Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is it me or have these standards hugely declined?

119 replies

Jessicastyle · 09/04/2026 17:22

I am interested in whether anyone else has found first class flight standards have really declined. I’m talking over the past couple of years.

We’ve only had a couple of long hauls since early December and found the quality of food offering to be sub-standard compared to usual, and a real mixed bag in terms of service.

Even the quality of gifts has deteriorated - luxury brands replaced with brands you can find on your average high street.

Real food for thought if such a decline is terminal.

OP posts:
towhoknowswhere · 10/04/2026 08:58

I’m intrigued by your username op? You do know that boasting is far from stylish?

SummerFrog2026 · 10/04/2026 08:55

Yellowpapersun · 09/04/2026 17:44

I too have been disappointed by 1st class air travel, so I've done the only sensible thing and bought myself a private jet. My DH liked it so much he bought his own, so we have plenty of legroom. Plus we don't have to breathe the same recycled air as the great unwashed downstairs.

Well, to be honest, it is the only thing you can do really. I hope you managed to recruit good staff, it makes the world of difference. Especially if you get one that excels at surprise gifts!

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 10/04/2026 08:48

I've never travelled First Class so can't comment on its decline, but I have noticed that in the Economy Secion they have INCREASED the voltage of the cattle prods that are used to hurry us along to our wooden benches.

PfizerFan · 10/04/2026 04:22

ComradeAmoeba · 09/04/2026 17:43

100% agree OP. We flew to Singapore last month. Booked a suite with Singapore Airlines as per usual.

We are normally given hand-embroidered silk pyjamas to change into. Now the pyjamas are sweaty, scratchy viscose from Primark. Ugh. I ended up with thrush.

Can't tell if you're taking the piss or not 🤣

AlwaysLookOnTheBrightSideOfLife · 10/04/2026 03:41

Have you run out of private jets to blag Meg?

blueshoes · 10/04/2026 02:56

devildeepbluesea · 09/04/2026 18:04

Came on to say, “Fuck me, where’s my tiny violin”

Show quote history

Here it is

Is it me or have these standards hugely declined?
Bjorkdidit · 10/04/2026 02:47

LondonPapa · 09/04/2026 20:56

I presume OP means the amenity kits.

Show quote history

Never say CoL isn't affecting all of us, some First Class passengers are having to sell theirs on eBay.

https://ebay.us/m/ImShRF

But I still have no ideas who's being serious on this thread and who's taking the piss.

InterIgnis · 09/04/2026 23:46

DuckyDolittle · 09/04/2026 23:18

Ok out of the goodness of my heart I am going to share my best kept secret for truly luxurious long haul flights, quick book now before you miss your chance! https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/children-in-the-middle-east/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23626123376&gbraid=0AAAAAD6VRsh6enEcXNS6KXlx0qcRVKRP2&gclid=CjwKCAjwnN3OBhA8EiwAfpTYeovfGrSgWDsKfxPkweUEA5wWb6Vw6Pimu9NYu05Q6kulLvUdg6NgchoCdA8QAvD_BwE

I see nothing in there about extra leg room, or getting the level of service you’ve actually paid for. Must be a BA venture, and all the more reason to stick to Emirates.

Ohhhwell · 09/04/2026 23:30

PinkCatCushion · 09/04/2026 22:37

Well as long as you’re alright then…

Show quote history

Exactly, what else is there to care about.

Sux2buthen · 09/04/2026 23:03

DuckyDolittle · 09/04/2026 17:31

Kim, there's people that are dying

🤣🤣🤣

Drats · 09/04/2026 23:00

I don’t know why people are upset about this tbh. I can’t answer because I’ll never be able to afford it but good for you that you can! And thanks for the 40% tax you’re likely paying as well, unlike some billionaires that we should be upset with. I receive some disability benefits and I’m grateful to people that work hard and pay their tax so that my life is marginally easier.

Exasperateddonut · 09/04/2026 22:56

I can’t comment on first class, but standards have dropped across the board. My last long haul (in economy - I slummed it) was 15 hours and all we got was a bottle of water - no amenity bag at all.

There were complaints from business class about the lack of amenities too.

Spongblobsparepants · 09/04/2026 22:56

I’m not sure what amuses me more, this or the boarding school threads.😂

PinkCatCushion · 09/04/2026 22:51

Jessicastyle · 09/04/2026 18:09

Quite.

I read a quote the other day - it was along the lines of only the brits are so happy to put down those who have a bit of aspiration in life. Sadly, in a lot of instances it is true.

We are fortunate that DH does a lot of international travel being in a C suite role, so he has plenty of points we can use.

Show quote history

I’m surprised someone with a husband of such great importance is slumming it on Mumsnet. Is there not a PlatinumNet?

BadLad · 09/04/2026 22:47

devildeepbluesea · 09/04/2026 18:04

Came on to say, “Fuck me, where’s my tiny violin”

Show quote history

Found it for you.

Is it me or have these standards hugely declined?
Flamingojune · 09/04/2026 22:43

Jessicastyle · 09/04/2026 18:09

Quite.

I read a quote the other day - it was along the lines of only the brits are so happy to put down those who have a bit of aspiration in life. Sadly, in a lot of instances it is true.

We are fortunate that DH does a lot of international travel being in a C suite role, so he has plenty of points we can use.

Show quote history

Ooh great quote

DripDripAprilshower · 09/04/2026 22:40

We gave up on first class flights a few years ago due to the declining standards. Thankfully my husband has been able to use his company jet for most of our travel needs.

PinkCatCushion · 09/04/2026 22:37

Ohhhwell · 09/04/2026 18:34

I dont care what others have to say about the environment and all the wrongs in flying.
I have a life and im going to live it, i have a just over 14 hour flight in november and another in december.
And short one in september.
Yes im going to enjoy it.

Well as long as you’re alright then…

ComradeAmoeba · 09/04/2026 22:31

Jessicastyle · 09/04/2026 19:18

I have heard good things about Singapore Airlines - very keen to try them. Have a lovely trip x

Show quote history

No, no, no. See my earlier post about thrush inducing pyjamas!

grumpygrape · 09/04/2026 22:26

examworries2026 · 09/04/2026 21:56

It’s more senior than director. It’s a “chief” role so the people right at the top of the company - chief executive officer, chief financial officer etc.

Show quote history

Private Jet level then ? 😉 Why travel with the commoners ?

GardeningMummy · 09/04/2026 22:14

I couldn’t sleep at night if had to live off my husband….

examworries2026 · 09/04/2026 21:58

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

😂 very snarky but sorry OP that DH C suite comment is one of the smuggest things I’ve ever read on here.

examworries2026 · 09/04/2026 21:56

Pebblesonthebleach · 09/04/2026 20:49

Director level - CEO, CIO, CFO, COO, etc.

Edited
Show quote history

It’s more senior than director. It’s a “chief” role so the people right at the top of the company - chief executive officer, chief financial officer etc.

SomeTameGazelles · 09/04/2026 21:04

Charlize43 · 09/04/2026 20:54

But are these first class people, decent people?

😀 You have just reminded me that recently, passing through Lisbon airport, I had to point out to someone that a corralled-off area with tables next to a cafe said ‘Exclusively for the use of First Class customers’ because the cafe was called the First Class Cafe. Not because you had to be flying first.