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Flying business class is less unpleasant than flying regular class. But it's not pleasant. I get that some people might like this. I was speaking to my other h

Flying business class is less unpleasant than flying regular class. But it's not pleasant. I get that some people might like this. I was speaking to my other half about it last night. People go on about how great first class is. I wondered if people had a choice between teleportation and first class which would they choose? I'd go for teleporting. I think most would. So how great can first class be if I'd willingly exchange it for just the time back?

saryant 11y ago
Sure, but since we don't have teleportation, first class is still arguably the more enjoyable way to cross an ocean right now (save for private jets).
- branchless 11y ago
  Yes - it's the least worst way to travel if you have to.
  - saryant 11y ago
    I want to travel to Thailand and India and Japan. If churning didn't exist id be buying tickets in coach. So I am going to travel anyways, there just happens to be a way that's both cheaper and more comfortable.
arcticbull 11y ago
Whereas for cash tickets, going up a class of service is exponential. A round-trip to Asia is going to be about $1K in economy, $6K in business and 20K in first. Points tickets are logarithmic, if economy is 1X, business is usually 1.5-6X and first is usually 2X. So you can pay 2X as many miles for a product that costs 20X as much. Business is a better seat, edible food and free booze. First [on a decent airline] is a different world. Caviar and Krug/Pol Roger/Perrier-Jouet. Lufthansa has an entire separate terminal building with private immigration, security, private assistants, a restaurant, a massive bar and Mercedes or Porsche limousine service to the side of the plane. Flown it many times, and I keep looking forward. First is no waste of time for me; champagne, caviar, gourmet dining and wifi (or the plausible excuse for not having wifi), it's a wonderful way to spend a few days.
- branchless 11y ago
  The product does not deliver 20x the "value". It's aimed at people who have more money than they can spend. If you have a job paying less than 200k the cost of first-class is a huge deal. For them the cost is like you buying a beer.

saryant 11y ago

Sure, but since we don't have teleportation, first class is still arguably the more enjoyable way to cross an ocean right now (save for private jets).

branchless 11y ago
Yes - it's the least worst way to travel if you have to.
- saryant 11y ago
  I want to travel to Thailand and India and Japan. If churning didn't exist id be buying tickets in coach. So I am going to travel anyways, there just happens to be a way that's both cheaper and more comfortable.

arcticbull 11y ago

Whereas for cash tickets, going up a class of service is exponential. A round-trip to Asia is going to be about $1K in economy, $6K in business and 20K in first. Points tickets are logarithmic, if economy is 1X, business is usually 1.5-6X and first is usually 2X. So you can pay 2X as many miles for a product that costs 20X as much. Business is a better seat, edible food and free booze. First [on a decent airline] is a different world. Caviar and Krug/Pol Roger/Perrier-Jouet. Lufthansa has an entire separate terminal building with private immigration, security, private assistants, a restaurant, a massive bar and Mercedes or Porsche limousine service to the side of the plane. Flown it many times, and I keep looking forward. First is no waste of time for me; champagne, caviar, gourmet dining and wifi (or the plausible excuse for not having wifi), it's a wonderful way to spend a few days.

branchless 11y ago
The product does not deliver 20x the "value". It's aimed at people who have more money than they can spend. If you have a job paying less than 200k the cost of first-class is a huge deal. For them the cost is like you buying a beer.