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.

But didn't you know renting your seat was money down the drain? You need to get on that private jet ladder. I hear the prices have tumbled - something about environmental concerns and a war.

They’re sold as people collect them. It’s a rife collectors market out there for amenity products. Personally, I’m a huge Delft house fan and fly KLM J whenever I can to get the latest one.

Kim, there's people that are dying*
If you wish to virtually signal your superiority then do get the grammar correct! Kim, there're people who are dying.

Thanks I'll use my back channels to pass your critique onto Kourtney Kardashian

Because we were driving on the M1 when it happened I recently watched a programme about the Kegworth air crash. A flight from London to Belfast was diverted to the East Midlands because of a technical issue but crashed into the banking of the M1. A man and his wife were interviewed about it and he said they had just finished their in-flight meal, were having coffee and looking forward to a brandy! They'd be lucky to get the coffee these days.

I hope you have had your own logo painted on the side, that's what we did. We found a very reaonably priced graphic designer who did a splendid job. Nothing vulgar and ostentatious, I do undestand that we are in a cost of living crisis

lol.

I quite agree with you OP. Standards have quite gone to the dogs. Why, on my last first class flight they didn't even unroll a red carpet! And to quote Chandler in Friends, my wallet's too small for my fifties and my diamond shoes are too tight. 🙄

This is really hard to comment on without knowing which airlines you flew because even at first class level, its not a level playing field. emirates or singapore air are a completely different situation than ethiopian airlines or egyptair.

People may be mocking you, OP, but I completely agree with you. Our preferred airline used to be Virgin and we went Upper (not quite the same as First, I know!). They have cut back so much over the last few years - I remember when they had an In Flight Beauty Therapist which was fab! Now they have even cut beef from the main menu, so instead of beef, chicken or vegetarian, it's now chicken, vegetarian or some non-descript slush! And of course, the prices have risen astronomically.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

I have found it to be so. Also, they don't build castles like they used to, and why Chaumet makes such tiny tiaras, I'll never know. 🤭

That's the giveaway that this is a total leg-pull! Over-egged the pudding there, OP!

🤭🤭🤣

You know that viscose is a natural fabric? I doubt that caused your itchy fanny.

I meant polyester! I am still so traumatised by the experience I mixed up the two fabrics.

I flew first class once with Virgin a few months ago. It was good, flat bed was the best bit, food was better than economy. The gift bag was definitely not that good with just some hand moisturiser and lip balm etc. I watch youtubers sometimes in first class who get much better stuff. I got that flight 'cheap' through bidding-- I would say it wouldn't be worth paying full price for. Would like to try other airlines for comparison!!!

Given that this is allegedly a BA first class goodie bag from the 1980s I'd say the standards are better.....https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114702230315?_skw=first+class+toiletry+bag&itmmeta=01KNYAGX2YMKC5G0BYQHPV4EC2&hash=item1ab4c9232b:g:-7oAAOSw0R9gNl~T&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAABAGfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xA35HimuPOrbF%2FHmDEwmNgssyCNieq1qW2oZo7EOkvzVYp4ACIELsGrXjra%2FiVbf0axiW0n2MqjXLFVqd%2BJpq%2F3axknj2pBwIoFKhigOhokfactcd3ZpjVrZcjFE4e7dS8HuzzBlYMD2Suc7V4VB8wfFRe6GfLCSHyMrlTb2NrS%2BceizOj10%2FkQnp%2B450Bir%2F2Y5kNsFIjRsgdIzYiTaT31hZYqa8zpYmxhHakbvQVReJv6t4pBZnNkb65yW2YNV9ZIuQBPE%2Bf8VaLzt%2FEdZpsCQQottHF5NKcDmhRWmk94gCjx2g6K%2BmkDq1Kr14pZceM%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9jRw8qvZw

Realistically you get what you pay for and if you want luxury you need a private jet.

BTW I don't think Brits are snarky about people who have aspirations to "better themselves" with hard work etc. But we do get snarky about people who flash the cash and a thread about first class travel during a cost of living crisis is rather tacky imo.

You could write this response to almost all threads on MN - except for the ones about people who are dying…

Oh yes, the time before last that I flew first class I got Twiglets as my pre dinner nibbles, and more recently they're serving Twiggles- which I can only presume are the exact same thing, but in own brand packaging.

The embarrassment of it, I couldn't share THAT on my stories! Next they'll be giving us Aldi's version of Pringles.