or never getting away enough.

why would using my points put me in massive debt after my vacations and/or why would that mean I didn't get away enough...how else would people accumulate points anyway - whether business or pleasure travel or a combo of both?

and why would you bring in so many assumptions to a "give and take" discussion ?

Some use points for upgrades, some don't.
you can say why you do or don't and leave it at that.

Back to the original question! I used to fly a lot for work and have tons of frequent flier points on Continental...and use them for upgrades on longer or special trips. We usually are able to get great deals on the airfare itself so using the points is a nice perk and worth it (for me personally....everyone has to make their own call). If it were me...flying from the east coast to Hawaii, I'd definitely upgrade.

I think this is definitely a personal decision.

Last year we used points to fly coach to Germany. It was squishy and uncomfortable, but we didn't have enough points to get FC tickets and we didn't have enough money in the vacation budget to buy our tickets and then use our points for the upgrage. So, flying coach was a no-brainer.

Next year, it might be different. Depending on how the finances look, we might be in the position to buy coach seats and use our points for an upgrade for an overseas flight. Or, I might end up flying enough between now and then to accrue enough points to buy FC tickets with points. Who knows, but we will play it by ear.

If using points to fly FC meant I only got to take 1 trip instead of 2, then I would fly coach, but there are always other factors such as time off from work, money to actually BE on vacation, and so forth. We might not be able to get away for more than 1 overseas trip - in that case, I would rather spend my miles on FC tickets than have them sitting around in the account doing nothing.

Escargot,

I am sorry that my word choice and intonation angered you enough to inspire a 956-word manifesto. Would you have gotten as angry if I said it would be crazy not to treat yourself to first class? If the OP doesn't agree with my opinion, they'll probably just skip it. And that's totally fine with me. I don't hold anything personal against anyone who flies in first class -- including my close friends and relatives -- regardless of how you read my word tone.

I should add: It's just an area of travel that I feel strongly about, which is why my post ran a little long. Though not as long as your post about how much you disliked my post. ;)

Know what? Forget forst class and coach...just saw this on Yahoo. Talk about the only way to fly!! :-D

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070710/...ing_lawn_chair

It didn't anger me enoug to respond - but being one who enjoys civil debate/sharing of ideas I did think your tone, if there is such a thing online, was unnecessary. Typing as fast as I do, it takes me no time to type the response I did - now, taking the time to count the words ! :)

it's a personal choice. period. no right or wrong opinion.

You belong in coach karameli.

karameli - you may not have intended them to but your posts did contain a "tone." Consider escargots post as constructive criticism that you can use going forward when posting replies.

Wait, now wouldn't El Swainer's imlication be far more judgmental than anything I might have said? I suppose my strong opinions make me "second-class."

I thought escargot posted a very civil reply to my reply, which I appreciate, as I can see where he (or she) was coming from. You don't need to stand behind him wagging your fingers.

Sorry, that's <i>implication.</i>

(Oh, and escargot -- just used word count. Alt+T+W!)

Go Travel said it best!

I've flown round-trip from LAX to Sydney, Australia, in coach.

NEVER AGAIN.

It was 15 hours and a full plane on the way over. Even with a little more room to stretch out on the way back to LAX it was darn uncomfortable. We were squished into the plane. As great as that trip was, my lack of comfort on the plane is still one of my most visit memories.

SO ... if your flight is a long one, I'd definitely opt for first class especially when paying with points. Why let a trip in coach bookend a great vacation.

Laugh of the day: on July 10, in another post, karameli writes:

&quot;As my mom always says, 'You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.' Keep your tone as polite as possible.&quot;

If that was your laugh of the whole day, I'm sorry!

We use miles to upgrade on trips to Hawaii from the east coast. One benefit on United is that the first class seats all have Empower plugs for laptops so an extra battery isn't needed. Having your own music and dvds makes a long trip more tolerable (and yes, there are other dvd and music devices but I like having the laptop once I'm at my destination so for me this is the way to go. YMMV).

no I wouldn't upgrade form Seattle unless you'll never use those miles again.

Escargot is spot on!

Aloha!