Quote:
Originally Posted by Cajundaddy
We have done both but usually the Business class with lay down seats is roughly 2x the price of coach. Prices can vary wildly so shopping is required. For flights 5 hrs or less we fly coach or premium. Across oceans we do what we have to do to fly Business class or 1st class. If we arrive rested we can enjoy the day we arrive. If not, the first day is completely a write-off.
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Obviously I did not perform a deep shopping look but I use Google Flights to locate options and then book directly with the airline. So I just searched San Diego to Paris January 16 for 1 week stay.
RT in coach was $761, Premium Econ $2095 and business class $5500. First class was a hair over $22K
That is with Delta, or BA, or Lufthansa. And remember this is per seat. I am sure prices would be cheaper to substitute LAX for San Diego but that place, while generally miserable, is far worse now as they prep for the Olympics.
Not judging anyone here at all. But for me I will take the 10-12 hour inconvenience in coach and spend the savings on upgraded accommodations/food/tours etc. Our friends only fly first class and they visit Italy 2-3x a year. They own a restaurant and use the Visa points earned keeping the place running. I also try to arrive at my destination for OCONUS trips in the late afternoon so after the arrival processing and transportation we check into the hotel and then head out for a evening stroll and a nice meal. Easier, again for me, to get to bed very tired trying to get used to the time change. And for clarification back in the day traveling for work I routinely got bumped to business for OCONUS trips and still could never sleep on the plane.