Howdy all,
I'm planning a trip in Aug/Sep to Europe and was about to buy my return tickets for $1250 with Qatar.
I noticed that Qatar are having a promo at the moment and I can get a return Business Class ticket for $6,100.
I understand we all value different things, just wanted to get some insight to see whether for some of you this $4,850 jump for 48 hours of travel is worth it.
Let me know :)
As in the price?
I’d rather spend that money on 5 star accommodation. After all, you’ll spend more time on the ground than up in the air. But if you’re rich, why not both!
Its worth it if you are rich and have a lazy $6k, AMG and roses. Yes
some airlines now let you bid for upgrades. Heard one airline was offering bids from $800 or so, to upgrade one way from any economy ticket to business class.
Of course, if someone bids more than you, they will get 1st preference, if limited business class seats.
Will you be doing any business on your trip?
Negative, just a leisure trip
Then you will not be allowed to business class.
Noooooo!
Not entirely true - they will make a concession and let you into business class on a leisure trip provided you're wearing business socks.
Clearly iforgotmysocks was aware of this rule too, but couldn't take advantage of it for obvious reasons…
If you have miles, definitely worth to spend it on a class upgrade
It is better value to spend a fraction of that staying in a nice 5 star resort when you get to your destination.
you're kidding if a spare 5k is worth it for an upgrade. If redeeming points, probably yes. I'm doing the same economy flight on Qatar this month!
if you're going to Europe for a couple of days off meetings and just want to get in do your work and go home definitely. If you'd rather save money and have a couple of days to wander about to get over your jet lag is definitely not
It sounds like you can afford it if you are contemplating it
Some people have bodily conditions that may make less than business class personally intolerable. I have one such person in my extended family. They don't fly much but when they do it's business or nothing for them.
I have a psychological condition that prevents me from travelling cattle class.
I have flown business to and from Europe, and it was much preferable to economy. But somebody else was paying.
I could possibly be convinced to use FF points on an upgrade, but almost $5k would let you retire a couple of months early if you put it into your super…
retire a couple of months early if you put it into your super
True Oz Bargainer here :)
Depends how old you are and if you do in fact make it that far.
that was my comment on mskeggs comment above mine
Long haul to Europe always business class, arrive relaxed fresh and good to go on the day you land. Economy on the other hand arrive stressed tired and looking forward to sleep.
You get there "faster".
You'll get mixed opinions here, otherwise airliners would either have only economy or business class. You may as well ask if people prefer instant coffee or $4 cafe-made coffees.
Buy 2 economy tickets side by side.
$4850 for 48 hours = $100 an hour. I'd rather plow that money into accommodation, meals,prostitutes, and activities.
"plow" lol
Fully worth it go for it ,in style.
It depends how much money you have.
If you are rich then yes, it is worth it. If not rich I would only fly business class using points.
Only worth it if someone else is paying.
Many airlines have options where you can 'bid' for upgrades, probably a better way for getting an upgrade for a sane price.
Take the $5k and do something useful with it, like buying a pillow and getting a window seat so you can sleep through most of the flight.
Maybe only when you have money to burn. I believe in occasional splurge every now and then (not too often!). :) Though I agree with everybody else:
PS: I never flown anything apart from eco and when I redeemed for biz and first, now it's hard to forget about it. :)
If you need to work straight off the plane, it might be necessary, but just one recovery day on the ground is better value than business/first. I would also explore FF points options first for best value. I've flown first class a few times. It's nice having a couple of glasses of Dom while waiting on the tarmac, there is caviar with mother of pearl spoons and freshly grilled vegetables, gate lounges are amazing…but in reality I would only pay for it myself at about double economy. Just fly economy and hit the duty free for some champagne.
At $6500 I would say "not worth it". We managed to lock onto the Virgin round the world business class for $3400 each, at that price it was worth it. I presume there are two of your going and you have to double the price. Suck up the pain, maybe look into getting access to lounges in the stopover places and spend the money on good hotels in Europe.
You could just book a mixed fare ticket: business to Europe, economy back. That way you arrive well rested and ready to enjoy your holiday. I booked a Qatar flight like that and it came to just under $4000 👍🏻
not worth it
you either fly 1st class or economy , nothing in between
1st class??? you mean with other people?? private jet, you peasant.
Worth it once but now that I've done it (only on one leg - cash ticket), I would have to say not worth unless it's with points. Having said that once you've done business class it'll ruin you for all long haul economy…
Once you go Business you never go back.
Any significant overseas flight will certainly be worth it if you have the means to do so. My husband swears that it is absolutely worth it which is why his family always flies business (still waiting to experience it myself lol), he and most other people I know get painful circulation issues and even swelling in their legs when flying economy on long flights because of lack of leg room and space.
Those economy tickets are cheap btw.
Business is great, but not worth the extra $5k.
Like everyone above said, try to upgrade with points, or bid on an upgrade, or even see if you can book business on another airline if you decide to do it. Their price is pretty average. Just over $4000 on vietnam airlines return currently for august.
I've never flown Business Class but would like to experience it but for me, is not worth the extra cost. When I fly long haul, I always book with Singapore Airlines & make sure I always obtain the emergency exit seats on the upper deck.
Being 6'2ft space is of paramount importance & I have pleny. Limited number of economy seats & you're tucked just behind BC. Also no children either.
Obviousy not as comfy as BC but the flight is considerably more comfortable. All depends what you value & if money is no issue. I see $5k as a nice lump sum to use on restaurants or better accom.
Update: Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions.
I've settled for premium economy with Singapore Airlines for $3,000 return.
Has anyone had any experiences on this product?
https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/es/plan-travel/yourbookin…
Depends on code of ticket, and requires 'invite' but since they do 1 class for upgrade, there's a good chance the minimum bid would work. Worth a look.
GTFO