Rant

The airlines didn't do this, their customers did. The public wanted cheaper and cheaper tickets...this is what you get. Buy first class tickets or charter, you can't blame the airlines. As for delays you be shocked at what it takes to make an operation tick. I'm amazed there any smooth running days at all.

 

Tex...Wife and I hate flying. If we he the time and the distance ain't too great, we drive. Or, just plain don't go.

The deal wetruck some years back is to fly less often, but fly first class. We're lucky that we don't often have to fly for work, so that helps. Try it once, and see if the price differential is worth it, to you...T

 

I find this to be generally the case on American Airlines, only a few hundred more, if you're flexible on times you fly. And depending on how close to sold out. A couple hours can make a big difference. For example, flying to Phoenix next week:
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Had to do a very quick check. With a bit of time searching, the biz or 1st could get a little better.

United sfo->syd: zoo class: $652, biz: $7439
Qantas lax->syd: zoo class: $636 1st: $10241

-mick

 

Kind of a "no-brainer" isn't it..

Last year's trip to US flew "premium economy" which if mem serves was $200-ish difference for a distinct improvement in leg room.. I'm normal height and build and that's tons of improvement for me and all I need frankly.. don't mind paying 10% diff but balk at 10x..

 

Being 6'4" and 230-ish, I need the extra leg room , so I try and get bulkhead when I can.
I'm Gold on AA , so the minimal extra expense is worth it.

First Class, only when bumped or flights longer than 3 hours for me, as I do not need the extra " service " or food. I get 1 group boarding and have access to the Admirals Club with Citi Black , so other than not getting into the super Admirals club area, I don't think I'm missing much. ( Am I ? )

The direct flight from Maui to DFW was worth it ( several hundred more ) and the direct flight between Dubai and DFW is definitely worth the bump in class... but with a $1000 premium.

FWIW , most of my flights are under the 3 hour mark, I would have a different opinion if a majority of my flights were longer.

S

 

For a number of years, I averaged around 160,000 flight miles per year (mainly US domestic flights) so it allowed me to snag upgrades often with my miles. But a couple of years ago I screwed up. Got me and the wife a nice biz upgrade for sfo <-> syd. Sleep flat seats etc etc. Result: completely ruined her for zool class travel on that long haul flight ;-)

-mick

 

These days, unless it is a quick trip to Vegas I'm paying to be in front of the curtain. I try to save where I can but I'm paying whatever it is. It's not just the flight, its checking luggage, going through the short TSA line, and access to lounges.


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Steve, you're not missing much not having annual Admirals club, unless you end up with long layovers frequently. Better to pay per day. For someone who is gold, Admirals club runs $400+ per year, but a day pass is $59. On 16ish trips this year I've only had 2 layovers worthy of using Admirals club and guess what - one of the airports didn't have an Admirals club.

 

Hawaiian treats everybody well. I know, small market, but great people. I always fly to work in coach, to the mainland, and back home in first because I'm dead tired and love the service and comfort. First is usually a $200 upgrade for the leg...a good deal to me.

 

I used either them or another local airline for an inter-island hop and it was a refreshing experience.. walk out onto the tarmac to board, take pics and ground staff posed and smiled.. cabin crew did an awesomely funny safety talk..

Compare to the grim version at home you'd think taking a quick fun pic while walking on the tarmac was a threat to entire airline industry based on the reaction and stern talking to by the waiting staff was any measure.

Yay Hawaii.. love your laid back style while getting stuff done.

 

Oh, I have Admirals Club access, I just don't have the " inner" Admirals Club access
When we had a layover in London last month was the first time I ever noticed a club within the club ( There was a sliding glass wall that the receptionist opened remotely for a guest )

And I'm with you, the only time I've wanted to use them have been on layovers or when a flight is delayed.

S

 

$85 lets you bypass the TSA lines, and some American Express cards (example: platinum) will pay the $85. Free access to Delta clubs, too.