On a long haul flight, would you prefer paying extra for an upgraded cabin environment such as Business Class, First Class, etc. or would you rather save that money and utilize it to enjoy upon arriving at destination? Which have you done, which would you do? Pros and Cons please. What’s your financial threshold for deciding for or against either or?
Personally, I’m divided on it. I would prefer to be in a spacious area for duration of the flight which is typically 13+hours. But, not sure if it’s money well-spent when a lot could be done with that fare difference at any given destination.
Re: Long Haul Air Travel: Initial Comfort or Extra Spendability?
It's okay to also post domestic preferences. Though I have found people like traveling by road if it's for leisure purposes so that they can go at their own pace, and follow a sight-seeing itinerary when domestic travel is concerned.
Re: Long Haul Air Travel: Initial Comfort or Extra Spendability?
i would rather save the money and give to poor people or use it on my extended family. i can't justify paying that much extra money for a few hours of comfort. the business and first class fares are exorbitantly/outrageously too high.
since i traveled by train in India for most of my life, the economy class travel is much better and much more comfortable.
btw, some airlines have come up with super economy fares. last year, my Bhabhi's parents flew to India on Turkish Airlines' Premium/Comfort Economy and they paid $1700 as compared to their lowest economy fare of $1300. that's quite reasonable for priority check-in, extra legroom and extra wide seats along with better meal choices.
if you prefer extra legroom then the seat by the exit doors on wide body long haul jets have much more room but often doesn't have a window and the real downer is that it's a passenger's congregation area and sometimes in close proximity to either food galley or the washrooms.
Re: Long Haul Air Travel: Initial Comfort or Extra Spendability?
It's okay to also post domestic preferences. Though I have found people like traveling by road if it's for leisure purposes so that they can go at their own pace, and follow a sight-seeing itinerary when domestic travel is concerned.
i do sometimes drive with younger members of my family on summer vacations if the trip is less than 500 miles and there are interesting places on the route. otherwise i prefer flying.
in India, travel by train is by far the most popular, most economical, most comfortable and most safe. i buy Indrail Pass [issued only to foreigners paying in a foreign currency] for $480 for a 30 day availability. this pass allows me unlimited travel in First class Air Conditioned coaches [highest class of service] by any train from anywhere to anywhere at any time within the validity period. Indian Railways offer VIP quota so getting accommodation at a short notice is never a problem. you can get a reservation for the same day while general public has to wait weeks to get a spot on Indi'as premium trains.
i utilize that service to the fullest because my family is scattered all over India. :) i love train travel in India.
Re: Long Haul Air Travel: Initial Comfort or Extra Spendability?
I'll save the money for the destination. Instead of staying in shared accommodation like youth hostel or a crappy hotel, I'll spend that money for good nights' sleep in a nice hotel.