Airfare upgrade, I just can’t, but would you?

[RetiredHappy]

And for some, increased comfort on the plane comes with a high opportunity cost on arrival.

In my case once I have enough legroom for the flight, that’s good enough. If I had the $8000 for first class I would spend it on a nicer, better appointed and located room for example. As mentioned earlier, I spend maybe 20 hours on a plane there and back. But, many more hours are spent in the hotel room, getting from here to there on the ground, etc. Even a better hotel breakfast is worth it if I don’t have to stop for lunch later on.

For me, comfort is knowing I can stay an other week at the mountain resorts and beaches of Lower Slobovia if I choose to do so.

If that amount of money becomes a trade-off as to what to spend on, I get it. In our case, we are willing to spend more when we travel. I stated in an earlier post in this thread, last year I traveled alone and stayed at St Regis in Singapore for a week, after spending $8.5K on a round trip on United Polaris. It was not a trade-off. I wouldn't have wanted to stay in Singapore longer than that either. My friends asked why did I stay at St Regis since I was traveling alone and not pick some cheaper hotel. At the end of the day, we make our choice as to where we want to spend our money on.

 

[ut2sua]

We are starting to look at airfare to Japan for a trip we have booked next year. For business class it is looking like ~$10K+/- each.

Flexibility in leaving/going back dates will be your friend. We have refused to pay full price since RE because we have all the flexibility on our side (plus purchasing tickets early). If your trip dates are set, then, it will be more difficult to get better fare.

 

[Sunset]

We spent a little over $8000 for flights and 3 months rent in a private house in Mazatlán. For both of us.

To think of spending that on flights alone for a more comfortable seat is too silly to even consider, regardless of how much money we have.

You can always take pleasure in knowing some heirs or charity CEO will spend the $8,000 for a flight with your money.

 

[FD1000]

You still don't get it. I am willing to pay $8K instead of $1K for comfort because comfort is very high on my priority of wants. For you, comfort is not as highly valued as mine.

A parallel example, we are going on a golf cruise next year with Azamara. We booked their largest suite, the World Owner's Suite. It cost several times more than a regular veranda cabin, an oceanview cabin or an inside cabin. Why? We want the extra space and comfort. It does not mean that my bank account is larger than yours. Can we afford it? Sure. Can you afford it if you were to book the same cruise? I am sure you can too but you won't because comfort is not of high value to you.

Of course I get it.
Yes, it’s more comfortable.

So here’s a simple question:
At what point do you stop calling it “comfort” and acknowledge it’s really your bank account talking?
10K instead of 1K?
12K?
15K?
20K?
30K?

 

[marko]

Of course I get it.
Yes, it’s more comfortable.

So here’s a simple question:
At what point do you stop calling it “comfort” and acknowledge it’s really your bank account talking?
10K instead of 1K?
12K?
15K?
20K?
30K?

I suppose I could ride my bicycle from New York to San Francisco. But I fly because (regardless of seating) its more comfortable. Its a whole lot more expensive, but my bank account has nothing to do with that decision.

 

[RetiredHappy]

Of course I get it.
Yes, it’s more comfortable.

So here’s a simple question:
At what point do you stop calling it “comfort” and acknowledge it’s really your bank account talking?
10K instead of 1K?
12K?
15K?
20K?
30K?

Of course value is relative. I won't pay $200K for a first class air ticket but I will for half a world cruise on Oceania. In both cases, I do have the $200k to spend from my bank account.

 

[Sunset]

+1. These things are lifestyle issues. For many, FC and a large suite and a car service when traveling is just "the way we live" and would be uncomfortable and inconvenienced if it were anything less.

Some people have a higher tolerance for discomfort and inconvenience regardless of affordability mainly because they put a price tag on everything instead of the value tag. The money is always, always more important no matter how its phrased.

My grandfather was worth mid 8 figures but when he broke his hip, he called me (an hour away) because the call to LifeLine was a 35 cent long distance call. (Really)

Sadly, I've yet to see a cure for this condition.

I have this problem.

I'm trying to see the importance of value rather than simply the cost.

It was a bit hard to pay for upgrading to lie flat business class at only $3,400 for two, and to book a week hotel in the plaka in Athens (rather than far out on a bus line). However I did enjoy the time at both, so there is hope for me

 

[FD1000]

Of course value is relative. I won't pay $200K for a first class air ticket but I will for half a world cruise on Oceania. In both cases, I do have the $200k to spend from my bank account.

Please answer the question. I assume you are going to pay $30K+, maybe even $50K for first class.

 

[RetiredHappy]

Please answer the question. I assume you are going to pay $30K+, maybe even $50K for first class.

I will have to think about it at that price. Bank account has that but it does not equate that I find value at $30K or $50K, unless it is a direct non-stop flight as opposed to 4 stops on cheaper flights.

Your point is that it is only determined by the bank account.

 

[fosterscik]

Please answer the question. I assume you are going to pay $30K+, maybe even $50K for first class.

You seem to be fixated on what others want/should spend their money on. Can't we just agree that every individual's/couple's choice should be their own to make?
We fly business class for most flights if they are longer than ~6 hours. Shorter flights we save money. Longer flights are intolerable to me given my leg length.

 

[FD1000]

I will have to think about it at that price. Bank account has that but it does not equate that I find value at $30K or $50K, unless it is a direct non-stop flight as opposed to 4 stops on cheaper flights.

Your point is that it is only determined by the bank account.

There’s no way anyone will pay unlimited amounts purely for comfort.
For some people, the limit may be $1K. For others, $5K or even $100K.

That proves my point: at some stage, regardless of the added comfort, your bank account becomes the deciding factor. Even below that level, the decision is still driven first by what you can afford and only second by the perceived enjoyment or comfort.
So when someone asks why I pay more for something, my answer is simple: because I have the money.
I don’t care how much you spend; it’s your money. If anything, the more people pay for expensive seats, the more likely it is that my seat price stays the same or only increases slightly.

BTW, I have several airline CEOs on speed dial. I’m texting them right now to double first-class prices based on my "highly" scientific research.

 

[RetiredHappy]

There’s no way anyone will pay unlimited amounts purely for comfort.
For some people, the limit may be $1K. For others, $5K or even $100K.

That proves my point: at some stage, regardless of the added comfort, your bank account becomes the deciding factor. Even below that level, the decision is still driven first by what you can afford and only second by the perceived enjoyment or comfort.
So when someone asks why I pay more for something, my answer is simple: because I have the money.
I don’t care how much you spend; it’s your money. If anything, the more people pay for expensive seats, the more likely it is that my seat price stays the same or only increases slightly.

BTW, I have several airline CEOs on speed dial. I’m texting them right now to double first-class prices based on my "highly" scientific research.

You fail to admit that it all comes to value of what we pay. Perception of value is different to different people. You have the money but if you don't see the value, you won't pay for it. I have the same amount of money in the bank as you put it, I see the value and I pay for it.

 

[PaunchyPirate]

I just plunked down $5900 for one round trip lie-flat seat on Delta from Pittsburgh to Rome in September. Almost twice as much as the 14-day Mediterranean cruise that I’m going on. Crazy. But at 6’4” and 300#, I’m not sitting in Economy. It is what it is. Even the Premium Economy seats were above $3000.

 

[marko]

Please answer the question. I assume you are going to pay $30K+, maybe even $50K for first class.

Dude, let it go.
You're outnumbered.
Chill.

 

[RunningBum]

Yeah, I don't mind sharing BTD decisions with the group but I'm not going to justify them to anyone. Not cool to grill people like that. Not your business.

 

[timbervest]

I am 6' 6" and finally decided that after years of folding my body into a coach seat on business travel for MegaCorp, I always book business class/first for flights over 2 hours and definitely flat beds for international travel. Life is too short.

 

[CO-guy]

Your real main reason is the excess of money and willing to spend it, not the experience.
If my flight to Europe goes from $1K to $5K, I will not fly.
If yours goes from $6K to $10K, even $12K, you will fly.
First class used to be 4X more than economy 1-2 decades ago. It is 8X+ now.

There are far too many Americans drowning in debt from first class tickets and expensive cars as part of a lifestyle they can't afford. In other words, an excess of money isn't required to be willing to spend it. So your first point is moot.

• "If my flight to Europe goes from $1K to $5K, I will not fly." -- That your excuse
• "If yours goes from $6K to $10K, even $12K, you will fly." -- If I find the added cost worth the added comfort or convenience then that's my reason

.......or you'll say the opposite, because that's how this logic works.

Personally, I have enough money that I can decide how to spend the excess. I give some to charities. I use some on luxury vacations and other travel. Sometimes I just buy random piece of gear for the heck of it. No need to make excuses. I have my reasons for how and when I spend my money.

 

[bonvoyage]

There are far too many Americans drowning in debt from first class tickets and expensive cars as part of a lifestyle they can't afford. In other words, an excess of money isn't required to be willing to spend it. So your first point is moot.

We are a very tiny fraction of the population here on this forum. Rich enough to afford flatbed seats without going into debt but not rich enough to fly private

 

[Fermion]

If the price ever gets low enough I would consider a orbital space flight but I fear it will always be in the 10s of millions. I'd pay $500,000 a ticket though if we could afford it then. So I guess there are flights I would consider!

 

[Aerides]

Beyond a certain point, luxury spending becomes less about value and more about the ability and willingness to afford it.

And I can respect that for everyone, the price point will differ.
It will also differ for the same person over time, as their circumstances and ages change.

What I hope this thread points out for many, is their circumstances ($) and ages (+) have changed, but they haven't changed their mindset on upgrading travel, and their overall experiences for travel can be improved with a little relative $.

Over this same time period coach/economy has become noticeable worse. Seats are smaller, rows are shorter. More people are travelling, flights are full. It's very rare to book an window and find the middle seat open. And you only get that window now if you pay more for it anyway. Lucking out and getting the exit row is long gone.

 

[explanade]

I booked 3 business class tickets months ago. A fourth one I wanted as for later this month to the UK but it was like 30% or more higher so I kept holding off. Then the war started and price went to the stratosphere.

I wasn’t going to go but then I found a saver award and booked it with miles so Yorkshire and Edinburgh later this month.

 

[chemEguy]

This thread simply highlights that some things are more important to some people than others. And for some, the importance is worth spending money on. The side effect of being FIRE focused is that you may well have the disposable resources to afford it.

Things important to me that I will spend money on:

- upgraded hotel room
- upgraded vacation accommodations
- upgraded flight accommodations
- good beer
- a really good violin
- a fully automatic espresso machine
- nice golf courses

Things not important to me and so I go a cheap route:
- latest golf equipment
- latest pickleball equipment
- personal vehicle
- clothing

 

[explanade]

Beyond the individual preferences and willingness expressed in this thread, you can look at the macro stats. Airlines are more profitable these days — though higher jet fuel prices may change that — and premium cabin flight ticket sales are way up.

You can blame it on FOMO or the K-shaped economy but demand is up.

A couple of years ago people questioned whether corporations would spend as much as they used to in business-class tickets before the pandemic.

Well corporate profits are way up so they will probably spend more on corporate travel. Though the only thing which may slow that down is that a lot of workers still demand WFH, at least part of the time.

Oh and corporations are looking to use more AI to perform tasks and start looking at hiring less, if not cut jobs.

 

[junkanoo]

Off-thread for a second, but many upscale hotels in Paris (and elsewhere) require one to clear with the doorman before being allowed in the lobby. You often must be a guest, have a reservation at the bar/restaurant or have other business there. You can't just waltz in. Its becoming more prevalent due to the increasing trend of street people.

Back to the 14 pages of thread.

That that has never happened to me, doesn't mean your point isn't valid. However, I would suggest that is more applicable to boutique hotels, and not hotels with truly grand lobbies. Many of the grand hotels (such as the Ritz Paris) have moved from one or two small boutiques within to larger ones or a whole shopping area within, quite dependent on non-guest traffic. Or co-branded grand lobbies like Hotel Atlantis did with LVMH in Dubai. Obviously, creating or renovating a large lobby is quite expensive, with hoteliers trying to leverage such an investment effectively.

Lunch/brunch can be a great way to enjoy a grand hotel, when the menu prices are a significantly better value for the money compared to dinner. With their large windows letting through natural light, the overall experience of the room/restaurant is more enjoyable during the day as well. It can also serve as a nice respite from a long day out and about.

 

[livingalmostlarge]

So just back from Rome. Booked business for me and my mom. She said she's getting spoiled at 74 years old and the travel was so much easier than economy. I also booked a hotel that was prime location next to Piazza Navona. Walking was minimal and she told me it was ridiculous to spend that much on a hotel it was not luxury but prime location.

Then i booked our Xmas trip for all of us today and she literally called me up to yell at me and say are you crazy? You paid $7k for a ticket for one week to Japan? I said yes. I said what is the purpose of money? To hoard it? You have $2m in the bank. You have 2 paid for homes. You have have a 6 figure annual pension and free medical for life. She's in IRMAA. She said why did you do it LAL?

I said what are you going to spend your money on? She said $7k will buy a lot of things for the kids. We can go out to eat. Stay in a nice hotel. I said we're still going out to eat. We're still going to stay in a nice hotel.

I said if you don't want to pay don't. I do. So I did. I'm 46 years old. I have more money than i'm pretty sure I'm never going to spend all of it. I don't know what my mom is waiting for but at 74 turning 75 in December this is it. If not to ride in comfort and buy her way to a trip she can still do I don't know what she's waiting for.

Yes all in our tickets i had a heart attack this morning pushing the buy button and spending like $50k i'll be honest. I've never done it before. But it's xmas. I have now more money than time. I spent longer than probably needed being frugal said chatgpt. Die with zero?

My uncle on our rome trip kept telling me the memory bank is worth more than money in the bank remember that LAL. Have no regrets and try to do everything you want. Because time doesn't wait for anyone. His dad died at 65 (cancer). He told me don't keep saying in the future because the future never arrives.

So i asked my mom what are you going to spend you $2m on? She stopped talking and hung up on me. FWIW if she wants to give me any more great. If not I'm spending money on her like rome. We flew business. We stayed in a nice hotel. I booked only private tours. Now i'm off to book some private cars.