To book business class at 3 times the price?

[itshou]

We are planning super long haul as a family UK to AUS. Starting to think of the logistics of the flights, is business class really worth it at 3 times the price? Travelling with one teen. It's a frightening amount of money, but the only time we'll do this as going for an event. First world problems I know, but it's such a big trip!

But if you’ve already got the x days in a luxury suite and can afford it then pay it.

it’s absolutely extortionate I don’t disagree but it’s so calm compared to economy.

It sounds from your posts that you can easily afford to so go for it. It does make a huge difference flying business on long haul.
I have waited a couple of times until check in or baggage drop and upgraded then. This is when you will get the best deal IME. (Last time we saved £600 per person because we waited) however this was only to Dubai so it wouldn’t have bothered us to fly economy if business had have been full. It’s always a risk to wait.

Personally I still wouldn't bother, I'd rather spend my thousands on something tangible.

But everyone's different and I think if you can spend thousands of pounds on a plane seat without it impacting your finances, you can probably afford to do both!

I would have said that before going long haul on Singapore and Emirates business class. Economy to Australia sucks.

If it’s BA don’t bother.

Depends on the airline as not all business class seats are equal.

I think emirates business is crap, for example, especially on the A380s, as is BA - even with their new cabin and seat design (though at least that does away with the awkward forward/backward configuration which has you face to face with another passenger at close quarters). All the US airlines have crap business class, too.

Having spent years constantly on long haul flights for work and having sampled many, many business class cabins as a result, I would pay for business on: Qatar, Singapore, Etihad, Oman, Turkish in that order.

I think most people who pay for business class aren’t thinking I could use the money to buy a sofa etc instead.

Yes it certainly does depend on which plane model you go on.

Yes it is worth it if you are traveling long haul in my opinion. You can sleep. It won’t mess up the first few days of your trip as severely.

If you can afford it, travelling comfortably is much nicer.

I'd definitely do it. You arrive rested and refreshed.

Instead of spending the money on upgrades why not split the flight and had a 1 or 2 night stopover somewhere en route?
That's what I'd do.

Just priced up LHR to SYD return in a random week in November (cheapest time) on my emirates app. Total cost for a family of 3
Economy £3600
Business £18000

I love business but it's not £14000 worth of love. I've similarly received a large bonus but no way would I be spending some of it that way.

100% yes!! It is my dream to turn left on the plane!!

Emirates A380 really isnt crap... what was wrong with it?

I have had years of being in Economy with the children and now being able to afford it is wonderful. What I really like is on boarding and getting settled people in Economy walking by and making sarky comments about idiots paying £££ and its only a flight. I wouldnt go back to their seats and start making silly comments about how come they are in their own seats.

Perhaps a bit of envy?? I know how wonderful Economy is (not!) and whilst I wouldnt use BC for say a Europe flight I would definitely splash out for a longer flight. There are often lots of offers around providing you can be flexible.

100% worth it for that length of flight. If you are able to do it without you having to compromise on anything else, then go for it. Treat it as part of your holiday and enjoy the flight. Having access to the lounges is also helpful if you have a layover. Shower, food and a comfy seat.

I have flown economy from UK to Aus. It was sooooo uncomfortable (BA). I've always said if I ever went again I'd be going at least business class.

I will never fly long haul economy again.

Even premium is better but you said business cheaper.
TBH I probably would.

It depends a little how much money we are talking but I think I'd go against the tide here and do it.

It is more comfortable, you do have more room and there is better service and better food, as well as great entertainment etc.

It can be an enjoyable part of the trip versus something to be endured.
Your holiday starts on take off!

I’ve done it twice to the states both times I didn’t pay and I wouldn’t ever pay - just got to accept the flight is exhausting and try and make it as comfortable as possible

The snazzy airlines are often £££ and it is a full time role to get a good price but Trailfinders are a good option to help you find the best price. Qatar, Emirates and then Singapore BC in my view. BA can be OK but only with the Club Suites. Their old style Biz Class seats are not great.

My DB has used Air India who have a terrible reputation but they have flat beds and he just gets on and goes to sleep. He doesnt drink alcohol and food is just to be wolfed down. For him its the flat bed that he pays for.

I have heard good things about Emirates Premimum Economy and I did see the seats when I last flew with them. Of course if they are more expensive then BC then its a no brainer. I really liked the Emirates A380 because of the bar and the fact you are on the first floor of the aircraft as opposed to ground level.

You could call a flight consolidator and see whether they can do better than your prices. Flying one day later or at different times can make a huge difference and be very fussy with your seats. When you are paying a lot you need the right seats.

Emirates A380 really isnt crap... what was wrong with it?

A few things:

1. On many of the 380s, It's like the BC seats have never been refurbed and now feel tired and poorly cushioned, in my experience, especially noticeable in lie-flat position.
2. The seats are pretty narrow when converted to lie-flat compared to the better class cabins.
3. The service is impersonal - too many BC seats on the double deckers.
4. The cabin layout and seat design is now quite old-fashioned and not a patch on something like Qatar Q-Suites, etc.
5. Not specific to the 380 but the BC lounge(s) in Dubai are very poor compared to other carriers' lounges in their hubs.

If we could easily afford it we would go business when we visit family in NZ, but we can't so we don't. It is pretty hideous but you just have to hope for empty seats around you. I find some 'non-herbal' nytol helps with getting to sleep with a neck pillow makes it more comfortable. Just have really low expectations, oh and don't go via LAX.

If I were you I would put teen in coach go business with your DH. They're bendy and resilient at that age 😄

I’ve done the direct Heathrow to Perth flight on Qantas quite a few times. Economy is fine, as it’s such a long flight the seats are v well designed and there is a small snacks/drinks bar at the back of economy. BUT… if I could afford I’d definitely do business as I think you can get on to Aus time quicker if you get on and can sleep when the Aussies are. (I change watch and phone to Perth time the minute I get on the plane). If I was changing at Singapore/ Dubais not sure I’d bother.

There are so many other experiences you could use the money for though. Such as a stopover in Asia or for future travel.

I think you are better breaking the flight up with stopovers - a few nights in Dubai on the way over, Singapore on the way back etc

The added value of buisness class isn't just the hours you spend on the plane it's all the weeks and months leading up to the holiday where you can look forward to the flight as well as the holiday rather than dreading the flight.

As someone who flies fairly frequently to NZ on Singapore airlines, and usually economy, business class is soooooo nice and very much worth it!