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!