Is it me or have these standards hugely declined?

[Jessicastyle]

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.

The super-rich don’t slum it on commercial flights!

.

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

If you've watched White Lotus you'll know that “Just because people are rich doesn't mean they're not trashy.”

That’s what I’m saying! First class passengers are now plebs like the rest of us.

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.

I used to dream of flying first class

I've definitely missed the, er, boat

I should've given it a try years ago. Now I reckon it's gone up massively in price and probably isn't even worth it. No more long haul for me. Can't face it I need more space.

It’s just gone the way of all things. Less for more money.

I bought a Twister lolly yesterday, owing to the nice weather. It was tiny. Absolutely tiny. Has the price dropped? Nope, it’s gone up both actually and in real terms.

@Yellowpapersun I was going to advise charter but lately with the war on prices have gone through the roof! You have been very wise to buy and presumably can hire out jet via Airrentals.com. Do you have your own pilot? They're in short supply as they are bussing influencers back one by one from Dubai.

OP Slumming it in first is the worst. YANBU.

Practical advice might be to go to louis vuitton and l'occitaine at the airport to make your own goody bag. Needs must when the devil farts in your face!

No idea - I am just amazed that not only have you been on "just" a couple of long haul, first class flights in the past 3.5 months, but you also think that is a common enough thing that a bunch of random people on Mumsnet would be able to confirm or deny your experience of it.

All Very strange but good for you etc

Breaking news - some people have more money than others and spend it on stuff like first class long haul flights.

OPs post was perfectly reasonable and there might be some people who can respond. I can’t because I can’t afford first class long haul flights.

But of course, the weirdly aggressive snippy responses and faux puzzlement are definitely not envy. No, of course not.

This post is hilarious. Massive wars going on causing huge increases in cost of living that mean so many families are struggling. Nope fuck that lets have a moan about first class flight deteriorating standards. Give your head a fucking wobble!

Do I envy the wealth of someone who can afford to go on more than one first class, long haul flight in the course of a few months and then to say "just" as if it is actually a little bit subpar? Absolutely, but in a completely benign way. Who wouldn't want to be able to do that? Sounds great.

But, if you've been around here long, as I have, the stealth boasting and whining about standards in the current economic climate comes across as utterly clueless. So I have to disagree with you that the original post is a reasonable one. It is pretty tone deaf, even if she truly believes large numbers of people travel first class all the time.

🤣🤣🤣

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.

Can only comment on business class because I’ve only flown first once, but flew business to Japan twice with Cathay Pacific last year and was very underwhelmed, for the reasons you mention. Crap toiletries, poor quality masks etc. But the lie flat beds are more common and comfier than they used to be and there’s still bottomless champagne in the lounge, so it’s still worth it imo! 👍

Yep.

Can’t comment. I’ve never had the privilege of flying first class.
Premium economy is as much as I’ve done.

Why people who can’t relate feel the need to post snarky comments is beyond me

I wouldn’t know as I only ever travel by private jet, sorry.

OP i was only saying this yesturday to my friend! The offerings in first class have really taken a nose dive.

I wouldn't want bowels of crisps and peanuts, thanks. They'd put me off my dinner.

I think it depends on the airline to be honest. We went to Dubai after Christmas with B.A in First. The Concorde Lounge is always special. The 787 on the outbound leg was fantastic, service, food and drinks were faultless. Coming back was the A380 and it felt very compared to the 787.

We did Doha at the beginning of Feb with Qatar Airways and that felt like a level up from B.A.

We have Singapore in May half term and going with Singapore Airlines which will be a first but we’ve heard good things.

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