Lordosis style poll: First class?

[Tangler]

Do you fly first class? Always? Sometimes? At what net worth did you start?

Just finished traveling for 12 hours and I think my next trip might be first class. Am I spending too much?

Guess we need a Lordosis style poll:

The QUESTION:

At what net worth will you (did you) start flying first class?

[pierre]

I flew first class one time during med school. By some fluke, first class was cheaper than coach.

[Shant]

Other than the upgrade freebies, it started when the parent said they couldn't go unless they got a lie-flat seat for the long flight. It's hard to go back.

There's no advantage on short flights though.

[The White Coat Investor]

I actually tossed around the idea of Netjets in my head earlier this year, but I'm still buying coach tickets. Kind of a disconnect there. Getting a lot more upgrades these days though.

[Anne]

I’ve flown international business class (lay flat seats, etc.) multiple times to/from Europe, Asia, and South America thanks to free upgrades d/t my spouse’s mileage/status from business travel. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice, but when the price differential is 5-8k+ I don’t see myself ever paying for it. May get more into using points etc one of these days.

I have no issue returning to economy after experiencing luxury. I enjoy the treat when the opportunity presents itself.

[Hank]

$500 per person to upgrade to Delta One lie flats for an overnight flight to Buenos Aires was well worth it.

$8K+ per person per ticket? No, the rest of the vacation might cost that much.

[Hatton]

I have never flown first class. I plan to start with my next flight.

[Tim]

I have never flown first class. I plan to start with my next flight.

Do what you want. I have flown international flights first class but typically business class. All on the company's dime. Hawaii or Alaska is about the only possibility domestically.

[Lithium]

This is an incredibly stupid question, but how do I get upgrades for first class? I am a silver medallion member for Delta and have a United Quest card, have a slew of points for other cards, but I’ve never figured out what I need to do to get complimentary upgrades.

[Tangler]

I drive a civic. I fish out of a kayak. My home is paid for. I have a decent net worth. (well above 5M).

I was discussing travel with friends/family. They reminded me: "you cannot take it with you......either you or someone else will spend it"


Last week when traveling I sat next to an over-sized human who was basically taking part of my seat.

The guy was unapologetically spilling over into my area constantly.

I could hardly read a little paperback and absolutely did not have enough room for my laptop.

I will likely be giving millions to charity / relatives when I die.

I think I may just automatically fly first class from now on. I guess it will depend on the flight but usually it is a change from 400 to 1100 (or at least that is what it has been) for me to fly first class back to my original home waters.

Will have to check. Might just say the heck with it.

[Shant]

I "bought" my upgrades with my bum in the seat. Fly a lot of intercontinentals (>25,000 miles a year) and they periodically issue you upgrade certificates. Fly waaay too many of them (>100,000 miles a year) and get pre-emptively upgraded by the airlines and the right to get on any flight.

[bovie]

This is an incredibly stupid question, but how do I get upgrades for first class? I am a silver medallion member for Delta and have a United Quest card, have a slew of points for other cards, but I’ve never figured out what I need to do to get complimentary upgrades.

You need to fly more. A lot more.

There are literally millions and millions of Delta Medallion members (same for other airlines/programs), and at silver you will have a few dozen other people with that status just on your flight alone.

Platinum or higher and you'll start getting considered for upgrades, unless you're on a strictly leisure route or undersold plane, which would make it a bit more likely with lower status.

You can also work your way up faster with spending on certain cards, but the common denominator is still more flying.

You can also use those points for upgrades too. Not "free" but still an upgrade...

[bovie]

Last week when traveling I sat next to an over-sized human who was basically taking part of my seat.

This is quite possibly one of the most infuriating things in the world to have happen to you. My sympathies!

[ScopeMonkey]

For long flights, now ONLY first class, but have a boatload of miles so usually don't pay for it.

A surgeon friend's perspective: "I used to only fly coach, and didn't think first class was worth it. Then my buddy said, "no worries. Your son-in-law will enjoy first class some day." He only flies first now.

[The White Coat Investor]

This is an incredibly stupid question, but how do I get upgrades for first class? I am a silver medallion member for Delta and have a United Quest card, have a slew of points for other cards, but I’ve never figured out what I need to do to get complimentary upgrades.

You don't get a lot at Silver, but you do as you move toward Diamond. You can put in your settings on your account to always consider you for upgrades. I'm gold now and I'm getting one about every other flight. Usually economy plus, but twice this year already to first class. Your entire party usually goes with you no matter what their status.