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10 reasons why first class air travel is the best way to fly
Call me a snob, but when it comes to flying abroad, there is nothing like sitting up front in the first class cabin. Sure, it may still be the same metal tube the rest of the passengers are traveling in, but there is something to be said for three course cuisine over a bad sandwich, or 1 flight attendant for 6 passengers instead of one per 50.
Unlike the 50's and 60's, when flying in first class involved wearing your best suit, nowadays the front of the plane is occupied by all kinds of passengers. You'll still find the well dressed CEO, but you'll also run into the roughneck oil worker on his way home from a 6 month gig. Of course, "F", is also the cabin of choice for most celebrities. During some of my trips, I've sat close to celebs like Naomi Campbell, Sir Elton John, Reverend Desmond Tutu and even No Doubt, on their way home from a concert I had seen the night before!
If you have never had the pleasure of sitting up front, let me list ten reasons why I consider it to be "the best way to fly".
Elite check-in lines and security
The "F" experience starts as soon as you reach the airport. In front of the terminal are usually signs telling arriving passengers which door to use, and you'll often see that first class passengers get their own little corner of the massive departures area, where they can check in with a little more dignity.
Once you are checked in, you can usually proceed to a dedicated line to have your bag inspected. Of course, these premium check-in and security lines are also available to passengers flying coach who have elite status with the airline.
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Lounge access
Which would you prefer? Sitting in the departure area with 500 other passengers fighting over a seat and tripping over other peoples luggage, or sitting in a serene lounge with top shelf booze and full dinner service?
Yeah, me too.
The lounge is often a tranquil place where you are surrounded by others flying in first or business class, who just want to relax, have a drink, and wait for their plane to board.
Most North American lounges are fairly basic and run down, but airports like Hong Kong and London Heathrow have lounge facilities with everything from a spa service to a noodle bar.
In some lounges you will also find the tools you need to get some work done, like free wireless Internet access, and even a business lounge with computers and printers.
Pre-boarding
Gate lice. No, this is not contagious, nor does it really involve lice. It is a phenomenon best described by our own Grant Martin in this article. Gate lice are the people that gather around the departure gate area, in the hope of pushing their way onto the plane before anyone else.
They are usually the ones carrying the most bags who plan to run onto the plane and grab all the overhead bin space. Gate lice are also the ones who have probably never flown before, because they don't realize that most airlines call passengers aboard based on their cabin and frequent flier status.
What this means to you, as a first class passenger, is that you'll usually be one of the first to board the plane, probably right after families with small children are aboard. What this also means, is that you can slowly stroll onto the plane, without the fear of running into a full overhead bin, or someone trying to sneak their way into your seat.
Walking onto a plane and being greeted with a glass of champagne and some warm nuts is so much more civilized than walking into a cabin with 200 people trying to claim their space.
The seat
Ah, the seat. When push comes to shove, it is the seat that makes the first class ticket worth its money. The first class seat is usually a highly adjustable leather recliner, with a large fold-out table. Some seats feature lumbar support and even built in massage controls.
Many seats convert into a fully flat bed, often with quality bedding and plush pillows. Leg room in an average coach seat is measured in centimeters, in most first class suites, leg room is measured in meters.
The amenities of a coach seat usually include nothing more than a folding arm rest and a pouch for the vomit bag, but in a first class suite you'll have ample storage space, folding drink holders, several magazine pouches, a large table, a foot rest and more. With some first class suites, the first 10 minutes after boarding are spent figuring out how to take advantage of all that space.
Power ports
Don't underestimate the importance of being able to work during the flight. Having access to a power outlet at your seat can make the difference between 10 hours of boredom, or 10 hours of productivity.
Of course, not all of us fly for work, so having power at your seat also means you can charge your iPod or other media player. In addition to regular power outlets, some airlines have started adding USB power jacks, and even network ports.
The food and beverage service
An average coach class menu still has a strong emphasis on the old "chicken or beef" concept, and while some airlines are even working on removing that amenity, the first class cabin is still where you'll find the good stuff.
Premium cabin passengers are usually handed a menu when they board, and you'll almost never have to worry about them running out of your choice when it is your turn to order.
I've been fed some of the best Asian food I ever tasted (at 35,000 feet), prepared for me by a famous Chinese chef who had access to his own airplane rice steamer.
Many premium airlines also stock top shelf alcoholic beverages, and serve a scrumptious breakfast prepared exactly as you like it. Forget that soggy cheese sandwich at 5am, waking from a long nap in your flat sleeper seat to a freshly prepared omelet is just such a better way to start the day.
Better entertainment options
Entertainment options on most airlines have greatly improved in recent years, but the best in entertainment is still reserved for the first class cabin. Many airlines have at least switched from antique video tape systems to computerized video on demand libraries, offering thousands of hours of entertainment. On some airlines, you'll even find in-seat games, Internet access and iPod connectors. The better the cabin, the larger the screen, so some airlines currently offer flat panel screens as large as 15" in the first class cabin.
Flight attendant to passenger ratio
As I mentioned earlier, the larger the cabin, the more passengers there will be for each flight attendant to look after. Flight attendants are awesome, and I've been treated like royalty by many of them, but when each poor flight attendant has 50 passengers to attend to, it's not surprising that it may take a little longer to get that bottle of water.
In most first class cabins, there will be one flight attendant for about 5 or 6 passengers. You'll also notice that they have more time for the little touches, like making sure your drink is never empty, or placing a bottle of water next to you in your suite, for when you wake up from your nap.
Room to work
Thankfully I have never become the victim of a "reclining seat related laptop injury", but I do know several people who have lost their precious laptop when the passenger in front of them decided it was time for a nap without looking back, slamming the top of their seat into the laptop screen. Laptops are not designed to be crushed by a seat, and the seat usually wins the battle.
Thankfully this problem does not exist in the first class cabin; you usually have your own table, and it is impossible for the person in front of you to get even remotely close to your screen. Room to work means room to be productive. Especially on daytime flights, being able to plug in, sit back with a drink and some music, and get some work done can be more productive than any time you'd ever spend at the office.
Quieter cabin
No, the first class cabin is not completely sealed off from the rest of the plane, but there are two things that make it a quieter environment. The cabin is almost always up front, away from the jet engines, and there are fewer passengers. There is also no nice way to put it; there are also fewer loud passengers. In a coach cabin with 200 people, there will always be some people that are inconsiderate of others, the first class cabin tends to be a slightly more sophisticated place, where passengers are more aware of others.
In an upcoming article, I'll describe several ways you can fly first class, without having to take out a second mortgage, or sell one of your kids to scientific research.
Which would you prefer? Sitting in the departure area with 500 other passengers fighting over a seat and tripping over other peoples luggage, or sitting in a serene lounge with top shelf booze and full dinner service? Yeah, me too.
The lounge is often a tranquil place where you are surrounded by others flying in first or business class, who just want to relax, have a drink, and wait for their plane to board.
Most North American lounges are fairly basic and run down, but airports like Hong Kong and London Heathrow have lounge facilities with everything from a spa service to a noodle bar.
In some lounges you will also find the tools you need to get some work done, like free wireless Internet access, and even a business lounge with computers and printers.
Pre-boarding
Gate lice. No, this is not contagious, nor does it really involve lice. It is a phenomenon best described by our own Grant Martin in this article. Gate lice are the people that gather around the departure gate area, in the hope of pushing their way onto the plane before anyone else.
They are usually the ones carrying the most bags who plan to run onto the plane and grab all the overhead bin space. Gate lice are also the ones who have probably never flown before, because they don't realize that most airlines call passengers aboard based on their cabin and frequent flier status.
What this means to you, as a first class passenger, is that you'll usually be one of the first to board the plane, probably right after families with small children are aboard. What this also means, is that you can slowly stroll onto the plane, without the fear of running into a full overhead bin, or someone trying to sneak their way into your seat.
Walking onto a plane and being greeted with a glass of champagne and some warm nuts is so much more civilized than walking into a cabin with 200 people trying to claim their space.
The seat
Ah, the seat. When push comes to shove, it is the seat that makes the first class ticket worth its money. The first class seat is usually a highly adjustable leather recliner, with a large fold-out table. Some seats feature lumbar support and even built in massage controls.Many seats convert into a fully flat bed, often with quality bedding and plush pillows. Leg room in an average coach seat is measured in centimeters, in most first class suites, leg room is measured in meters.
The amenities of a coach seat usually include nothing more than a folding arm rest and a pouch for the vomit bag, but in a first class suite you'll have ample storage space, folding drink holders, several magazine pouches, a large table, a foot rest and more. With some first class suites, the first 10 minutes after boarding are spent figuring out how to take advantage of all that space.
Power ports
Don't underestimate the importance of being able to work during the flight. Having access to a power outlet at your seat can make the difference between 10 hours of boredom, or 10 hours of productivity. Of course, not all of us fly for work, so having power at your seat also means you can charge your iPod or other media player. In addition to regular power outlets, some airlines have started adding USB power jacks, and even network ports.
The food and beverage service
An average coach class menu still has a strong emphasis on the old "chicken or beef" concept, and while some airlines are even working on removing that amenity, the first class cabin is still where you'll find the good stuff. Premium cabin passengers are usually handed a menu when they board, and you'll almost never have to worry about them running out of your choice when it is your turn to order.
I've been fed some of the best Asian food I ever tasted (at 35,000 feet), prepared for me by a famous Chinese chef who had access to his own airplane rice steamer.
Many premium airlines also stock top shelf alcoholic beverages, and serve a scrumptious breakfast prepared exactly as you like it. Forget that soggy cheese sandwich at 5am, waking from a long nap in your flat sleeper seat to a freshly prepared omelet is just such a better way to start the day.
Better entertainment options
Entertainment options on most airlines have greatly improved in recent years, but the best in entertainment is still reserved for the first class cabin. Many airlines have at least switched from antique video tape systems to computerized video on demand libraries, offering thousands of hours of entertainment. On some airlines, you'll even find in-seat games, Internet access and iPod connectors. The better the cabin, the larger the screen, so some airlines currently offer flat panel screens as large as 15" in the first class cabin.
Flight attendant to passenger ratio
As I mentioned earlier, the larger the cabin, the more passengers there will be for each flight attendant to look after. Flight attendants are awesome, and I've been treated like royalty by many of them, but when each poor flight attendant has 50 passengers to attend to, it's not surprising that it may take a little longer to get that bottle of water.
In most first class cabins, there will be one flight attendant for about 5 or 6 passengers. You'll also notice that they have more time for the little touches, like making sure your drink is never empty, or placing a bottle of water next to you in your suite, for when you wake up from your nap.
Room to work
Thankfully I have never become the victim of a "reclining seat related laptop injury", but I do know several people who have lost their precious laptop when the passenger in front of them decided it was time for a nap without looking back, slamming the top of their seat into the laptop screen. Laptops are not designed to be crushed by a seat, and the seat usually wins the battle.
Thankfully this problem does not exist in the first class cabin; you usually have your own table, and it is impossible for the person in front of you to get even remotely close to your screen. Room to work means room to be productive. Especially on daytime flights, being able to plug in, sit back with a drink and some music, and get some work done can be more productive than any time you'd ever spend at the office.
Quieter cabin
No, the first class cabin is not completely sealed off from the rest of the plane, but there are two things that make it a quieter environment. The cabin is almost always up front, away from the jet engines, and there are fewer passengers. There is also no nice way to put it; there are also fewer loud passengers. In a coach cabin with 200 people, there will always be some people that are inconsiderate of others, the first class cabin tends to be a slightly more sophisticated place, where passengers are more aware of others.
In an upcoming article, I'll describe several ways you can fly first class, without having to take out a second mortgage, or sell one of your kids to scientific research.
10 tips for smarter flying
Filed under: Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
snookerdood Oct 9th 2008 10:21PM
The biggest waste of paper i've ever seen. Who Doesn't know that. Only an illegal would find this article useful. Or a monkey who just learned to read.get serious scott or I will.
deathwombat Oct 9th 2008 10:29PM
Though in the event of a crash people at the very back of the plane have a greater chance of surviving than those at the front and people sitting over the wings are usually screwed.
bac Oct 9th 2008 11:00PM
Private jet is the best way to fly stupid
Ross Oct 10th 2008 5:18AM
While I've never flown in F, I have flown in business on transatlantic flights a handful of times, and I can vouch for their being similar to what you describe. I have a couple of things I'd like to add with regard to premium passengers:
* Carry-on bag rules are often less stricter than for economy pax. You may be able to avoid having to check baggage entirely. (OK, this is harder now these days with the 100ml fluids limit, greater scrutiny of electronics and so forth - but there's still a difference.)
* At some airports, there are premium-passenger lines at immigration. (Annoyingly for me, at Heathrow, they're only good for non-EU passport holders.)
* Many airlines tag premium-pax hold baggage as such, then load it carefully so they can unload it first. You can sometimes be out of the terminal within 15 minutes of a long-haul flight, even having had bags to pick up.
* Arrivals Lounge. I think this is only a long-haul innovation, but very worthwhile. After a reasonable night's rest in my flat-bed seat on the redeye back from Vancouver, I was not in a rush, so went to the BA arrivals lounge after clearing customs. There, I was able to stash my luggage and relax for a while over a cooked breakfast buffet, lots of tea, the morning newspapers and the BBC News channel on the TV in the background. I could even have taken a shower, had I wanted to.
DR Oct 10th 2008 1:43PM
I think I will try First class on the next vacation. I cant stand the tight coach seats. Especially when the person next to you just wants the whole row. Had some woman next to me fall asleep on me (she had her own pillow from home with her) the last time I went to Aruba....
D Oct 10th 2008 8:35AM
You must be speaking of overseas flights only, because first class within the u.s. is what buisness class use to be. They DO NOT have champagne. Seats DO NOT fully recline fully. Food is offered but I put it up there with Applebees at best. AND THEY WILL LIMIT YOUR "free" drinks - and usually the choices are far from top shelf.
Yes, the seats are a little bigger, you can still get a blanket and if you need to use the restroom it doesn't feel like you are in a port -a-potty.
In the states the only true way to get that "first class feeling" is by flying private.
shermfa Oct 10th 2008 8:36AM
depending on the aircraft, some coach folks that get to preboard try to stow their luggage in the first class overheads...so being one of the 'gate lice' becomes relevant if you have carryons and want to claim a portion of your paid for space.
Also, first class/bus. class meals have been downgraded on the airlines I've flown in USA -- those meals now feel more like the old coach meals. The euro airlines still provide decent service and food for the money paid...and still cheaper than private!!
jennL Oct 10th 2008 8:50AM
i read this article because i wanna get over my fear of flying and i heard the best way to is to fly first cause it's like you're not even flying at all but somehow i cannot escape the thought no matter where i am on a plane, i'm still....on a plane, luxury comfort levels or not. great article!
dak Oct 10th 2008 10:13AM
Hope you overcome your fear of flying. Flying up front helps a bit, but on domestic flights, it isn't much better than economy. Also, let the attendants know, they will help you through it.
I've had issues with flying. Would fly, but I'd be a basket case for weeks before, and practically had to be dragged onto the plane, then stopped flying for 10 years. When my sister moved 1000 miles away, five years ago, I got on the plane without any fear, anxiety, whatever, especially when my niece was dancing at Disney World. I have no explanation as to why. Older, perhaps, and can put things into better persective. The longest flight I ever was on was a little under 3 hours; two weeks ago I flew roundtrip to Hong Kong (15 hours non-stop each way). I now know the world has opened up to me, and all the places I dreamed about seeing are now on my list of places to get to.
I wish you the best.
MOSKI388 Oct 10th 2008 9:46AM
Unbelievable that in THIS economy this is the kind of article you would choose to run.All of us who can't afford first class UNDERSTAND how GREAT it is.You don't have to rub it in.Obviously though there are alot of you filthy rich still out there not touched by this mess .Just keep it too yourselves though while others are suffering.This is disgusting timing.
Jane Oct 10th 2008 12:40PM
I'm so glad someone is pointing this out! In an economy destroyed in part because of people living outside their means, this snob is telling us how we should all fly first! Forget the fact it will set you back about a year's worth of college tuition, don't you want great food on a plane? Personally I'd rather save the money and use it to go on many more vacations! Gee waste $15,000 on a plane ride, or go on a couple cruises and european trips? Who cares about the damn lounge and small seats? Are you going on a vacation, or are you in it just for the plane ride? I don't care how rich I am, why would I give a damn about the plane ride if my main perogative is relaxing on my trip! But I guess when you're a snob who has NO CLUE about financial struggles, the idea of not wasting a fortune on meaningless things may seem odd. This joker scoffs at the coach passengers and their non-gourmet meals, and could care less that they CANT AFFORD first class. Do yourself a favor and go back to your rich snob lifestyle where you care only about yourself and are unaware of the starving and homeless that comprise the majority of this world.
Gus Oct 10th 2008 10:13AM
First or business is a great way to travel for a long flight for all the great things you get at the airport or on the plane but the cost is very high for what you get and I prefer to spend it on better things once you get to the destination.
Beth Oct 10th 2008 10:21AM
One of the best reasons to fly First is to get away from the biggest problem on planes today: kids. They are obnoxious and have been allowed to rule Coach Class on too many occasions, primarily because of clueless parents. I have only encountered one toddler in First in my travels. My husband and I are saving the Amex points to fly First the next time we fly trans-Atlantic.
Tracy Oct 10th 2008 10:41AM
Yeah, one important thing the article did not mention...
A first class ticket can cost upwards of $15,000.
Hmm, a first class ticket or a new car?
A first class ticket or food on the table for the next few years?
Not sure about anyone else, but I'll gladly put up with a few uncomfortable noisy hours on an overseas flight if it means saving $14,000...
k Oct 10th 2008 3:02PM
A reason to fly first class? Don't be inane. If you can't fly first class, it's not worth it to fly at all.
Secret Asian Man Oct 10th 2008 4:40PM
What a bunch of sour grapes.
Why, you could say it's more like the grapes of wrath!
Kevin Oct 11th 2008 4:01AM
Flying internationally, Business class is the way to go.
Nearly all the perks of First class, at half or less of the price (yet still many times the price of a coach ticket).
Lounges, pre-boarding, drinks, meals, quiet, and power port are all there for INTERNATIONAL business class. Even the complimentary glass of champagne upon boarding.
The added luxury found in the first class of a 3-class plane is space and a truly lie FLAT seat.
LadyExpat Oct 16th 2008 10:15PM
Yes, I have had the pleasure of flying first class. Thankfully I did not have to foot the bill. These days I would have to pay out of my own pocket, and that is not going to happen. I travel about five months out of the year, and to do that I have to make some choices.
If I want to fly first class and stay in fancy hotels, my vacation would be limited to about a week. If I fly on a cheap ticket, and stay in more modest hotels, then I can travel for five months. I also get to experience the countries I choose to visit at a more "local" level. For me, there is no choice. I will take five months of travel over a week anyday, and I love hanging with the locals :)