- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF 2016 2018 2022
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The difference is likely to be in the $000s. If you want more space, but not the ability to lie flat then you could look at premium economy which has bigger seats, more recline, a smaller cabin and enhanced service.Just started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
It is really an easy answer. If you can afford to do it than do it. If you can't afford to do it then don't.Just started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
I book a bulkhead/extra leg room seat. I never manage to fall asleep on planes but do force myself to try and I keep my eye closed for as many hours as I can. I made the mistake last time of starting my walk the day after I arrived, this was very stupid for me as I was much more jetlagged than I thought. This year I'm scheduling 2 nights (maybe 3) to get rid of jetlag prior to walking.Just started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
I've always flown economy but this year flying from the west coast of Canada I decided for the extra legroom and bought a Premium Economy ticket. A little more than what I wanted to pay but its my 65th birthday present to myself lol.Just started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
Tricky question as Business Class can be a little more room or a significant amount of extra comfort depending on the airline. You can go to https://www.seatguru.com/ to check the aircraft info... Option B Accept economy seating and take 2 Benadryl forJust started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
If I could get a business or first class ticket for a maximum of 50% more I would probably do it. Currently flights from home to Madrid (return) are around $1400, so if I could get a much more comfortable seat for $2100 I'd do it.
I can afford some upgrades, but choose not to do it...I fly Economy Minus.It is really an easy answer. If you can afford to do it than do it. If you can't afford to do it then don't.
For tall people, especially men with long legs, I can see why upgrading is indeed tempting. I have sat next to a few of them before and they do struggle trying to scrunch up their legs in the alloted space in an Economy seat.I've always flown economy but this year flying from the west coast of Canada I decided for the extra legroom and bought a Premium Economy ticket. A little more than what I wanted to pay but its my 65th birthday present to myself lol.
Or the extra cost can pay for another round trip flight to Europe - or two!Same for me. Paying thousands more for 7 hours of comfort has never felt worth it. It’s the equivalent of 3 weeks on the Camino
Simple only if you are at either end of the wealth scale. Sure, I can afford Business Class. But the unfortunate detail is that if I spend it that way, I won't have it for new roof, car, teeth, and other such incidentals.It is really an easy answer. If you can afford to do it than do it. If you can't afford to do it then don't.
I picked an isle seat too because you don't pay extra on premium economy to choose your seat. I'am also a little claustrophobic and having elbows on either side of me really makes me feel enclosed. As far as business class goes, I'll have to wait till I win the lottery.For tall people, especially men with long legs, I can see why upgrading is indeed tempting. I have sat next to a few of them before and they do struggle trying to scrunch up their legs in the alloted space in an Economy seat.
Seatguru is a good site. That said you should always be looking for a flat bed across the Atlantic, and most high level carriers deliver that. That said many carriers have different product snalbeit with a flat bed) as modifying aircraft takes ages so do your research!Tricky question as Business Class can be a little more room or a significant amount of extra comfort depending on the airline. You can go to https://www.seatguru.com/ to check the aircraft info... Option B Accept economy seating and take 2 Benadryl for.
Indeed and that is true for most journeys in terms of the price differential irrespective of geography!Sure, if a business class ticket were only 50% more than standard economy I wouldn't hesitate. Unfortunately, business class from where I live to Europe is more than 2.5 times more expensive. Basically around $1300 - $1500 for economy, and around $4000 for business.
I do not know if it is a question of what end of the scale you are on. The bottom line in my definition of simple is exactly what you wrote. If buying a business class ticket will not affect living your life and paying your bills, and eating and having a roof etc etc etc than it would be pretty silly to buy business class ticket. If you are walking the camino because you are trying to decide whether to buy that third vacation home then I guess you have no worries about a business class ticket. Coming from a family that have been Socialists for the last 100 years you probably can guess where I stand economically and philosophically about this haha.Simple only if you are at either end of the wealth scale. Sure, I can afford Business Class. But the unfortunate detail is that if I spend it that way, I won't have it for new roof, car, teeth, and other such incidentals.
I am a tall person and an aisle seat is a must. When I can I get an exit row seat.I can afford some upgrades, but choose not to do it...I fly Economy Minus.The only upgrade I do is seat assignment and always choose an aisle seat as it is less claustrophobic. I am not a tall nor large person, so seat width is not an issue. I can't sleep well sitting up either, so on long haul flights, I entertain myself watching endless movies the whole way. Ironically, it does not seem to affect me negatively.
Seat Guru used to be an excellent site. Unfortunately it isn't being updated as it once was.Seatguru is a good site.
That's disappointing.Seat Guru used to be an excellent site. Unfortunately it isn't being updated as it once was.
Ah ok! Thank you! Haven’t checked for a while and wrongly assumed it was still a good site. Sorry. Some airlines have good seat maps and some don’t so I tend to look on their site if I can. Always worth checking if an airline is modifying its product and seeing if you can ascertain which fleets have the better and update product. Most will have a flat bed by now of the main carriers.Seat Guru used to be an excellent site. Unfortunately it isn't being updated as it once was.
This is from the Wikipedia article under "Accuracy":
As of September 2021 attempting to contact the site via "Contact Me" to update seat maps results in the reply "Thank you for your interest in SeatGuru. Currently we are not making additional updates to our content on the site and are unable to provide other support. -SeatGuru".
Hmm interesting I hadn't thought of it that way (the CDG layover).We begin our journey from Hawaii so have an added day of travel just to reach the west coast so totally understand your concern (though I do sleep well on flights). Found a great option for our Camino this Fall in Premium Economy at a good price probably due to a 21-hour layover at CDG. Sounds bad but it's perfect for extra rest at our favorite Ibis airport hotel before flying on to Madrid the next day. Our 6 am Madrid departure on the October return might have influenced the price too but works OK for us. Booking as early as possible always leaves more options.
The comfort of flat beds will vary by carrier and by class (first or business) so I am not sure you can review them all as ‘one product’, anymore than a hotel room or a pair of walking boots! Plenty of reviews online by carrier and cabin. Many people sleep, and I am sure some don’t!I fly from the West Coast.
It's a long trip.
I always promised my self that some day I would fly First Class.
I did that last Camino.
Mostly so I could sleep on the way.
Was it worth the extra cash?
ummmmm... not really.
Those little beds aren't that comfie and I really didn't get any sleep.
I'd rather pay $100-$200 and just get a bigger seat with more leg room.
I agree, not sleeping well on an overnight flight really compounds the issues with jet lag. Rather than spending 1000’s more on a plane ticket (which still doesn’t guarantee good sleep), spring for a nice hotel room at your flight arrival destination. Rest, sleep, and then continue on your journey the following day, or even two days after. You’ll be over the jet lag and ready for the adventures to come.
As someone else mentioned - a $100-200 price difference I would pay.
Yes and that is the crux of the question. Great summary from @Roberts26 (and there are plenty of others too) but the price is far more than economy as it costs airlines a lot more to offer. Very much an a personal choice based on each persons ability to pay or prioritise versus other purchases!All great benefits @RobertS26, but it's not worth an extra $2500+ for me.
Yes, I understand that it's more than the nice seat. But It's a lot of money to spend for ~12 hours or so.I agree that it’s a choice on where each individual chooses to spend his or her money. I posted the above list so people know there are a lot more benefits to flying in business class than just a nice seat.
Good article. Thanks for the info.The comfort of flat beds will vary by carrier and by class (first or business) so I am not sure you can review them all as ‘one product’, anymore than a hotel room or a pair of walking boots! Plenty of reviews online by carrier and cabin. Many people sleep, and I am sure some don’t!
Here’s is a link.
Business class seat guide – Business Traveller
Want to know about the different types of business class seat? Here is our expert…www.businesstraveller.com
Exactly! You've summarized the basics in a nutshell, @VNwalking.But (in spite of the tyrrany of the ittle curtain) everyone's together on the same plane with the same staff burning the same fuel.
Airline flight costs aren’t really governed at a cabin level by variable costs such as the cost of a meal, extra fuel per person and so on. They are governed by fixed costs such as the amount of space the seat takes up for example, or the cost of operating and renting a lounge.Exactly! You've summarized the basics in a nutshell, @VNwalking.
Yes, of course. And. That price difference seems to more than make up for the fixed costs. I don't know, though, and would love to see the actual numbers.They are governed by fixed costs such as the amount of space the seat takes up for example, or the cost of operating and renting a lounge.
That cruise option sounds good Bob! Worth a proper look at!I started this thread, but I did not fully disclose my flight experiences. In 2016 (June), I had a minor economy class upgrade to get a little more legroom. Started traveling from Colorado in the AM to get to Newark for the evening overnight flight. That particular time I flew to Lisbon for a week before heading to Pamplona. Got in to Lisbon and felt like a zombie, but inasmuch as I was staying in Lisbon for a week, I could adjust, and I did. But, for me it's not the jet lag so much as being in a cramped economy seat for 8 hours. You know how when you can't wait to get somewhere or are otherwise impatient, you tend to count the minutes? When I'm in a cramped airline seat, I tend to count the seconds seemingly constantly looking at my watch. It was peak misery. On the succeeding Camino in 2018 I used the miles + money approach described by Marbe2, and it was heavenly. I think the effective cost was about $3300. In 2022, I bought a business class outright about six months before departure for about $3500. If I were smaller, maybe I could curl up in an economy seat and be comfortable enough to sleep--being taller can make air travel quite unpleasant. Have not gotten the 2023 ticket yet, but it looks like a business class ticket is going to be $4000+. By the way, my latest thinking is to take that $4000+ and buy a cruise ticket to Barcelona or Lisbon on the way over, and get an economy premium ticket for the return.
How nice for you @Bob Howard.
Some people have no choice.
I'm pretty darn budget conscious in my non-Camino life--I suppose I have gotten a bit reckless in my retirement.
All of these reasons are quite relevant for the business travelers who have a pile of points. However, not everyone fits in this categoryThe short answer is yes.
Before giving you a longer answer, I want to give some context. I have flown over a million miles to twenty-eight different countries in the last ten years. I mainly fly Lufthansa, British Airways, and Delta. I have also flown Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Icelander Air, and others. I mainly fly out of Seattle for my international flights.
The benefits of flying business class go far beyond having a lie flat seat.
The first benefit is that you usually earn more frequent flyer miles than passengers in economy for the same trip. You can rack up miles really fast when flying in the front of the plane. I now have several free international first-class trips at my disposal.
The second benefit is access to business lounges (or if you are flying first class, access to first class lounges like the Concord Room at Heathrow). International business class lounges almost always come with free showers. It is such a pleasure to be able to take a shower and change clothes after a ten-hour flight before I hop onto my next flight. Business class lounges also have free food which is way better than what you can buy in the main terminal. Finally, business class lounges let you know when your flight is actually boarding.
The third benefit is walking straight out of the lounge, down the concord, and onto your flight without breaking stride. No standing around the gate area hoping to get on the plane before all the overhead bins are gone.
The fourth benefit is what you can carry onto the plane. Almost all international carriers allow two carry-on pieces of luggage and a small backpack or purse. As a result, it's been years since I checked a piece of luggage.
The fifth benefit is overhead bins. Fewer people per square foot in the front means that you always have space for your carry-on luggage. I literally never have had an issue with overhead bin space in business class. I cannot say that about economy class.
The sixth benefit is eating when you want to eat. If you miss meal service in the back because you fell asleep, you usually don't get a second chance. Up front, you normally tell them when you want to eat. Plus, its better food and served with real china and flatware.
The seventh benefit is that business class is populated with professional travelers. No crying babies, no one clipping their toenails, and no one kicking the back of your seat. More importantly, everyone in business class lowers their window shades after takeoff to allow others to sleep. [Note: this is becoming less of an issue with newer airplanes. The latest Boeing 787's and Airbus A350's give control of the window shades to the flight crew. With one push of the button, all the windows go dark.]
The eighth benefit is the seat itself. There is nothing greater in the world than pushing a button to have your seat turn into a bed. Add a real blanket and real pillows and you are in Heaven. Seriously. NOTHING GREATER.
The ninth benefit is getting off the plane first. Lines at Immigration and Customs are often a breeze as a result.
The tenth benefit is that business class luggage is loaded last on international flights. As a result, your luggage comes off the carousel first.
The eleventh benefit is customer service. If your connecting flight is canceled, your airline takes care of business and first-class travelers before it gets to the people sitting in economy.
And finally, did I mention the seat that turns into a bed?
I think you are talking about “repositioning cruises,” when the ships doing winter Caribbean cruises head over to Europe to do summer cruises. I have never taken a cruise, but this idea intrigues me. Just a lot of days out at sea, on a big cruise ship that isn’t terribly crowded, with a good fitness center and plenty of books to read.By the way, my latest thinking is to take that $4000+ and buy a cruise ticket to Barcelona or Lisbon on the way over, a
But I can’t figure out how to find those trips. Any help?
Well done, @pelerina.As we humans often do, he had ‘adjusted’ his expectations to his circumstances. As he was preparing for his next long haul trip for which I would arrange the tickets - first class, he was always assigned Seat 1A - he said to me ‘And this time I don’t want any children near me’. I rolled my eyes - and possibly groaned out loud. He glared at me.
After a few moments silence, I said ‘so would you like me to try to purchase all the first class seats, or just the half a dozen or so closest to you? Or it might be cheaper to charter a private plane. I could look into that for you’.
His face betrayed his irritation but I held his gaze. After what seemed like a long time, he said ‘I take your point. Just the one ticket will be fine.’ No problem, I said.
Try the app iCruise; it allows you to search for all sorts of cruises, including trans-Atlantic. The Queen Mary makes the run year round. I came home from a camino on a cruise out of Barcelona, stopping a few places along the way, and then just needing a flight from Miami to home.But I can’t figure out how to find those trips. Any help?
I think we all get used to our position in life and act accordingly! On this forum for the main part most of us are in a good position financially when you contrast with folks who cannot afford food and clothes. I think it is important to acknowledge that, but not feel guilty, and leverage our position to do what we want to!An anecdote as an aside - and not suggesting anyone on this thread is in this category - i am reminded of a ‘moment’ shared many decades ago between me and my quite scary boss. From poor beginnings, by a relatively young age he had climbed the ranks to rarified heights in the investment banking world. He flew frequently for work, Sydney to New York or London and back within days - working on the flights and as soon as he arrived. Business and first class were designed for these circumstances. No Skype or zoom option back then. I would often be asked to arrange his travel.
As we humans often do, he had ‘adjusted’ his expectations to his circumstances. As he was preparing for his next long haul trip for which I would arrange the tickets - first class, he was always assigned Seat 1A - he said to me ‘And this time I don’t want any children near me’. I rolled my eyes - and possibly groaned out loud. He glared at me.
After a few moments silence, I said ‘so would you like me to try to purchase all the first class seats, or just the half a dozen or so closest to you? Or it might be cheaper to charter a private plane. I could look into that for you’.
His face betrayed his irritation but I held his gaze. After what seemed like a long time, he said ‘I take your point. Just the one ticket will be fine.’ No problem, I said.
I save my frequent flyer points now for Business class one way tickets to Europe,
I look at this quite differently. When I have done comparisons of what space one has in each of the classes, the price ratio is roughly equivalent to the ratio of floorspace for each passenger. Given that passengers and their baggage are perhaps 10-15% of the aircraft takeoff weight, 85-90% of the effort of pushing passengers through the air is the 'infrastructure' of the aircraft. So the more space you occupy, the more it is costing to push you through the air.(in spite of the tyrrany of the ittle curtain) everyone's together on the same plane with the same staff burning the same fuel.
I read many threads about cutting costs or the price of things on the Camino, but people seldom mention the cost of arriving and departing to their home countries. It seems that we (and I include myself) that we are willing to pay for comfort coming and going, but perhaps willing to accept less comfort on the walking part?Why do you think that?
I don't think judging either yourself or others in this way is useful. More, I am not convinced you are correct about your self-assessment here.My thought here is are these the same people seeking simple albergues or are these the people seeking to book private rooms for their whole Camino?
I don't want to start a war or a thread about who is a true pilgrim, but really I think true pilgrims accept what is available in their pocketbooks, be it a boat passage, basic flight fare, or a flight upgrade. I am not a true pilgrim and am able to pay for premium economy and that's about it. Wish I could afford more.
I look at this quite differently. When I have done comparisons of what space one has in each of the classes, the price ratio is roughly equivalent to the ratio of floorspace for each passenger. Given that passengers and their baggage are perhaps 10-15% of the aircraft takeoff weight, 85-90% of the effort of pushing passengers through the air is the 'infrastructure' of the aircraft. So the more space you occupy, the more it is costing to push you through the air.
As someone who has flown in all four modern cabin classes at various stages of my life, there are also stark differences in areas like cabin crew to passenger ratios the closer one is to the front or top of the aircraft, on top of all the other little factors that @RobertS26 described earlier.
Like @henrythedog's family, mine now has an inherent tension on these matters. The concession position is to use premium economy where we can for international flights when we travel together. I am happy to pay the small amount more for an extra-legroom seat if I am travelling alone domestically or when premium economy is not available, except that I do hold out for a premium economy seat if I am returning to Australia from London in one leg. I have done LHR-PER in economy, and I would never contemplate doing that again. Call me soft, but there it is!
Amen!I can stand pretty much anything for 24 hours if it means I get to walk a camino.
Luckily, the airlines have not yet got so grasping as to make you stand all the way from Sydney. In answer to the original question, is it worth travelling business class? I have no idea. It is a subjective question. If you have the money, do it. I would if I could. You don't need to justify it unless you fell guilty about it for some reason.I can stand pretty much anything for 24 hours if it means I get to walk a camino.
The economy passengers cover the costs of the flight.
Whilst those up front provide the 'profit' component.
Probably not. The Perth - London flight is direct so commands a premium price. It wouldn't be that popular either as some 3/4 of the population of Australia would need to get a plane to get to Perth first, which would make it pretty pointless for most Aussies trying to get to Europe, especially as they would then need another plane to get to Spain.How comfortable you are in an economy seat depends to a large extent on how tall you are. I
I'm only 5'7" - (strange but I never know my height in metric:an age thing I guess), and my knees just clear the reclined seat in front. After reading Doug's post where he mentions the Perth-London direct flight, I checked the price for premium economy and came up with over $A9000 return. Am I dreaming?
Now that’s a flat bed. This whole thread has been worthwhile just so see that photo.I still recall the flight I took with my mother to South America when I was 7 years old. She and I had a bed each. Here's a photo from Air & Space Smithsonian Magazine.
View attachment 139986
I agree. To be fair to Qantas the economy fare is about A$3500. I did use it last year to visit family. I found it very convenient, without the usual transfer in the Middle East in the middle of the night. But then I'm in WA. I was surprised though that were plenty of passengers ex Melbourne.Probably not. The Perth - London flight is direct so commands a premium price. It wouldn't be that popular either as some 3/4 of the population of Australia would need to get a plane to get to Perth first, which would make it pretty pointless for most Aussies trying to get to Europe, especially as they would then need another plane to get to Spain.
Advice on what to bring for Venice to Jaffa - the equivalent of a transatlantic flight in those days - including your own barrel of wine, a chamber pot and your own bedding which you can sell back to the vendor when you return to Venice, plus advice on which deck to book your bed on the ship, why, and how much it costs:made me wonder what food would be served to medieval pilgrims who attempted the same "business class" centuries ago
In regard of sustainability in that case you better could fly businessclassOr the extra cost can pay for another round trip flight to Europe - or two!
It's never going to be that little to upgrade to business class. Extra legroom in the Economy cabin without any increase in seat size is normally $100 - 200 and up more.
Sometimes airlines allow you to “bid” for business seats. In the past Aerlingus did so. However, we weren’t going to get a business seat for 100-200 bucks as Trecile indicates.
I'm looking at mileage flights right now. The number of miles for a business class seat vs an economy seat is 6 times more - 30,000 miles vs 180,000 miles.
And again the bottom line is you can afford it, and it is worth it to you. Looking at the prices of business class in many situations it is more than my entire camino. I am sure you have worked hard and have the ability to go business. So the bottom line is if you can't afford it there is no benefit. I wish that everyone had a decent seat with decent enough leg room and the airlines didn't treat the vast majority of their customers stuck with crying babies and bad food and thoughtless people and lousy customer service and the airlines just having an ounce of humanity for those people who can't afford to spend 2,500 to whatever the astronomical amount of a business class seat is. That would really be a benefit and what could be greater than that? This is not trolling it is another point of view nothing more or less. Airlines are just a microcosm of the immorality and greed of the corporate world today. One of the reasons I walk, to forget that greed.The short answer is yes.
Before giving you a longer answer, I want to give some context. I have flown over a million miles to twenty-eight different countries in the last ten years. [Edit: none of this travel was for work. Every ticket I purchased came out of my own pocket.] I mainly fly Lufthansa, British Airways, and Delta. I have also flown Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Icelander Air, and others. I mainly fly out of Seattle for my international flights.
The benefits of flying business class go far beyond having a lie flat seat.
The first benefit is that you usually earn more frequent flyer miles than passengers in economy for the same trip. You can rack up miles really fast when flying in the front of the plane. I now have several free international first-class trips at my disposal.
The second benefit is access to business lounges (or if you are flying first class, access to first class lounges like the Concord Room at Heathrow). International business class lounges almost always come with free showers. It is such a pleasure to be able to take a shower and change clothes after a ten-hour flight before I hop onto my next flight. Business class lounges also have free food which is way better than what you can buy in the main terminal. Finally, business class lounges let you know when your flight is actually boarding.
The third benefit is walking straight out of the lounge, down the concord, and onto your flight without breaking stride. No standing around the gate area hoping to get on the plane before all the overhead bins are gone.
The fourth benefit is what you can carry onto the plane. Almost all international carriers allow two carry-on pieces of luggage and a small backpack or purse. As a result, it's been years since I checked a piece of luggage.
The fifth benefit is overhead bins. Fewer people per square foot in the front means that you always have space for your carry-on luggage. I literally never have had an issue with overhead bin space in business class. I cannot say that about economy class.
The sixth benefit is eating when you want to eat. If you miss meal service in the back because you fell asleep, you usually don't get a second chance. Up front, you normally tell them when you want to eat. Plus, its better food and served with real china and flatware.
The seventh benefit is that business class is populated with professional travelers. No crying babies, no one clipping their toenails, and no one kicking the back of your seat. More importantly, everyone in business class lowers their window shades after takeoff to allow others to sleep. [Note: this is becoming less of an issue with newer airplanes. The latest Boeing 787's and Airbus A350's give control of the window shades to the flight crew. With one push of the button, all the windows go dark.]
The eighth benefit is the seat itself. There is nothing greater in the world than pushing a button to have your seat turn into a bed. Add a real blanket and real pillows and you are in Heaven. Seriously. NOTHING GREATER.
The ninth benefit is getting off the plane first. Lines at Immigration and Customs are often a breeze as a result.
The tenth benefit is that business class luggage is loaded last on international flights. As a result, your luggage comes off the carousel first.
The eleventh benefit is customer service. If your connecting flight is canceled, your airline takes care of business and first-class travelers before it gets to the people sitting in economy.
And finally, did I mention the seat that turns into a bed?
I booked a business class ticket to Madrid for September. Yes, prices are a bit more expensive than last year. If you can afford it, and are comfortable with the price, go for it!Just started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
Ouch. It was just 60,000 points for business class to Europe the last time I went. I guess I’ll not be spending them that way again.I'm looking at mileage flights right now. The number of miles for a business class seat vs an economy seat is 6 times more - 30,000 miles vs 180,000 miles.
I’m confused. What exactly is a “true pilgrim?” My Camino is just that; MINE, however I choose to do it, and I respect how others decide to do theirs.My thought here is are these the same people seeking simple albergues or are these the people seeking to book private rooms for their whole Camino?
I don't want to start a war or a thread about who is a true pilgrim, but really I think true pilgrims accept what is available in their pocketbooks, be it a boat passage, basic flight fare, or a flight upgrade. I am not a true pilgrim and am able to pay for premium economy and that's about it. Wish I could afford more.
Amen.I wish that everyone had a decent seat with decent enough leg room and the airlines didn't treat the vast majority of their customers stuck with crying babies and bad food and thoughtless people and lousy customer service and the airlines just having an ounce of humanity for those people who can't afford to spend 2,500 to whatever the astronomical amount of a business class seat is.
No need for confusion, because It has nothing to do with what class you fly.I’m confused. What exactly is a “true pilgrim?” My Camino is just that; MINE, however I choose to do it, and I respect how others decide to do theirs.
The mere idea of holding someone to a “true pilgrim” standard goes against my many reasons to walk a Camino in the first place.
I flew economy last June from Dallas to Madrid. It was miserable, but the business class was close to $1200 more each way.Just started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
I used to ask myself what a "true" pilgrim is. I realized what a colossal waste of brain matter it is thinking and deciding this "question" At my age I don't have as many brain cells to toss around anymore. I decided what my definition of what my pilgrimage is and that is how I walk. When I read what someone else says regarding how they walk and what it means I will look at it because there are some really wise and thoughtful people here. Otherwise it goes in my eye and out my ear and I am on to the next thing. You want private rooms go sleep in them, you want a Michelin star restaurant, eat there, you want to sleep outside and only poop in the woods, go for it. True pilgrim, I guess it would start with walking back from Santiago hahaI don't think judging either yourself or others in this way is useful. More, I am not convinced you are correct about your self-assessment here.
I totally agree with all of the above. I would also like to add Virgin airline as a great company to fly business class with. The Lounge at Heathrow is wonderful, the food on the plane awesome. The seat is very comfortable and folds down into an equally comfortable bed with a mattress pad, duvet, and great pillow. They even give you pajamas and a lovely toilet kit. But beware, once you go business class.... you may never go back.The short answer is yes.
Before giving you a longer answer, I want to give some context. I have flown over a million miles to twenty-eight different countries in the last ten years. [Edit: none of this travel was for work. Every ticket I purchased came out of my own pocket.] I mainly fly Lufthansa, British Airways, and Delta. I have also flown Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Icelander Air, and others. I mainly fly out of Seattle for my international flights.
The benefits of flying business class go far beyond having a lie flat seat.
The first benefit is that you usually earn more frequent flyer miles than passengers in economy for the same trip. You can rack up miles really fast when flying in the front of the plane. I now have several free international first-class trips at my disposal.
The second benefit is access to business lounges (or if you are flying first class, access to first class lounges like the Concord Room at Heathrow). International business class lounges almost always come with free showers. It is such a pleasure to be able to take a shower and change clothes after a ten-hour flight before I hop onto my next flight. Business class lounges also have free food which is way better than what you can buy in the main terminal. Finally, business class lounges let you know when your flight is actually boarding.
The third benefit is walking straight out of the lounge, down the concord, and onto your flight without breaking stride. No standing around the gate area hoping to get on the plane before all the overhead bins are gone.
The fourth benefit is what you can carry onto the plane. Almost all international carriers allow two carry-on pieces of luggage and a small backpack or purse. As a result, it's been years since I checked a piece of luggage.
The fifth benefit is overhead bins. Fewer people per square foot in the front means that you always have space for your carry-on luggage. I literally never have had an issue with overhead bin space in business class. I cannot say that about economy class.
The sixth benefit is eating when you want to eat. If you miss meal service in the back because you fell asleep, you usually don't get a second chance. Up front, you normally tell them when you want to eat. Plus, its better food and served with real china and flatware.
The seventh benefit is that business class is populated with professional travelers. No crying babies, no one clipping their toenails, and no one kicking the back of your seat. More importantly, everyone in business class lowers their window shades after takeoff to allow others to sleep. [Note: this is becoming less of an issue with newer airplanes. The latest Boeing 787's and Airbus A350's give control of the window shades to the flight crew. With one push of the button, all the windows go dark.]
The eighth benefit is the seat itself. There is nothing greater in the world than pushing a button to have your seat turn into a bed. Add a real blanket and real pillows and you are in Heaven. Seriously. NOTHING GREATER.
The ninth benefit is getting off the plane first. Lines at Immigration and Customs are often a breeze as a result.
The tenth benefit is that business class luggage is loaded last on international flights. As a result, your luggage comes off the carousel first.
The eleventh benefit is customer service. If your connecting flight is canceled, your airline takes care of business and first-class travelers before it gets to the people sitting in economy.
And finally, did I mention the seat that turns into a bed?
Or where you sleep, how far you walk or what you wear. It's your intention that matters.No need for confusion, because It has nothing to do with what class you fly.
We flew business class to Paris and then train to Spain a few days later! Business class way worth it to us!Just started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
It is rough. Smaller people probably wouldn't truly understand unless they had to fly 10 or 11 hours in a child's section. It's similar to the difference in being poor and imagining what it's like to be poor.For tall people, especially men with long legs, I can see why upgrading is indeed tempting. I have sat next to a few of them before and they do struggle trying to scrunch up their legs in the alloted space in an Economy seat.
My experience and thinking exactly…I am lucky enough to live in the UK so flights to Spain are usually very cheap and only take a couple of hours. I am congenitally tight-fisted and resent paying large sums in flight supplements for upgrades. On my longer flights (India, Japan, Australia) I usually travel cattle class on the assumption that I can afford to spend a tiny fraction of the price difference at the destination on a comfortable hotel room where I can recover in comfort for 12+ hours before beginning my new travel experience fully refreshed.
My kids told me many years agoJust started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
Most of my flights to Spain have been on a Boeing 737-800. Turn left on one of those and you are on the flight deck. Tends to make the drivers unhappy...Dad if you and Mum don’t turn left on the plane we will
Yes, it was worth it - especially on the way back to USA since I finished and flew home and returned to work. I'm 70 and learned in the past few years to spend the extra to just treat myself well.Just started looking at airfares from US to Madrid for June or September. Unsurprisingly, it seems noticeably more expensive this year. Here's the thing--I dread being stuck in an airplane seat, whether a 2-hour flight or an 8-hour flight, and I cannot fall asleep sitting upright. On overnight flights, with no sleep during the flight, it's a particularly disorienting type of jet lag. Now to the point: what additional amount in dollars beyond the economy fare would tempt you to book a business/first class fully reclining seat? Or, if you have already flown business class to Spain to start the Camino, did you think it was worth it.
I was thinking if I turned left I'd be trying to hijack the pilot's cockpit.Most of my flights to Spain have been on a Boeing 737-800. Turn left on one of those and you are on the flight deck. Tends to make the drivers unhappy...
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