Budget for Business Class

Irishweather

I have started saving for a holiday to California next summer. I'm planning on flying Business Class (with a connection) from Dublin.

At the moment I am budgeting £1,200 for the flight.. I'm not sure if that is realistic?

Prices this year were in and around that value but i'm not sure if this is a typical price.

What would a realistic budget be for return? I am willing to connect in the United States within reason.

whomitconcerns

Well if you mean 1200 each way you should be fine

goochy

Why would you want to fly business class ? Unless you win the lottery ? Not that bad a flight ?

Irishweather

whomitconcerns wrote: »

Well if you mean 1200 each way you should be fine

So, £1200 return isn't enough?

whomitconcerns

Not for business class is not. If you have spotted a 1200 return business class flight to the west coast then snap it up, you won't see it again ever..

Edit:I stand somewhat corrected.... Ethiopian has a direct flight to lax and is coming in at 1400£ for business class. And that's for this august. So in retrospect.. Stretch your budget to 1500€ return and you should definitely find something.

Irishweather

Thanks!

Agent Smith

Irishweather wrote: »

Thanks!

Just Curious, Any reason why you need to fly business class?

JohnCleary

Agent Smith wrote: »

Just Curious, Any reason why you need to fly business class?

Because it's aweaome.

We only fly business class long haul (SE Asia) and it's we'll worth it for us...

Irishweather

Agent Smith wrote: »

Just Curious, Any reason why you need to fly business class?

Because of the duration of the flight. And if it's only a few hundred more then I think it's worth it.

killbillvol2

goochy wrote: »

Why would you want to fly business class ? Unless you win the lottery ? Not that bad a flight ?

If you'd flown business class on long haul you wouldn't be asking that question. It's up to each individual whether they think the price is worth paying. There's certainly no need to have won the lottery though.

Agent Smith wrote: »

Just Curious, Any reason why you need to fly business class?

Nobody needs to. But see above.

OP, Ethiopian regularly come in at around €1400 on that route so you're not far off on your budget.

JohnCleary

Before forking out for Business Class, check what carrier and what plane you'll be flying with / on.

I'm not going to slag off any airline, but you don't want to be let down.

You're safe with the likes of Etihad / Emirates (from experience... their 777 / A380's are lovely) and Qatar... well, we're only flying Qatar for the first time in December on the 787 / A380, but you know with those planes you're going to have fun

Don't mind the posters above asking "why" "You'd need to win the Lotto" - nonsense, they've obviously either never flown business class or don't have the means. Think of it as your goodwill to those in cattle class... you're the reason they get cheap flights :pac:

dr.fuzzenstein

Look for upgrades and promotions, but be aware that there are differences in flexibility between fares.
If you get a cheap promo fare/upgrade, all restrictions apply. You just get a nicer seat.
The real point of business class is flexibility. On a full business class fare you would have access to the airport lounge and sometimes transfers between airports if you change flights and you can topple your entire itinerary at a moments notice without penalties. But it'll cost ya. When I worked for AA in the 90's, business class London New York would start around £4000 to £6000. First class around 10 g. Might be cheaper now.
I've flown business and first. It's awesome, do it if you ever have the chance!

Irishweather

I flew Business Class two years ago to Washington and it was great. I know I won't regret it, as long as the price is within reason

jhegarty

1200 won't get you to the west cost unless there is a really good sale. Add another 300 and you should manage it.

Marcusm

whomitconcerns wrote: »

Not for business class is not. If you have spotted a 1200 return business class flight to the west coast then snap it up, you won't see it again ever..

Edit:I stand somewhat corrected.... Ethiopian has a direct flight to lax and is coming in at 1400£ for business class. And that's for this august. So in retrospect.. Stretch your budget to 1500€ return and you should definitely find something.

Actually with planning, judicious use of sales and routings, I would describe it as eminently achievable. In fact, if you frequent forums for regular travellers you'll find routings for Dublin to Hawaii have often been available for sub £1,000 (and that's well past the west coast).