Business class travel - is it actually worth it?

[redutnrip]

I’m always amazed when travelling at the number of people who seem to afford to fly business for leisure. DH and I earn well but even paying for premium economy seems like a stretch.

We recently went to Joburg for a safari and direct biz flights were £3,500+ and yet the cabin was chokka?

Our last couple of long haul flights have been business. My husband has very long thigh bones. It is very uncomfortable for him to squeeze into a standard seat. We are early 70s. We just wouldn’t fly long haul otherwise. You get a lot of extras with business. We recently looked at the long queue at an Asian airport for passport control and then noticed there was a separate queue for BC/FC.
20 years ago I didn’t think I would be flying BC in a million years.

It's just choices isn't it, everyone has their different "shudder" point.

We went Emirates a couple of years ago. I think the best bit was being made a cup of tea in a mug, bizarre bit was on the second leg getting up from my "bed" for a wee and the steward in the bar trying to get me to have a cocktail.

You'd get an awful lot of points for sure! Join the points scheme and you'll see how many points you would get.

I would also get a credit card where you get points. Am Ex is the one for BA.

I bloody love business class flights. Inhaling profiteroles and champagne. I used to joke at work that even the cabin crew in business were better looking.

Never even thought of a credit card for points - thank you!

Colleague also pointed out that a RTW ticket is mile for mile the best value for business class fares, so there’s that too. Will do the maths.

I would also get a credit card where you get points. Am Ex is the one for BA.

Or Barclaycard which (unless they have also upped their prices) is cheaper than Amex. Although Amex is better if you're travelling with someone (companion voucher).

If I'm flying long haul, I go economy but pay for a leg room seat for daytime flights. For overnight long haul flights, it really is worth paying for premium or even business if you can afford it, especially if you are tall or overweight.

@PauliesWalnuts RTW class fares used to be very good value in business class terms, haven't checked them in a while. It's Dh and my retirement trip.

There are definitely crew and friends of crew in BC seats, my mate is a pilot.

That all depends on the programm. Some have a tier set for points depending on the flight you buy or what distance you fly.

Also, points can fall away if you don't use them or if you don't continue flying with them on a paid for ticket, point tickets don't count.