Is flying first class worth it?
Before you ask, I’m not a frequent flyer, I don’t have the option to use points for a free upgrade. I am flying home to Raleigh to visit family close to the holidays. My ticket is an upgradeable nonstop flight, 6 hours duration. The aircraft is a 737 according to my check-in reminder email. The cost to upgrade is about $250, or roughly $0.10 a mile. 5 seats free in first, with an upgrade list of 13 passengers. I have no reference to calculate whether this is typical price for cash customers, so I want to ask the audience 😋
Planning to check a bag or two? First class generally has waived bags so you'll save a bit that way to offset the cost a little bit. Otherwise it's really up to you if it's worthwhile. You almost certainly won't get a free upgrade without status on that airline. Even if the upgrade list is exhausted they'll give the seats to airline employees (non-revs) next.
I will try to calculate the value of what’s included to see if it knocks out enough a la carte charges to offset some of that $250. In-flight meal: $15 Drinks: $30 over 6 hours, I’m sure Checked bag: $25 Priority boarding status: $24 (a la carte per website) Anything else I’m leaving out?
Depending on the airline and airport, there might be a dedicated security lane (ie Delta Sky Priority).
I would have a hard time paying my own money for first class. But I've had my employer pay for it for international flights and it made a huge difference.
Domestic flights, not worth it.
I flew first class a few times LA to SF on Virgin. It was cheaper than Southwest. On one flight I had 8 or 9 free cocktails. It was worth it. Aside from that, not worth it.
9 drinks in an hour? Yikes
Yeah, holy shit. I’m impressed.
Take it and thank me later
If you do choose to take the upgrade, $250 for a 6 hr flight is one of the better deals you’ll get offered in my experience.
It's only worth it if someone else is paying for it.
I’ll upgrade to business on flights where I want to sleep (to a lay flat), otherwise not usually worth it. That is a decent upgrade price for a 6 hour flight. If it’s a redeye, then maybe.
But decent noise cancelling headphones instead of the upgrade.
No, if you have to pay for it, it is absolutely not worth it