Domestic first class worth the $?

[Koolau]

How are the compression socks beneficial vs normal socks?

I wear GOLD TOE brand support socks (not quite a compression sock.) It keeps blood from pooling in my lower legs and feet. The difference in comfort is quite noticeable vs regular socks. Otherwise, my legs and feet are achy and tired at destination. Not sure why blood pooling happens and why it causes pain, but it does for me. The Gold Toe sock really w*rks for me and they're not too cumbersome to put on. Actual compression socks are likely even better, but they're expensive and a pain to put on. YMMV

 

[brett]

The only problem either of us has had in ecomomy was when the occasional time a seatmate was huge, required a seatbelt extender, and his or her body seemed to spill over into other seats. Does not make for a comfortable trip.

 

[athena53]

It depends on the plane. I have flown on planes where business class is on two levels, and I always requested an upper level seat. You only see the other folks there and have no idea how many other people are on the plane. It is like being on a private plane <snip>

We have flown United Polaris, and for boarding there is a forward portal only for Polaris passengers. Everyone else uses a portal behind the Polaris section. You only see the other people when exiting the plane, as they use both portals to exit everyone. In Polaris you are in your own "pod", and it is so comfortable I want to board early and spend as much time as possible in it .

Yes- International Business Class is another world, at least on long hauls. (Don't count on it between, say, the US and the Caribbean or Central America. American Airlines, which typically allows lounge access for Business Class passengers on international flights, does not allow it for flights in and out of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.)

I have fond memories of flying "upstairs" on 747s between London and Bangalore.

 

[marko]

I have fond memories of flying "upstairs" on 747s between London and Bangalore.

+1. On my runs to Japan, I usually tried to get the older 747s that only had 8 seats upstairs. On one flight, ( way before the new lie flat accommodations) I was the only passenger up there. The FA pulled out a small mattress, blankets etc and I slept the whole way in the aisle.

Now....First Class 747 service upstairs on Singapore Air is another experience altogether! Dom Perignon before take off, leather bound wine list and exceptional service. It's like flying private!

 

[Koolau]

+1. On my runs to Japan, I usually tried to get the older 747s that only had 8 seats upstairs. On one flight, ( way before the new lie flat accommodations) I was the only passenger up there. The FA pulled out a small mattress, blankets etc and I slept the whole way in the aisle.

Now....First Class 747 service upstairs on Singapore Air is another experience altogether! Dom Perignon before take off, leather bound wine list and exceptional service. It's like flying private!

Heh, heh, BETTER than private! I flew on Megacorp's big jet a few times. We got box lunches and canned sodas/bottled water. Still nice, but no real luxury other than avoiding TSA lines.

 

[marko]

Heh, heh, BETTER than private! I flew on Megacorp's big jet a few times. We got box lunches and canned sodas/bottled water. Still nice, but no real luxury other than avoiding TSA lines.

Well, there's corporate-private and then there's private-private.

 

[SecondAttempt]

I've flown domestic first class many times. I used to fly west coast to east coast once or twice a month and company policy was first class for anything over 5 hours. Precovid I got upgraded to first class about 2/3 time from Kona to mainland.

It's nice but I personally would not pay for it or even use miles. It's really a personal decision. I am just under 6 ft. If I were 6'6" I'd probably upgrade more often. The food is better but it's still airline food!

I do pay or upgrade with points for premium hotel rooms so I'm not cheap nor do I think a little pampering is not worth it. But to me, domestic first class is just not worth much.

Regarding private private, I had a couple of potential/actual customers back in the day with private jets. I've had my fun on them. Open bar but you have to mix your own drink. And you have to listen to the rich guy bitch about the rock star who scuffed his interior last week when she rented his plane...but I got to sit in the cockpit when we landed a few times. Dassault Falcon and Citation Longitude...

 

[SecondAttempt]

How are the compression socks beneficial vs normal socks?

I think this is a personal thing. Both my ex wife and my current partner experience foot swelling on long flights. Partner says compression socks are a huge help. I don't have issues so it is not something I understand.

 

[audreyh1]

Do compression socks help with avoiding blood clots?

Neither of us has experienced foot swelling.

 

[CO-guy]

How are the compression socks beneficial vs normal socks?

They are extremely beneficial. I can't imagine flying or undertaking any long day of travel without them. They reduce swelling and improve circulation.

How to Choose and Use Compression Stockings

Discover the benefits of compression stockings and how to choose the right ones for you. Find the perfect pair for your specific needs.

www.webmd.com

 

[pacergal]

Definitely use compression socks to help with swelling and decrease risk of blood clots.
Along with leg exercises while sitting (tighten and release muscles upper, lower leg, foot circles, etc) and getting up walking.

On our upcoming trip to Hawaii, we are paying FC for all 7 of us. Letting Kids/grands experience a little BTD with us! It will be fun.

 

[RunningBum]

The only problem either of us has had in ecomomy was when the occasional time a seatmate was huge, required a seatbelt extender, and his or her body seemed to spill over into other seats. Does not make for a comfortable trip.

I once sat in the middle between two such people. They tried their best, but I was sandwiched. I just tried to put myself in a trance and survive the time. I think the flight was less than 2 hours.

 

[sengsational]

Do compression socks help with avoiding blood clots?

Neither of us has experienced foot swelling.

DVT is somewhat common on long haul flights, and can be life threatening. That's why it's advised to get up and move around periodically. It's usually a pain to do so, and if everyone did it, the isles would be jammed. Compression socks are helpful, but not a guarantee against DVT. Your best bet is a lay-flat seat

 

[SecondAttempt]

Last time I flew first class, there was a kidney in the aisle seat across from me. Very well behaved as well.

Curious if it had to get up to pee often...or did it have its bladder with it?

I once bought a domestic FC seat for a kit of epoxy back in the day. You can't even send the same stuff by air these days even in cargo. Production must go on!

 

[Koolau]

Curious if it had to get up to pee often...or did it have its bladder with it?

I once bought a domestic FC seat for a kit of epoxy back in the day. You can't even send the same stuff by air these days even in cargo. Production must go on!

It was actually pretty cool. The guy bringing the kidney had it in a small portable fridge which was strapped into the extra seat. Every so often (probably on a schedule?) he would open the fridge and look at (I'm guessing) the temperature and condition of the kidney.

Not something you see every day.

 

[ncbill]

It was actually pretty cool. The guy bringing the kidney had it in a small portable fridge which was strapped into the extra seat. Every so often (probably on a schedule?) he would open the fridge and look at (I'm guessing) the temperature and condition of the kidney.

Not something you see every day.

I want to find some "Human Organ for Transplant" decals for my coolers...

 

[Koolau]

I want to find some "Human Organ for Transplant" decals for my coolers...

Heh, heh, if you do affix the decals to your cooler, be ready to produce documents to prove you are obeying the laws involved with transporting biological specimens!

I had to carry documentation when I transported my little sister's ashes on an airplane. YMMV

 

[SecondAttempt]

DVT is somewhat common on long haul flights, and can be life threatening. That's why it's advised to get up and move around periodically. It's usually a pain to do so, and if everyone did it, the isles would be jammed. Compression socks are helpful, but not a guarantee against DVT. Your best bet is a lay-flat seat

A few years ago a coworker of mine died after a flight from the mainland to Hawaii, likely from DVT. He was found unresponsive in Honolulu airport waiting for his flight to Kona. He was in excellent athletic shape, a triathlete and avid daily and competitive paddler with no previous issues.

Scary and even though my ER is later then planned, his death made me take moving ER forward seriously. I've seen posted...I know how many dollars I have but not how many years I have.

 

[marko]

It may already have been covered here, but another benefit of sitting up front is, if you have checked luggage or need some adjustment, there's usually only 3 or 4 people in line at the first class counter.

Every time we walk into the airport, there's this huge line of people--maybe a hundred?--waiting in the queue and it's nice to bypass that mess.

Some airports also have a "private/VIP" area for going through security reserved for crew and first class passengers. It's regular TSA and scanners but maybe only two people ahead of you. A life saver if you're running late or, again just want to avoid the crowd.

Then if you're lucky, (usually only on international flights and larger planes) you get to board the plane directly from the club room and avoid the cattle call in the main terminal.

So, IMO it's more than just the seat.

 

[sengsational]

It's certainly more than a seat if you're flying through big airports and on big planes.

 

[Koolau]

Our dear friends from Africa were traveling to the USA and she (about age 60 at the time) went into cardiac arrest due to DVT clot to her lung IIRC. Her husband is a medical doctor and he revived her and kept her alive for 2 hours until medical help was available. Now we assist them financially when they make the long journey - insuring that she can travel in business class (he still flies coach.) Of course, she is on blood thinners as well.

Both DW and I are on blood thinners for A-fib so hope that they protect us on long flights in economy-plus. So far, so good but YMMV.

 

[meleana]

If I was rich I’d do first class or business class everywhere.

I’m very disappointed we have to do economy to Sicily in October plus sit in an airport for a 6 hour layover in Munich Germany with no access to the airline lounge even. Plus I had spine surgery and have back issues. Then almost 2 hours to Catania and another hour or so transport to the hotel. It will be the trip from hell. ( not to mention it takes us 2 hours just to get to Logan plus the 2 hour switched if the flight!)

But no way can we pay $8000 for 2 business class seats or even $5000 for 2 premium economy seats.

I do a wheelchair ticket for me and we pick aisle seats as far in the front as possible. Best we can do.

 

[MC Rider]

I want to find some "Human Organ for Transplant" decals for my coolers...

I they open that and see beer,
I'm busted!

 

[catii]

We're in our late 70s, & because we live in Hawaii, even the shortest flights are 5 hours. So we fly Business almost everywhere. I've been surprised at how many free upgrades we've gotten, especially when we're visiting family in Asia/Pacific! I think flying First Class is overkill, as we get 90% of that in Business, but we don't turn down free upgrades.

 

[brett]

Seems to me it is basically about personal preferences, choice, perception, etc. Hardly one shoe fits all.