Best airline for first class flights

fartyarse

Hi folks

Long story short my mother has always wanted to travel first class somewhere, anywhere, it's kind of on her bucket list you might say!

So I've decided to treat her to a trip away to the States towards the end of this year and I'm dabbling with the idea of first class flights. Can anyone suggest the best airline that flies to Chicago/San Francisco/Vegas that has a really good first class section? This is likely to be a once off so I'd like her to get the best experience possible!

Thanks for any guidance!

NSAman

nice treat, i hope you are upgrading her with points as the cost is not worth it.

BAS first is ok, but no way would i pay the price.

galwayjohn89

You'll need to go through Europe to get first class on the America flight. Ba, Virgin and Lufthansa are good. Haven't any experience with the any of the American airlines first class except domestic first which is a joke.

athtrasna

Vuzuggu wrote: »

You'll need to go through Europe to get first class on the America flight. Ba, Virgin and Lufthansa are good. Haven't any experience with the any of the American airlines first class except domestic first which is a joke.

Domestic first in the US is business to us here. I've done TA with American in first and highly recommend it, but it's still not worth what they charge for it.

galwayjohn89

athtrasna wrote: »

Domestic first in the US is business to us here. I've done TA with American in first and highly recommend it, but it's still not worth what they charge for it.

Which route were you on for American?

athtrasna

Vuzuggu wrote: »

Which route were you on for American?

Chicago to Manchester, it was a re route and the ultimate upgrade!

Lapin

That is a cracking idea for a present OP

Whatever airline you do choose, make sure to let them know it's a special occasion for your mother.

The crew will probably treat her extra special and spoil her with the red carpet treatment !

Nwm2

fartyarse wrote: »

Hi folks

Long story short my mother has always wanted to travel first class somewhere, anywhere, it's kind of on her bucket list you might say!

So I've decided to treat her to a trip away to the States towards the end of this year and I'm dabbling with the idea of first class flights. Can anyone suggest the best airline that flies to Chicago/San Francisco/Vegas that has a really good first class section? This is likely to be a once off so I'd like her to get the best experience possible!

Thanks for any guidance!

First Class or Business Class? Business Class is a pretty damn good step up as it is...

BuffyBot

There are very few airlines with true First Class long-haul) anymore, and BA, Lufthansa and Air France are about the only 3 in Europe that operate it to the US. It's not available on all routes.

The US airlines that still have proper first class (Ameican and United) only offer it on select routes, and it's generally not that great in comparison to the competition.

Alas the true "First Class" experience that people tend to imagine isn't that common anymore. The Middle-East airlines are the ones who are pushing the boat fully out..but they can afford to.

athtrasna

Bear in mind my one way first class ticket would have cost $6,000 if we'd paid for it

househero

Flying any European or US carrier 1st class is like slumming it compared to a suite on etihad or Emirates. Post her off the other way.

MagicMarker

This seems like a complete waste of money. Instead of paying thousands for her to sit in a moderately comfortable chair by airline standards for a few hours, why not put her up in a 5 star hotel for when she actually gets to the states?

Penalty

If business will do I would recommend Aer lingus if it's on their new planes.

Travel business approx 6 times a year and would rate this much better than any of the U.S. airlines out of dublin

Jamie2k9

Business Class with Aer Lingus and Delta direct from Ireland is good.

cadaliac

MagicMarker wrote: »

This seems like a complete waste of money. Instead of paying thousands for her to sit in a moderately comfortable chair by airline standards for a few hours, why not put her up in a 5 star hotel for when she actually gets to the states?

It's a request of the OP and they clearly state that it's a novelty factor for their mum.
I would agree with you however, there is no way I would spend that kind of cash on a flight. It would actually kill me knowing that the price was so inflated and you could get to your destination for so much cheaper.
Anyway, I can only dream of first class flights tbh.

Sorry OP - I don't know which Airline to use.

spurious

househero wrote: »

Flying any European or US carrier 1st class is like slumming it compared to a suite on etihad or Emirates. Post her off the other way.

I got upgraded to First on Emirates, Dubai to Dublin. It was very pleasant indeed, but no way would I have paid the actual cost - it wasn't worth that. I find Business class and all its associated things (car to pick you up, use of lounge etc.) more than enough, the rare occasion I have travelled Business.

conor_ie

+1 for Aer Lingus

I travelled to New York last summer in Business class using their bid to upgrade offer, no way in sweet jesus would I ever consider paying for a full fare business or first class ticket! (Unless someone wants to buy me one!)

The lounge was lovely.. being able to board first was delighful! The extra comfort, the food and the crew all brilliant.

galwayjohn89

Might be an idea to find out whether its business or first she really wants. Aer Lingus business is great for what it is but isn't any way comparable to proper first class. Singapore Suites are brilliant. I would recommend getting them through air miles though. Pay for airmiles is cheaper than paying for first class.

jjbrien

Id say Virgin or British Airways are the way to go if you want first class. Aer Lingus's setup is the way Virgin or BA used to be 10 years ago.

Virgin




British Airways

galwayjohn89

A lot of the first class designs make it difficult for couples to interact during the flight so take that into consideration too. Can't really comment as I'm normally travelling alone.

H2G2

Emirates win for me...
Last year I was lucky to do First Class on Emirates Dublin to Sydney. Its unbelievable. It starts with the car they send to collect and bring you to the airport. On board is a small personal cabin area called a 'personal suite' with doors that close for almost 100% privacy; a 6'6 bed with duvet and real pillows; a set of PJs, etc.; The meals were amazing and cooked on demand, the TV was huge!. Best of all was Dubai - Sydney on the A380 which had 2 showers... only 5 mins of running water, but wow! Tow bars on the A380, but the Business bar was more sociable than the First bar. Then a car when you land to drop you to your hotel.
It was a 5* plus First class experience. Utterly amazing. But a price tag to match!

jjbrien

H2G2 wrote: »

Emirates win for me...
Last year I was lucky to do First Class on Emirates Dublin to Sydney. Its unbelievable. It starts with the car they send to collect and bring you to the airport. On board is a small personal cabin area called a 'personal suite' with doors that close for almost 100% privacy; a 6'6 bed with duvet and real pillows; a set of PJs, etc.; The meals were amazing and cooked on demand, the TV was huge!. Best of all was Dubai - Sydney on the A380 which had 2 showers... only 5 mins of running water, but wow! Tow bars on the A380, but the Business bar was more sociable than the First bar. Then a car when you land to drop you to your hotel.
It was a 5* plus First class experience. Utterly amazing. But a price tag to match!

Does EK fly from Europe to SFO, Chiago or LA? The OP wants options to the USA from Europe not going down under or to the middle east.

Virgin I know for sure offers a limo to and from your hotel. Think BA does too if its in first class.

rubadub

cadaliac wrote: »

It's a request of the OP and they clearly state that it's a novelty factor for their mum.
I would agree with you however, there is no way I would spend that kind of cash on a flight.

I would wonder if the OPs mother knows how much it costs, she might be quite upset if she had it and then found out how much it cost later on. How much are we talking anyway?

I know a guy who went first class on his honeymoon and I think it was €8000 each. Like people here I thought it would have been way better spent on stuff on the holiday, top restaurants, better room, room service, spas, massages, limos etc.

iusedtoknow

I fly business 7 or 8 times a year between San Francisco and Europe, and have been lucky enough be upgraded twice

BA First is great service wise, but....

Virgin (if you're paying) is FAR superiour

jjbrien

rubadub wrote: »

I would wonder if the OPs mother knows how much it costs, she might be quite upset if she had it and then found out how much it cost later on. How much are we talking anyway?

I know a guy who went first class on his honeymoon and I think it was €8000 each. Like people here I thought it would have been way better spent on stuff on the holiday, top restaurants, better room, room service, spas, massages, limos etc.

Had a look there 1400 each way with BA im sure the op might be able to get something cheaper from skyscanner etc

Id love to do something like it myself, but id rather spend the cash on the destination. Premium economy is what i try upgrade to if im playing for an upgrade

Marcusm

jjbrien wrote: »

Does EK fly from Europe to SFO, Chiago or LA? The OP wants options to the USA from Europe not going down under or to the middle east.

Virgin I know for sure offers a limo to and from your hotel. Think BA does too if its in first class.

Virgin's Upper Class is a business class product and not very sociable when seated if that makes a difference to the OP.

Aer Lingus new seats for transatlantic

http://www.aerlingus.com/new-business-class/

househero

jjbrien wrote: »

Had a look there 1400 each way with BA im sure the op might be able to get something cheaper from skyscanner etc

Id love to do something like it myself, but id rather spend the cash on the destination. Premium economy is what i try upgrade to if im playing for an upgrade

1400 euro for 1st? I dont think so. Sometimes fares will show as first but actually book in to business class on a 2 cabin set up.

Joe Doe

Why not just buy one of those full spec leather chairs with in-built massage/heat/fridge/speaker/elevation/radio etc for much less than the cost of this.
It'll be better than 1st class chair and last more than a few hours, buy a week in a sunny villa with the change.

All I need for longhaul is a window seat, some NR headphones, ipad, water&food and the opportunity to meditate at alpha for multiple 4hrs sessions, simples.

steve-o

househero wrote: »

1400 euro for 1st? I dont think so. Sometimes fares will show as first but actually book in to business class on a 2 cabin set up.

jjbrien was on the mark. BA had a sale that ended on Tuesday. Dublin-LA return for about €3k in First.

Paul_Hacket

I fly transatlanctic a lot and have been upgraded to First Class once on Lufthansa, and to Club/Business class once on British Airways. Here's a couple of observations:

* Lufthansa was miles ahead of BA, not just because I was in 1st as opposed to Club, but because staff were just much friendlier, seat and cabin was way nicer etc.

* Having said that, the differene between Business Class and First is nowhere near worth the additional cost (First tends to be almost double the cost of Business). In First you get better food and basically have a personal waiter who will stop by to make sure you have everything you need throughout the flight whereas in Business you just have a very polished traditional steward. Food in First is definitelly better but it's still excellent by airline standards in Business. Both have flat beds and both will give you all the complimentary champagne and cocktails that you want.

* Flying in First or Business from the USA to Ireland is great if you are a business traveller and you want to get a good a good night's sleep, however if you're doing it for the "experience" then you're better off doing it going from Europe to the USA as you will be awake for most of the flight and it's just more fun to do this on the way to a foreign destination than it is wheen coming home.

* There is no earthly way that First Class is in any way worth the money it costs, even on a "bucket list" level. It's going to cost minimmum E2,800 one way unless there is a rare promotion on.

* The point made above about seat layout not being great for couples is correct, you are considerably seperated from anyone you are travelling with. Though BA does have a dual seat in some Business Classes transatlantic routes

* I haven't flown it but Business Class or whatever they have on Aer Lingus is not going to be the same experience as a major global airline and would not be worth it in my opinion.

OP - you should definitely check with your mom if she's aware of the cost of this. For the same amount of money as you will pay for a brief 6 hour trip you could stay for multiple days at the finest hotels in the world. Personnally I found the experience of flying this route in first and business class pleasant but totally forgettable.

fartyarse

So sorry for the delay in getting back here!

I have tried reasoning with my mother, telling her that for the difference in price between economy and first that you'd have another holiday or two and she says she doesn't care, it's on her bucket list and she really wants to do it one day just to tick it off the list. (that makes her sound stuck up but I promise she's not, she just knows what she wants. She has NO IDEA I'm planning this by the way). I'm not rigid with the destination being America, she's done China, Singapore, Oz, India, Dubai and Abu Dhabi before and doesn't like revisiting places she's already been to.

I don't have air miles, I go away twice a year usually, once within Europe, and once to the States, and I always travel economy with United or Are Lingus.

Therefore I would be a paying customer. I was hoping somebody could suggest an airline or website that allows for cheaper first class seats but alas it's not the case. I couldn't ever fork over 8k for a seat and if I did, she'd be living it up in first and I'd be in the hold! I do appreciate all the help!

1123heavy

Hello,

It looks to me that the first class thing wouldn't suit you and just as well because it is simply not worth the cost, most of the people in Business and First wouldn't be there if it wasn't for air miles or paid for by their company. Business class will only be worth it heading east. The USA and middle eastern carriers are at war with eachother because the USA carriers are losing customers fast and they don't like it. For me that's enough of a warning to avoid USA carriers, especially their vastly inflated business products served by grumpy FA's in ancient aircraft.

If you do go virgin, BA or Lufthansa etc be very careful and make sure you're satisfied with the business product of the particular aircraft you're travelling in. Some pictures were posted here of BA and Virgin aircraft, if you end up travelling on an old BA 777 (many are still yet to be installed with up to date cabins) or the Virgin A340 you will be very disappointed ! BA A380, 787 or Virgin 787 provide the superior service.

All in all, I genuinely cannot see business class heading west as being worth it. Head east and that's another matter, though still not entirely worth it as one person stated.

zagmund

I think I remember seeing something about a relatively short haul 1st class flight you could get for sub-€1k sort of figures. I think the one in question was Bangkok to somewhere else in Asia (say the equivalent of Heathrow to Frankfurt) but it came with all the 1st class trimmings as well as the lounge access stuff. I'm afraid the wine is kicking in and I can't remember the details, but I'm sure Google will remember.

z

bladebrew

Emirates fly the A380 on some very short routes, you can select first class, but some of them would require a few flights just to get there!
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/04/22/emirates-announces-worlds-shortest-a380-route-to-kuwait/

I found Bangkok to Hong Kong at €1500,

brettmirl

Flew Air New Zealand before from Heathrow to Los Angeles, and it was amazing. By far trumped any of the US carriers I've been upgraded to First on before (United/Continental, American).

Aer Lingus is good too if you want a direct routing.

Did Business before on Virgin Atlantic and wasn't that impressed. The plane felt quite old/grotty.

fits

Take the queen mary to new york and come back in business class on virgin. My parents took the queen mary and loved it. Much more value for your money.

jhegarty

fartyarse wrote: »

Therefore I would be a paying customer. I was hoping somebody could suggest an airline or website that allows for cheaper first class seats but alas it's not the case. I couldn't ever fork over 8k for a seat and if I did, she'd be living it up in first and I'd be in the hold! I do appreciate all the help!

What is your budget ?

athtrasna

zagmund wrote: »

I think I remember seeing something about a relatively short haul 1st class flight you could get for sub-€1k sort of figures. I think the one in question was Bangkok to somewhere else in Asia (say the equivalent of Heathrow to Frankfurt) but it came with all the 1st class trimmings as well as the lounge access stuff. I'm afraid the wine is kicking in and I can't remember the details, but I'm sure Google will remember.

z

Good point, we did it on internal flights in Vietnam and in Malaysia and the difference was less than €100

The Backwards Man

If you go with BA, its always worth remembering to book the ticket right through from Dublin/Cork to the American destination e.g. DUB>LHR>LAS comes in around €1900 compared to £1900 for LHR>LAS on its own, a difference of over €600 one way.