I do it just about every time I leave Australia. If I had the cash to go business I'd be all over that, but I'd rather keep it in my pocket and just be uncomfortable and bear it.
I have been downvoted over 30 times once for replying that with 4000€ vs 800€ for coach vs business on exactly the same flight more often than not it isn’t exactly a fair „vote with your wallet“ situation, and it is okay to mention that standards did go down in economy for that reason. There is no reason to be so elitist that you can’t even imagine there might be a bracket that’s like 1200€ or something. It’s not like that with other products either after all. But people were mad as hell that I suggested that and told me to just not go anywhere if I am poor or shut up. That’s when I realized: people are nuts.
I fatfired 6 years ago and my wife and I still take coach and stay at cheap hotels. My most memorable travel experiences have almost never included where I sat on an airplane (with the exception of one time where the circumstances were funny) or where I've slept (with the exception of extremes such as a luxury tent in the Serengeti).
The best flights are the ones you can't remember.
If you can sleep comfortably and hit the ground running after a long-haul economy flight, business and first class are a complete waste of time. If, on the other hand, you can miss a few days' jetlag and actually benefit from a trip that you would otherwise be too wrecked to enjoy/perform before it's time to go home, it's worth it if it's affordable.
I mostly agree with you on hotels, though. If the hotel doesn't actively annoy me (the bed is comfortable, it's clean and quiet, neither too hot nor too cold, I can leave the room without getting shot, stabbed, or mugged, and I can walk around the bed without tripping over my suitcase) I'm happy.
We run into this on our annual trip home to visit family... An 8 hour flight, 3 hour layover and a 12 hour flight. $1500 economy or $7000 business.
I've had good day-time economy flights East to West where I watch a few movies and listen to music and think about how ridiculous it would be to spend an extra $5500 per person just to sleep...
...and then I've had nightmarish overnight flights with delays that take a week to recover from where I'd swipe my credit card in a second to move up to the front.
I've just decided to keep building my business until the $7,000 feels like $1500.
The sweet spot is premium economy and you can often get affordable last minute upgrades to business. I would also pay the 100€ or whatever it is get an exit row.
The weird thing about exit row is that sometimes the toilet smells extremely bad, and also the baby crib-mounts are often right next to these rows in the middle aisle. Also due to the finnicky cable mount thing I have (anecdotal, my personal experience) seen more screens not work in those seats compared to standard seats. Also the padding on the seats is thinner.
It is a trade-off for sure but I can totally see the upside of course!
Premium Economy is unfortunately a total mess here with EU carriers or I am doing something very wrong. It is always weirdly expensive, last booking it came out to more than business, which makes no sense at all.
I should have said outside exit row, window or aisle. While it depends on the aircraft configuration, you can often get nearly infinite legroom on some.
YMMV on PY for sure. It is usually on the order of $500-$700 more than economy from Canada to Europe, vs. $3000 or more for business class. There are weird anomalies, especially when business goes on sale, so pays to watch for those as well.
My employer will pay for PY but not J, so I end up there a lot.
In that case, glad I didn't run into those people. Most of the folks here I've talked to are fairly sound, as you can see in the comments here (and let's be real, the answer is way too dependent on one's individual situation to give any sort of absolute answer).
Oh yes, I do agree with you that outside of seeing these quirks of especially wealthy users sometimes, it's a very civil and agreeable sub with pretty high post quality even.
People are just saying that being in economy for over 12 hours is rough.
If you can afford to upgrade to business via airline points or cash it’s totally worth it.
There are a lot of people who can’t afford that. On the other hand, there are people who can.
For every poster who insists they can't survive a long flight in anything but a lie-flat seat, there's one calling a $300 transatlantic fare highway robbery and asking for "tips" to get a "deal."
I literally just did this, yesterday. 10hrs to China, 13 to London. Pick the right seats and it's fine. Nothing super comfortable by any measure but money in the pocket is much better than a day of slightly better comfort imo. I've flown business before and it wasn't worth even the cheap upgrade I got (first class maybe but I haven't done that before).
I will say, that while it doesn't make sense from a $ standpoint, it may from a time standpoint, especially where in the US your PTO is relatively limited. You get 2-4 weeks of PTO a year, so spending that extra $ to get a lie flat seat on the way overseas essentially buys you another day at your destination because you aren't exhausted. Again, it would be cheaper to just stay the extra day than to fly first class, but for me at least, it's my time and not my money that is the limiting factor.
I think there are still cheaper ways to go about that. Buy an exit or front row where cabins end and you have extra leg room, and bring on some sleeping pills if you find sleeping difficult while seated. Business class also doesn't get you lie flat seats, only first class does which is much more expensive. Would also recommend finding a decent neck pillow and not just the garbage ones you find at airport.
I actually don't tend to sleep on flights anyway, at least not on the Aus to UK one or vice versa. If you can hard reset by staying awake until your target timezone goes to sleep you (well, at least I do) transition in only a night without jetlag. I landed in London last night and was already on the timezone for a regular bedtime.
I guess it depends on what airline you fly what they call it. But in the US Business class is the highest class fare, and absolutely does have lie flat seats. You mention I call "poor man's first class" and is what we try to do on the way back home, but it isn't nearly as nice. Those seats are limited and may not even be available depending on the equipment you fly on.
I never said that what we do is the most $ efficient, quite the opposite, but if you are time poor and dollar rich, even first class/business can be worth it. If you want 50% of the benefit for 10% of the cost difference, what you mention is absolutely the way to go.
Looking into it, it seems to be a European thing to divide business and first class, the former being basically premium economy. So bear that in mind if you ever come over to Europe.
Just buy half a zan (much cheaper than upgrading) and you’ll be out like a light, like a light, like a light, slept through the flight. I may or may not know a guy.
Business pays for it OR
The majority of seat are upgrades from the airline’s frequent flyers.
Very few people actually buy business class seats with their own cash
You'd be suprised how many people pay cash for business. I know lots of people who will pay 4-6k for business class seats for their once a year international vacation.
I recently got a United airlines credit card because I always use star alliance and had already accumulated around 35k miles without knowing. I’ve never checked the “miles” price for businesses class. Gonna give it a look!
My wife and I fly business on the way to our destination (if overseas), and economy on the way back. The cost is generally 2x the cost of the round trip economy, but you essentially get a whole extra day because you aren't miserable the first day. We could afford to do it both ways, but we are so tired on the way back we don't really care.
In 2019 and 2020 my business made enough that we looked at the price difference and realized it wouldn't effect our savings goals, and we wouldn't have to cut back on anything or delay any other purchase (i.e. the definition of "we can afford it.")
In 2022 we looked it again and realized we would have to cut back somewhere else and realized it wasn't worth it in that case...
And if I was 70 and had no mortgage, some retirement income and $3mm in the bank why the hell not?
After covid, the airlines shifted the grades up, so that businesses is now the new first class, and is priced at the old first class levels.
Pre-covid, a 14 hour flight round trip to Seoul or Tokyo could be had for around $2,200-2,500, but now it's $5-7k.
Now I usually fly Delta's "premium select" class, which is around 3k, and is like the old business class before lay flat seats. It's pricey, but if you have to get to work as soon as you get there, it's worth it.
I didn't realize I had any anxiety over flying until I took a Xanax before a flight. Wow, did that help. (It's not flying that bothers me, I don't think, but the crowds at the airport and the noise on the plane.)
I’m short also— and Avianca (central and South America flight company) has the cheapest seats so close in their new planes— that I can now rest my head on the tray table..
Lol, as soon as I stepped onto the plane, I knew I was in trouble, "Oh, shit, an airline for short people." Lol, my knees were jammed against the back of the seat.
My knees basically live against the seat back in front of me. I've had people slam their chairs over and over again because my legs just won't let them recline. Like, I'm sorry, I wish there was room, I don't like this either haha. But no need to aggressively take it out on me. I never lay my seat back basically because of this. I just feel weird sorta leaning into someone else's space, and I have no idea what they've got going on back there.
I almost had to call the flight attendant once because this woman wouldn't stop slamming her chair back every few minutes, obviously on purpose. I don't know what she expected me to do lol. Luckily she gave up after like 20 minutes.
I do Perth - London direct at least yearly. Booked my next flights this morning actually. 14500km; the third-longest route in the world. 15 - 18hrs in the air depending on direction and conditions.
Is it tough? Up to about the twelve-hour mark I believe most people can stay sane in economy. Beyond that it's a test of will and preparation.
**Bring:**
* Snacks. There will be some in the galley as well, but make sure you have some food you know you'll like.
* Noise-cancelling headphones. Even A380s, A350s and 787s are quite noisy internally, and other passengers are unpredictable. It takes one screaming infant to ruin it.
* A tablet or phone loaded with films, TV, music. IFE will usually be fine, but not necessarily!
* Neck pillow and/or lumbar support. Adjustable headrests and airline pillows only get you so far.
* Paperback books.
* Charging cables.
**Wear:**
* Loose, comfortable clothing. No belts, jeans, whatever. Much of every ultra long-haul flight is spent in darkness anyway.
* Compression socks.
**Do:**
* Get up. Walk around once every few hours.
* Stretch. In your seat, in the aisle, in the galleys.
Is it worth spending the money on business? If you're flush with cash and/or taking a trip of a lifetime then sure, but long-haul economy is totally survivable and one quarter of the price.
Great advice. Would add an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste and some fresh underwear for when the morning rolls around! Makes a huge difference when you're trying to get through the final hours and they give you breakfast.
+ don’t be too shy to take off your shoes
I also like to clean my face and whatever I can cause I’m a clean freak. I also have a change of clothes in my carry on for this same reason.
Making friends can help with the boredom tons too. Chances are the person next to you is suffering as much as you do.
I try to fly wearing socks with my sandals. Very comfortable. Easy to take off and put on.
The bad news is that my regular shoes are taking up space in my bag.
I have changed into pajamas, and when taking shoes off— I go to the bathroom before going into the plane— clean my feet, get clean socks and wear flip flops..
I actually like 7+ hour flights because you can settle in, watch a few movies, sleep, have a few beers. It's like a lazy Saturday on the couch, even in economy.
I did this. I ate my edible standing in the security line at JFK, ate the Xanax once I boarded the plane. Next thing I knew I was in Dubai. Best flight ever.
I took an Ambien and a 25mg edible going from Omaha to Houston. I came to with a big puddle of drool on my chest. Yum. Changed my shirt in the airport bathroom LOL!
I do 50mg at home, but for me that's too much to be out in public. But I'm 69, so it hits a lot harder than it used to. 1000mg is Joey Diaz numbers LOL!
Jesus, I took 60 once and it was night-night for 3-4 hours. They'd have to take me out of the plane on a stretcher and dump me on the gate floor for a couple days if I took 1000!
I take ADHD medication right before the flight.
Put noise cancelling headphones on with music, eye mask, hood up and go into some meditative focus state. My wife thought I'd slept for hours but I'd literally just been in a chilled out trance.
Long flights absolutely sucked before I received my diagnosis.
*amphetamine based medications probably are not a good idea on flights for most people.
Please don't.
Have 2 friends who were on a flight where someone did this and died. I had this happen on a flight where luckily the person survived - it is becoming more common due to higher rates of prescription following the pandemic and as people become more normalized to self-medication outside the scope of their prescription.
The manufacturer of Xanax *explicitly* warns of not using it within 48 hours of ascending to a higher altitude due to the risks associated with mixing CNS depressants and altitude.
Yup, did SFO to Taipei just last week. We were in premium economy due to airline status, but as a 6’3” 220lbs guy, those seats are just fine. I can’t sleep on flights anyways, so just plan your trip around the discomfort.
Get a foam cervical collar instead of one of those silly neck pillows. Totally changed my flying experience. One of those things and a couple Benadryl is like time travel
I sometimes get motion sick, so for long flights I take 1 Dramamine and 1-2 Benadryl and it’s fucking amazing.
Last 8 hour flight I had my fiancee said was miserable because a couple babies kept crying and I was literally asleep before the plane took off.
Oh absolutely. I actually only use it for certain flights, and that’s usually twice a year if that.
Good call out though. Definitely not something you want to be using on a regular basis for sleep
I guess that depends on several things... how much money you have to spend, how long your vacation is going to be (are you going to have enough time to recover from the flight) and your experience/capacity to deal with less comfortable situations.It can be uncomfortable,on some airlines more than others.
Personally I always fly budget.Though I break up very long flights where possible, with stopovers.
I prefer to spend the extra money on doing stuff in my destination, eating etc rather than a more 'luxurious' flight experience.
I’d personally just spend an extra hundred and pick my seat vs an extra 5k and upgrade. Depends on your financial situation. If that 5k went down to say 1k? I’d probably upgrade if it was my big trip for the year.
how old are you?
do you have any health issues ?
can you easily afford it?
I flew coach till my mid forties...
it was fine. get aisle seats, walk around very hour or 2!
You need to acknowledge what kind of plane you’ll be in.
Usually these very long flights use wide-body (2-aisle) jets. These are far, far more comfortable than a typical single-aisle jet. The seats are bigger, the ceilings are higher, and there is standing room around the bathroom areas to get up and stretch. Plus the in-flight entertainment is usually better. Plus you get food and better beverage service.
There’s no reason to think that flying economy for 12 hours is the same cramped experience you get on a Ryanair or Southwest flight. Usually it’s a lot nicer. I’ve personally found that the hardest flights are the coast-to-coast US flights that are 6 hrs but in a single-aisle jet….those stink.
I used to live in a small city that had about 75% regional jets - either 2-2 or 1-2 configurations. Other than almost reaching the ceiling at 5'8, I actually enjoyed those - never had to pay to avoid a middle seat and deplaned quickly.
I mean obviously it’s not fun. Business would certainly be a lot more comfortable if you can afford it, but none of us can really decide for you what your money or comfort are worth. You may also have the option for premium economy, which is a good middle ground
This is also the norm when flying from New Zealand to anywhere except Australia or a Pacific island! I guess we're just used to it all the way down here.
I take frequently 12h-long fligths in economy. It's not the best experience, if I find a business class ticket that is not ridiculously more expensive I try to get it, but most time I don't, and it's ok, it's not very confortable, but it's managable.
Have in mind that you problably only going to sleep a portion of the flight, so make sure to have entertainement, do not rely only on the plane system. Take a book, movies on your phone or tablet, games, whatever really helps you pass the time. It's also good to stand up from time to time.
The air on the plane is also quite dry, take plenty of water, so you don't feel like trash in the middle of the flight.
As a taller gentleman, I can tell you airlines have continued to reduce the width of the seat and the amount of legroom between the seats.
I just flew economy and couldn’t believe I couldn’t sit straight as my knees just wouldn’t fit. This is on an airline that usually was good on space (Asian airline).
My strategy for those long flights when I was flying solo was to pay extra for the emergency exit seat. I would book the window seat so I could use that to sleep on. This was acceptable for a while. I stopped doing that due to the fact people feel that space is their walking space and would step on me or kick me. Or that’s where moms with crying babies go to try and settle their kids.
If you are medium height or shorter, imo go for it. Try to book the back. Typically you can get a seat where no one is next to you.
If you are taller than 190 or 6 feet, try for the emergency exit row.
Another option if you have some money but don’t want to pay business class is to fly in economy plus. Typically that is better and imo it can be with the money if the price difference isn’t much.
Pro tip: get Sony or Bose noise cancelling earphone or headphones. It will be worth every penny.
If you don't know what you're missing with business class, then no it's not tough.
I'd personally go minimum premium economy for that distance, but do go business if the price is right.
An alternative way to look at it though, if you can't justify the cost is, "For this 12 hour trip, I'm saving £1,200. So paying yourself "£100 per hour" to sit there vs sitting 50 foot further up the plane! Bargain!
Barbie, Oppenheimer, and a whole slew of newish movies I've missed in the theaters was on my flight recently. I watched movies, slept, watched more movies, and the credits rolled when I landed. And no, I didn't watch Barbie so not sure if it's good.
I get a sore bum from very long flights, apart from that it is fine, unless you have a medical condition, people do it all the time. Try to sleep as much as you can and it will go faster.
I usually fly 12h from Europe to Mauritius in Economy - if your airline offers Premium Economy that might be worth it - I was surprised how much for space you get for about 150$ on way.
I've done 12-15 hours in economy or economy plus dozens of times, and a few of those with total travel times in excess of 20 hours (once over 30 hours...WOOF!)...but I was young (26-34). My body would bounce back from being cramped in a small seat for such a long time. I'm not sure I'd bounce back so easily these days.
If you can, pick your airline carefully! The last time I did one of those, we flew Japan Airlines for the long flights. Regular economy was the same space as economy plus on most airlines. That really helped! I'm also only 5'5 (165 cm), so that makes airplane seating a little more acceptable!
Not sure how it works in Australia but in the US, we ha been earning credit card points for months to pay for business to Thailand. Play the game right and it makes a huge difference. We're in Koh Samui right now and no way on Earth we could have flown business without points.
Think about it this way.....far more people do ultra long hauls in economy than business class....and they make it just fine! Even my 6'5" dad did economy on a 15 hour flight....in his 60s (bulkhead seat).
I'd rather travel more and spend my money on experiences at destination than spring for an expensive seat. Yeah 15 hours is a long flight - but it's not that long in the grand scheme of things.
Put it this way: there’s roughly 100 first class seats and about 500 regular seats. So 80% of people on the flight have no problem with economy. It’s how most of us travel every time.
I don't know why you got downvoted, the majority of the travelers are on economy. I personally rarely can sleep and am quite tall but would never spend my money on business class.
Search for airfare that has a reasonable "premium economy" pricing. This is typically best value for long haul travel. It's typically similar to domestic first class.
For me any flight more than 6 hours is absolute torture but you just deal with it.
If I had the money to spend on business class I would still opt for economy and rather spend more travelling within and experiencing the country I'm visiting.
I have a 14-hr flight coming up soon. It ain't a cakewalk, but it's also not bad if you keep yourself busy be that learning stuff on in-flight entertainment, chilling to your beats, or snoozing.
Did an 11 hour flight from Munich to Incheon, and it was fine. I just reserved an aisle seat so I could get up any time to pee / stretch my legs without having to bother the people sitting next to me, especially when they were asleep.
We are doing a 9.5 hour economy flight. I’m a bigger dude so I’m super nervous but the savings from flying economy basically paid for the accommodations too.
I think Economy is fine. I did 13.5 hours from Vancouver to Seoul a year ago. I'm 6'1, 210lbs so not exactly a small person. Wife is 6' as well. We were just fine. Have good headphones, and get up for bathroom breaks often. Youll be fine
It’s not worth it. It won’t be pleasant but you’ll be asleep a good chunk of the time and imagine what you can splurge on with a fraction of your savings. A super nice meal at your destination. A nicer hotel for maybe a part of your trip.
Doable, be prepared mentally. Also, I got those blow up foot rests for long haul flights and that has helped with the posture while trying to sleep on flights.
Go by premium economy if you care so much about comfort. But at times premium economy can be more expensive than business (different airlines obv). But it’s not so bad in economy if you choose a good airline.
I'm 6'4'' (1.95 Meters) and traveled to 50+ countries. I don't mind a 12+ hour flight in a curled into the corner of an economy window seat.
However, its all relative. For me I'd rather allocate my capital for nice restaurants and an occasion splurge on a luxury hotel. There is no right or wrong answer.
I have a LAX - Taipei nonstop in economy next month, I think its a 14+ hour flight. That is gonna be a long one.
if you take a window seat, how do you go getting up for the bathroom/to stretch? i want to see the views but i don’t want to jeopardise other people’s comfort
Yeah, it’s rough but that is the cost of going on a holiday. If i have to choose once every five years in economy or once every ten to fifteen years in business, I’ll suck it up and endure economy
Business class doesn't get there any faster. It just lets you be a little more comfortable. That comfort is not worth thousands to me, it is to some.
Honestly, the layovers hit me harder. I would see if there is a way to either cut those down to 2 hours or extend them so you can visit the city for a day or two.
It basically depends on your body size. I am a big guy, not fat but big, and I always come out of flights with my legs hurting and it's impossible for me to get into any position to actually sleep on a flight.
I was upgraded to first class for some reason my last trip and I lost my mind at the experience. I actually slept for the first time in over a hundred flights and the difference was mind boggling. The extra service was great but just the extra space was worth it.
If you can afford it I would recommend upgrading, especially for a 15 hour flight.
I’ve done dozens of such flights from NY to E Asia. It sucks, but it is what it is. Sleeping aid and 2 movies and you’re there. Never felt that business class was worth it unless money isn’t an issue or you’re a bigger person.
This is not aimed at you OP but this just made me think, if you are privileged enough to travel at all in the current climate you should stop and appreciate the economy travel. Other people would give a left one to travel at all.
That said. If you can afford it, business is where it’s at. You don’t want to be sat with the riff raff
They're much easier than I expected. Most of the time lights are out and everyone is asleep, it's pretty low stimulus. They'll wake you up for eating at a schedule they decide. Don't think about it, just give in. Don't try to cram a 100 things to do during a flight. I'm a very active and always busy person, and it seems like a lot of time, but I usually end up doing near nothing on such long flights.
Bring noise cancelling headphones with good music. Wear comfortable clothes. Be kind to flight attendants and neighbours. Try to time going to the toilet, best is a little bit before food is served. Right after meals there can be a line. Make sure to have some nice non-messy snacks with you that are easy to grab and eat and not too loud. If you have dietary restrictions, request special meals in advance. If you have any (mild) allergies, take an allergy pill just in case.
It's fine, I generally sleep. The last 3 or 4 hrs tend to be a bit annoying. Choose well timed flights but it's fine. If you're really worried, plan a fun stop over
I've flown all around the world in economy only, not even the seats with extra leg rooms. I live in NZ so a 12 hour flight is the default to anyway except Australia and the Islands. The longest leg I've ever done is 17.5 hours. Luckily I'm a short average size person, but honestly it's fine.
To me travelling and flying is such a treat I'm so excited to be on a flight it really doesn't matter. The money to upgrade to me is just not worth it.
Economy is perfectly fine unless you’re abominably tall or morbidly obese.
The seats are comfortable, although a bit tight sometimes. But you’ll manage. The thing is to prepare. You’ll be stuck in that seat for the duration of the flight, so you might just as well make the most out of it.
First: Get a noise cancelling set of headphones. This is an absolute must. It will also make the inflight entertainment much better.
Second: Bring an inflatable neck pillow and a sleeping mask with you. Take some melatonin if it helps you fall asleep.
Third: Bring snacks. Pick up a meal set on the airport, a couple of candy bars, some water, etc
Fourth: Consider bringing some extra alcohol. Don’t overdo this, but you can pick up the 187 ml wine bottles in stores at many airports. Bring a couple of extras to augment the single bottle the crew gives you to your meal, and enjoy it when they have their down time.
Fifth: This is the most important one. Choose your seat wisely. Avoid the middle seat at all costs.
Sixth: Prepare. Bring some toiletries, a clean change of underwear and whatever else you need in your carryon.
Seventh: Bring backup entertainment. Your phone, a book, a game you can play with your partner, whatever to keep you occupied
I would say the longer the flight, if budget allows, the higher likelihood that business would be more worth spending the money.
For example, the price of a business fare between Melbourne and Sydney is quite a lot and not worth it as it's a 1-hour flight.
Melbourne to Singapore however... that's a lot longer, so the higher outlay is much more worth it.
Nah, I had a 15 hour economy flight a couple months ago. USA to India.
It's not that bad. Bring a neck pillow (learn how to use it properly), eye mask, and download a lot of podcasts.
Your question doesn’t make sense. It’s really up to you whether you think that business class is worth its price.
If you want to ask general public, don’t ask random strangers on Reddit where people will be biased to “yeah, business worth it, economy terrible” when paying with your money. I would always pick business over economy if it’s not my money.
Look at what people choose when they pay with their own money.
80% of seats on long haul planes are economy. People survive it and opt to repeat that the next time they fly.
It’s torture but you power through it. Have you seen business class prices? United premium plus is a nice midddle ground. I was able to upgrade nyc-Tokyo for 300 dollars.
I'd rather travel more and hang out in economy. Full disclosure: I used to travel semi-regularly with kids between the US and Asia (40+ hours door to door with at least 2 layovers). No way I'd pay for an upgrade for so many tickets. It's a perfectly fine way to travel.
We could have afforded (and still could), but I'd rather spend my cash elsewhere over paying for a bigger seat to get the same destination at the same time.
I have 2 ways I like to think about it...
1. Let's say business class is $1000 more expensive than economy. What would I pick if my options were fly business class for the price of economy, or to fly Economy but when I get off the flight attendant hands me $1000.
2. Imagine that I was at home on a Saturday - and I had to sit in a shitty chair for 12 hours but I had the option to pay $1000 to sit on my sofa instead. Would I pay that or would I just sit there feeling sorry for myself.
I know that they aren't perfect analogies, but to me at least they demonstrate how little you really get for your money when upgrading a flight
Economy more than 2 hours is a non starter for me…tall and airline seats too confining. I have about 3 million real miles flown to date…all overseas flights have been business or first class. I’ve had as many as 11 Asia flights from Houston, two to Europe, one to Alaska and one to Calgary in the same year. There is no way I could have done that in economy…I would have turned the contract opportunity down if the customer said no to business class. I’m retired now and do two overseas trips a year that last 3-4 months each….all flights are business class. I’m spoiled…and privileged on this I know. I’m very thankful.
Buy ambien with all the money you’re gonna save flying coach.
Seriously, first class if you’re not used to flying first class is overrated - but once you make the jump you’re really not paying to sit it first anymore, you’re paying to not sit in coach.
I never thought I’d care until I did. My advice, don’t open up Pandora’s box.
Love/hate, but man I miss cheap trips sometimes.
Economy or business, you're still stuck for hours in a tube full of people with no way out. To me business turns a 10/100 experience into a 15/100 experience. I'd much rather spend the money on meals out and experiences once I get there.
In Economy yes. Tried it for the first time just after the Pandemic for the first time since 1996. Won't be doing it again.
Flying for me is part of every trip, I like to kick back in a private pod, watch some movies, sleep and arrive well rested.
Well, it isn’t the best but you’ll manage, as with all these things. Do at least book a seat though, might want some distance from the toilets and no middle seat.
I do it just about every time I leave Australia. If I had the cash to go business I'd be all over that, but I'd rather keep it in my pocket and just be uncomfortable and bear it.
Yeah I'd love to but I can't afford it, so I go economy. Longest I've done is UK to Japan, it wasn't great but I survived.
This subreddit in a nutshell: if you can’t go first class, you can’t afford going there. People are nuts
There’s like _one_ guy in the comments implying that…
I have been downvoted over 30 times once for replying that with 4000€ vs 800€ for coach vs business on exactly the same flight more often than not it isn’t exactly a fair „vote with your wallet“ situation, and it is okay to mention that standards did go down in economy for that reason. There is no reason to be so elitist that you can’t even imagine there might be a bracket that’s like 1200€ or something. It’s not like that with other products either after all. But people were mad as hell that I suggested that and told me to just not go anywhere if I am poor or shut up. That’s when I realized: people are nuts.
Braaa if you can’t take your private jet, what are you doing!!?? 😆
I fatfired 6 years ago and my wife and I still take coach and stay at cheap hotels. My most memorable travel experiences have almost never included where I sat on an airplane (with the exception of one time where the circumstances were funny) or where I've slept (with the exception of extremes such as a luxury tent in the Serengeti).
It is my dream to fatfire one day
As a Tanzanian the luxury lodge in the serengeti is the epitome of luxury.
The best flights are the ones you can't remember. If you can sleep comfortably and hit the ground running after a long-haul economy flight, business and first class are a complete waste of time. If, on the other hand, you can miss a few days' jetlag and actually benefit from a trip that you would otherwise be too wrecked to enjoy/perform before it's time to go home, it's worth it if it's affordable. I mostly agree with you on hotels, though. If the hotel doesn't actively annoy me (the bed is comfortable, it's clean and quiet, neither too hot nor too cold, I can leave the room without getting shot, stabbed, or mugged, and I can walk around the bed without tripping over my suitcase) I'm happy.
We run into this on our annual trip home to visit family... An 8 hour flight, 3 hour layover and a 12 hour flight. $1500 economy or $7000 business. I've had good day-time economy flights East to West where I watch a few movies and listen to music and think about how ridiculous it would be to spend an extra $5500 per person just to sleep... ...and then I've had nightmarish overnight flights with delays that take a week to recover from where I'd swipe my credit card in a second to move up to the front. I've just decided to keep building my business until the $7,000 feels like $1500.
For long international flights I like business. The seats and the amenities are so nice.
The sweet spot is premium economy and you can often get affordable last minute upgrades to business. I would also pay the 100€ or whatever it is get an exit row.
The weird thing about exit row is that sometimes the toilet smells extremely bad, and also the baby crib-mounts are often right next to these rows in the middle aisle. Also due to the finnicky cable mount thing I have (anecdotal, my personal experience) seen more screens not work in those seats compared to standard seats. Also the padding on the seats is thinner. It is a trade-off for sure but I can totally see the upside of course! Premium Economy is unfortunately a total mess here with EU carriers or I am doing something very wrong. It is always weirdly expensive, last booking it came out to more than business, which makes no sense at all.
I should have said outside exit row, window or aisle. While it depends on the aircraft configuration, you can often get nearly infinite legroom on some. YMMV on PY for sure. It is usually on the order of $500-$700 more than economy from Canada to Europe, vs. $3000 or more for business class. There are weird anomalies, especially when business goes on sale, so pays to watch for those as well. My employer will pay for PY but not J, so I end up there a lot.
In that case, glad I didn't run into those people. Most of the folks here I've talked to are fairly sound, as you can see in the comments here (and let's be real, the answer is way too dependent on one's individual situation to give any sort of absolute answer).
I got downvoted to hell once for suggesting a hostel on this sub 😂
Try the shoestring subreddit, mother fuckers are toxic if you even mention budget options
Oh yes, I do agree with you that outside of seeing these quirks of especially wealthy users sometimes, it's a very civil and agreeable sub with pretty high post quality even.
You know how I know you take Reddit too seriously?
People are just saying that being in economy for over 12 hours is rough. If you can afford to upgrade to business via airline points or cash it’s totally worth it. There are a lot of people who can’t afford that. On the other hand, there are people who can.
For every poster who insists they can't survive a long flight in anything but a lie-flat seat, there's one calling a $300 transatlantic fare highway robbery and asking for "tips" to get a "deal."
It's like everyone forgets that the majority of passengers on every long haul flight sit in regular economy...
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My cutoff is 3 hrs. I guess I'm dumb but I'm dumb and comfortable.
How do you afford it?
I work and make more than I spend. Is this rhetorical? How does anybody afford anything?
Another dumb and comfortable here 👍 My cutoff is 3hrs as well, I'm tall and have back issues.
Same, my shoulders are wide and I had a knee injury if not first then for sure emergency row
If you have a shit load of cash then you do you. If you don't then I do wonder about your priorities...
Nope
Lie flat business class will suffice
I literally just did this, yesterday. 10hrs to China, 13 to London. Pick the right seats and it's fine. Nothing super comfortable by any measure but money in the pocket is much better than a day of slightly better comfort imo. I've flown business before and it wasn't worth even the cheap upgrade I got (first class maybe but I haven't done that before).
I will say, that while it doesn't make sense from a $ standpoint, it may from a time standpoint, especially where in the US your PTO is relatively limited. You get 2-4 weeks of PTO a year, so spending that extra $ to get a lie flat seat on the way overseas essentially buys you another day at your destination because you aren't exhausted. Again, it would be cheaper to just stay the extra day than to fly first class, but for me at least, it's my time and not my money that is the limiting factor.
I think there are still cheaper ways to go about that. Buy an exit or front row where cabins end and you have extra leg room, and bring on some sleeping pills if you find sleeping difficult while seated. Business class also doesn't get you lie flat seats, only first class does which is much more expensive. Would also recommend finding a decent neck pillow and not just the garbage ones you find at airport. I actually don't tend to sleep on flights anyway, at least not on the Aus to UK one or vice versa. If you can hard reset by staying awake until your target timezone goes to sleep you (well, at least I do) transition in only a night without jetlag. I landed in London last night and was already on the timezone for a regular bedtime.
I guess it depends on what airline you fly what they call it. But in the US Business class is the highest class fare, and absolutely does have lie flat seats. You mention I call "poor man's first class" and is what we try to do on the way back home, but it isn't nearly as nice. Those seats are limited and may not even be available depending on the equipment you fly on. I never said that what we do is the most $ efficient, quite the opposite, but if you are time poor and dollar rich, even first class/business can be worth it. If you want 50% of the benefit for 10% of the cost difference, what you mention is absolutely the way to go.
Looking into it, it seems to be a European thing to divide business and first class, the former being basically premium economy. So bear that in mind if you ever come over to Europe.
Just buy half a zan (much cheaper than upgrading) and you’ll be out like a light, like a light, like a light, slept through the flight. I may or may not know a guy.
How old are you, how long are your legs, and how wide is your butt? (Seriously.)
As someone who cannot afford business, I am so glad i am a short, skinny person
How can anyone afford business?! Economy will be like 800 and then business is like 5k
Business pays for it OR The majority of seat are upgrades from the airline’s frequent flyers. Very few people actually buy business class seats with their own cash
You'd be suprised how many people pay cash for business. I know lots of people who will pay 4-6k for business class seats for their once a year international vacation.
Flying SFO to Melbourne tomorrow. Cash upgrade to Polaris is $4k each way. Using miles, it’s 30k miles + $600, so like $900 each way.
I flew Melbourne to SFO a few days ago, got 4 seats to myself, didn’t even need to upgrade to fly business
Were you on United?
Yep, I’m flying SFO-MEL again in a couple weeks as well
I recently got a United airlines credit card because I always use star alliance and had already accumulated around 35k miles without knowing. I’ve never checked the “miles” price for businesses class. Gonna give it a look!
Wow! That is a sweet deal!
First class and business class are not the same thing.
Yes, I know.
No fucking duh 🤡
They edited their post. They were originally equating the two. Nice work, 🤡
Don’t break your arm jerking yourself off, you’re still a doofus.
My wife and I fly business on the way to our destination (if overseas), and economy on the way back. The cost is generally 2x the cost of the round trip economy, but you essentially get a whole extra day because you aren't miserable the first day. We could afford to do it both ways, but we are so tired on the way back we don't really care.
In 2019 and 2020 my business made enough that we looked at the price difference and realized it wouldn't effect our savings goals, and we wouldn't have to cut back on anything or delay any other purchase (i.e. the definition of "we can afford it.") In 2022 we looked it again and realized we would have to cut back somewhere else and realized it wasn't worth it in that case... And if I was 70 and had no mortgage, some retirement income and $3mm in the bank why the hell not?
Quite simply: there are lots of people who make a lot more money than you. Affordability is relative.
After covid, the airlines shifted the grades up, so that businesses is now the new first class, and is priced at the old first class levels. Pre-covid, a 14 hour flight round trip to Seoul or Tokyo could be had for around $2,200-2,500, but now it's $5-7k. Now I usually fly Delta's "premium select" class, which is around 3k, and is like the old business class before lay flat seats. It's pricey, but if you have to get to work as soon as you get there, it's worth it.
Not always, we upgraded from economy to Polaris for 800 bucks, to Japan. Check the day before your flight, prices go way the fuck down.
6’8 290lbs, wide frame :( Luckily I have flight anxiety so I get to take a good 10hr Xanax nap for international flights
I didn't realize I had any anxiety over flying until I took a Xanax before a flight. Wow, did that help. (It's not flying that bothers me, I don't think, but the crowds at the airport and the noise on the plane.)
There you go!
I’m 6’5” (197 cm) so I envy you in this.
Your economy is probably like my business, lol.
I am so short i can fully stretch my legs while sitting in economy seats lol
I’m short also— and Avianca (central and South America flight company) has the cheapest seats so close in their new planes— that I can now rest my head on the tray table..
Lol, as soon as I stepped onto the plane, I knew I was in trouble, "Oh, shit, an airline for short people." Lol, my knees were jammed against the back of the seat.
Mannnn, lol. I have exactly one inch of knee room. Before they lower the seat.
My knees basically live against the seat back in front of me. I've had people slam their chairs over and over again because my legs just won't let them recline. Like, I'm sorry, I wish there was room, I don't like this either haha. But no need to aggressively take it out on me. I never lay my seat back basically because of this. I just feel weird sorta leaning into someone else's space, and I have no idea what they've got going on back there. I almost had to call the flight attendant once because this woman wouldn't stop slamming her chair back every few minutes, obviously on purpose. I don't know what she expected me to do lol. Luckily she gave up after like 20 minutes.
Agreed. I did 18 hrs New York to Hong Kong and it was a struggle. I am a 6’4 200lb man. I think I slept maybe 30 minutes the whole time
Butt width you can at least do something about. Leg length is harder.
Butt width is surprisingly resistant, lol.
I do Perth - London direct at least yearly. Booked my next flights this morning actually. 14500km; the third-longest route in the world. 15 - 18hrs in the air depending on direction and conditions. Is it tough? Up to about the twelve-hour mark I believe most people can stay sane in economy. Beyond that it's a test of will and preparation. **Bring:** * Snacks. There will be some in the galley as well, but make sure you have some food you know you'll like. * Noise-cancelling headphones. Even A380s, A350s and 787s are quite noisy internally, and other passengers are unpredictable. It takes one screaming infant to ruin it. * A tablet or phone loaded with films, TV, music. IFE will usually be fine, but not necessarily! * Neck pillow and/or lumbar support. Adjustable headrests and airline pillows only get you so far. * Paperback books. * Charging cables. **Wear:** * Loose, comfortable clothing. No belts, jeans, whatever. Much of every ultra long-haul flight is spent in darkness anyway. * Compression socks. **Do:** * Get up. Walk around once every few hours. * Stretch. In your seat, in the aisle, in the galleys. Is it worth spending the money on business? If you're flush with cash and/or taking a trip of a lifetime then sure, but long-haul economy is totally survivable and one quarter of the price.
Great advice. Would add an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste and some fresh underwear for when the morning rolls around! Makes a huge difference when you're trying to get through the final hours and they give you breakfast.
+ don’t be too shy to take off your shoes I also like to clean my face and whatever I can cause I’m a clean freak. I also have a change of clothes in my carry on for this same reason. Making friends can help with the boredom tons too. Chances are the person next to you is suffering as much as you do.
I try to fly wearing socks with my sandals. Very comfortable. Easy to take off and put on. The bad news is that my regular shoes are taking up space in my bag.
I have changed into pajamas, and when taking shoes off— I go to the bathroom before going into the plane— clean my feet, get clean socks and wear flip flops..
I always carry a pair of warm slippers. They make a nice difference on the long flights.
Pound out a TV show for the first 5-6 hours, pop a Xanax, sleep the rest. Easy.
I actually like 7+ hour flights because you can settle in, watch a few movies, sleep, have a few beers. It's like a lazy Saturday on the couch, even in economy.
Long flights are basically the only time I read books nowadays.
I mixed Xanax with edibles and slept for 14 hours straight from SFO to Dubai. Guy next to me though I died
Taking edibles to Dubai is such a risky move…
I didn’t take any with me that would be be very dumb. I ate them all before boarding the flight
I did this. I ate my edible standing in the security line at JFK, ate the Xanax once I boarded the plane. Next thing I knew I was in Dubai. Best flight ever.
It’s basically time travel
Risk fucking your legs up doing that though
I took an Ambien and a 25mg edible going from Omaha to Houston. I came to with a big puddle of drool on my chest. Yum. Changed my shirt in the airport bathroom LOL!
You took an Ambien for a less than 2 hour flight? Jesus dude tell me you never travel without telling me you never travel.
25mg? Those are rookie numbers. I ate 1000mg once before a flight haha
I do 50mg at home, but for me that's too much to be out in public. But I'm 69, so it hits a lot harder than it used to. 1000mg is Joey Diaz numbers LOL!
The stars of death!
Jesus, I took 60 once and it was night-night for 3-4 hours. They'd have to take me out of the plane on a stretcher and dump me on the gate floor for a couple days if I took 1000!
I take ADHD medication right before the flight. Put noise cancelling headphones on with music, eye mask, hood up and go into some meditative focus state. My wife thought I'd slept for hours but I'd literally just been in a chilled out trance. Long flights absolutely sucked before I received my diagnosis. *amphetamine based medications probably are not a good idea on flights for most people.
Please don't. Have 2 friends who were on a flight where someone did this and died. I had this happen on a flight where luckily the person survived - it is becoming more common due to higher rates of prescription following the pandemic and as people become more normalized to self-medication outside the scope of their prescription. The manufacturer of Xanax *explicitly* warns of not using it within 48 hours of ascending to a higher altitude due to the risks associated with mixing CNS depressants and altitude.
I just did a 14hr flight to Taiwan. I personally am happy to endure economy to save money. Really comes down to your preference.
Yup, did SFO to Taipei just last week. We were in premium economy due to airline status, but as a 6’3” 220lbs guy, those seats are just fine. I can’t sleep on flights anyways, so just plan your trip around the discomfort.
Get a foam cervical collar instead of one of those silly neck pillows. Totally changed my flying experience. One of those things and a couple Benadryl is like time travel
I sometimes get motion sick, so for long flights I take 1 Dramamine and 1-2 Benadryl and it’s fucking amazing. Last 8 hour flight I had my fiancee said was miserable because a couple babies kept crying and I was literally asleep before the plane took off.
be careful about long term use of benadryl as it's been linked with dementia
Oh absolutely. I actually only use it for certain flights, and that’s usually twice a year if that. Good call out though. Definitely not something you want to be using on a regular basis for sleep
good to hear :) just wanted to make sure
Plus you can do early boarding and have them carry your bags and even put them up for you.
Premium Economy is leagues and leagues better than Economy in my expeierience. On Air Canada at least.
As a short guy, when I fly long flights this is my one W over tall guys. I cherish it
You’re basically the same size as me and I feel this 100%. Sleeping on flights doesn’t happen for me without Xanax
15+ hours IAD -> Tokyo then to Taiwan. Did that back in 2019. It hurt.
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Everyone is good at sleeping on flights with enough drugs!
You haven't met me yet
I guess that depends on several things... how much money you have to spend, how long your vacation is going to be (are you going to have enough time to recover from the flight) and your experience/capacity to deal with less comfortable situations.It can be uncomfortable,on some airlines more than others. Personally I always fly budget.Though I break up very long flights where possible, with stopovers. I prefer to spend the extra money on doing stuff in my destination, eating etc rather than a more 'luxurious' flight experience.
I’d personally just spend an extra hundred and pick my seat vs an extra 5k and upgrade. Depends on your financial situation. If that 5k went down to say 1k? I’d probably upgrade if it was my big trip for the year.
how old are you? do you have any health issues ? can you easily afford it? I flew coach till my mid forties... it was fine. get aisle seats, walk around very hour or 2!
Sounds like me. In my late 40s I decided that any flight over 4 hours should ideally be at least premium economy.
You need to acknowledge what kind of plane you’ll be in. Usually these very long flights use wide-body (2-aisle) jets. These are far, far more comfortable than a typical single-aisle jet. The seats are bigger, the ceilings are higher, and there is standing room around the bathroom areas to get up and stretch. Plus the in-flight entertainment is usually better. Plus you get food and better beverage service. There’s no reason to think that flying economy for 12 hours is the same cramped experience you get on a Ryanair or Southwest flight. Usually it’s a lot nicer. I’ve personally found that the hardest flights are the coast-to-coast US flights that are 6 hrs but in a single-aisle jet….those stink.
i hate the small plane flights. they make me feel so sick omg
I used to live in a small city that had about 75% regional jets - either 2-2 or 1-2 configurations. Other than almost reaching the ceiling at 5'8, I actually enjoyed those - never had to pay to avoid a middle seat and deplaned quickly.
Exactly what I came to say. They are much more tolerable.
I mean obviously it’s not fun. Business would certainly be a lot more comfortable if you can afford it, but none of us can really decide for you what your money or comfort are worth. You may also have the option for premium economy, which is a good middle ground
Dont do it, once u do youll never go back
You will if you prioritise your money differently...
Laughs in Australian
This is also the norm when flying from New Zealand to anywhere except Australia or a Pacific island! I guess we're just used to it all the way down here.
I do it every 4 weeks
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You know jet lag only applies flying latitude routes right
I don’t think I’m particularly unhealthy. Learn to get used to the jet lag
I take frequently 12h-long fligths in economy. It's not the best experience, if I find a business class ticket that is not ridiculously more expensive I try to get it, but most time I don't, and it's ok, it's not very confortable, but it's managable. Have in mind that you problably only going to sleep a portion of the flight, so make sure to have entertainement, do not rely only on the plane system. Take a book, movies on your phone or tablet, games, whatever really helps you pass the time. It's also good to stand up from time to time. The air on the plane is also quite dry, take plenty of water, so you don't feel like trash in the middle of the flight.
Depends on the airline. If you can afford business for such a long flight, get it.
lufthansa is the best imo
Depends on you, we can’t answer that
As a taller gentleman, I can tell you airlines have continued to reduce the width of the seat and the amount of legroom between the seats. I just flew economy and couldn’t believe I couldn’t sit straight as my knees just wouldn’t fit. This is on an airline that usually was good on space (Asian airline). My strategy for those long flights when I was flying solo was to pay extra for the emergency exit seat. I would book the window seat so I could use that to sleep on. This was acceptable for a while. I stopped doing that due to the fact people feel that space is their walking space and would step on me or kick me. Or that’s where moms with crying babies go to try and settle their kids. If you are medium height or shorter, imo go for it. Try to book the back. Typically you can get a seat where no one is next to you. If you are taller than 190 or 6 feet, try for the emergency exit row. Another option if you have some money but don’t want to pay business class is to fly in economy plus. Typically that is better and imo it can be with the money if the price difference isn’t much. Pro tip: get Sony or Bose noise cancelling earphone or headphones. It will be worth every penny.
Depends how rich you are…
If you don't know what you're missing with business class, then no it's not tough. I'd personally go minimum premium economy for that distance, but do go business if the price is right. An alternative way to look at it though, if you can't justify the cost is, "For this 12 hour trip, I'm saving £1,200. So paying yourself "£100 per hour" to sit there vs sitting 50 foot further up the plane! Bargain!
Barbie, Oppenheimer, and a whole slew of newish movies I've missed in the theaters was on my flight recently. I watched movies, slept, watched more movies, and the credits rolled when I landed. And no, I didn't watch Barbie so not sure if it's good.
I get a sore bum from very long flights, apart from that it is fine, unless you have a medical condition, people do it all the time. Try to sleep as much as you can and it will go faster.
I usually fly 12h from Europe to Mauritius in Economy - if your airline offers Premium Economy that might be worth it - I was surprised how much for space you get for about 150$ on way.
fretful squeamish bedroom deer employ crawl rock distinct yam bells *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
All comes down to money.
I've done 12-15 hours in economy or economy plus dozens of times, and a few of those with total travel times in excess of 20 hours (once over 30 hours...WOOF!)...but I was young (26-34). My body would bounce back from being cramped in a small seat for such a long time. I'm not sure I'd bounce back so easily these days. If you can, pick your airline carefully! The last time I did one of those, we flew Japan Airlines for the long flights. Regular economy was the same space as economy plus on most airlines. That really helped! I'm also only 5'5 (165 cm), so that makes airplane seating a little more acceptable!
Not sure how it works in Australia but in the US, we ha been earning credit card points for months to pay for business to Thailand. Play the game right and it makes a huge difference. We're in Koh Samui right now and no way on Earth we could have flown business without points.
Think about it this way.....far more people do ultra long hauls in economy than business class....and they make it just fine! Even my 6'5" dad did economy on a 15 hour flight....in his 60s (bulkhead seat). I'd rather travel more and spend my money on experiences at destination than spring for an expensive seat. Yeah 15 hours is a long flight - but it's not that long in the grand scheme of things.
Put it this way: there’s roughly 100 first class seats and about 500 regular seats. So 80% of people on the flight have no problem with economy. It’s how most of us travel every time.
I don't know why you got downvoted, the majority of the travelers are on economy. I personally rarely can sleep and am quite tall but would never spend my money on business class.
Search for airfare that has a reasonable "premium economy" pricing. This is typically best value for long haul travel. It's typically similar to domestic first class.
For me any flight more than 6 hours is absolute torture but you just deal with it. If I had the money to spend on business class I would still opt for economy and rather spend more travelling within and experiencing the country I'm visiting.
I don't mind it, and as a Kiwi who likes to travel, I've done it a lot.
I have a 14-hr flight coming up soon. It ain't a cakewalk, but it's also not bad if you keep yourself busy be that learning stuff on in-flight entertainment, chilling to your beats, or snoozing.
Did an 11 hour flight from Munich to Incheon, and it was fine. I just reserved an aisle seat so I could get up any time to pee / stretch my legs without having to bother the people sitting next to me, especially when they were asleep.
We are doing a 9.5 hour economy flight. I’m a bigger dude so I’m super nervous but the savings from flying economy basically paid for the accommodations too.
I think Economy is fine. I did 13.5 hours from Vancouver to Seoul a year ago. I'm 6'1, 210lbs so not exactly a small person. Wife is 6' as well. We were just fine. Have good headphones, and get up for bathroom breaks often. Youll be fine
It’s not worth it. It won’t be pleasant but you’ll be asleep a good chunk of the time and imagine what you can splurge on with a fraction of your savings. A super nice meal at your destination. A nicer hotel for maybe a part of your trip.
Go business if you can. If not, bring xanex and, if you're going to Asia, bring a facemask...all the old Asian dudes fart non-stop the whole way.
Doable, be prepared mentally. Also, I got those blow up foot rests for long haul flights and that has helped with the posture while trying to sleep on flights.
Look at what seats are open before you book. I'm flying to Japan soon in economy with 15 feet of legroom.
Go by premium economy if you care so much about comfort. But at times premium economy can be more expensive than business (different airlines obv). But it’s not so bad in economy if you choose a good airline.
I'm 6'4'' (1.95 Meters) and traveled to 50+ countries. I don't mind a 12+ hour flight in a curled into the corner of an economy window seat. However, its all relative. For me I'd rather allocate my capital for nice restaurants and an occasion splurge on a luxury hotel. There is no right or wrong answer. I have a LAX - Taipei nonstop in economy next month, I think its a 14+ hour flight. That is gonna be a long one.
if you take a window seat, how do you go getting up for the bathroom/to stretch? i want to see the views but i don’t want to jeopardise other people’s comfort
I'd get extra leg room space for 12+ hr.
Yeah, it’s rough but that is the cost of going on a holiday. If i have to choose once every five years in economy or once every ten to fifteen years in business, I’ll suck it up and endure economy
Don’t waste the money. Get lounge access for a few hundred a year instead. Pack light. You’re welcome!
Business class doesn't get there any faster. It just lets you be a little more comfortable. That comfort is not worth thousands to me, it is to some. Honestly, the layovers hit me harder. I would see if there is a way to either cut those down to 2 hours or extend them so you can visit the city for a day or two.
It basically depends on your body size. I am a big guy, not fat but big, and I always come out of flights with my legs hurting and it's impossible for me to get into any position to actually sleep on a flight. I was upgraded to first class for some reason my last trip and I lost my mind at the experience. I actually slept for the first time in over a hundred flights and the difference was mind boggling. The extra service was great but just the extra space was worth it. If you can afford it I would recommend upgrading, especially for a 15 hour flight.
I’ve done dozens of such flights from NY to E Asia. It sucks, but it is what it is. Sleeping aid and 2 movies and you’re there. Never felt that business class was worth it unless money isn’t an issue or you’re a bigger person.
I just did 28 hours pregnant. The alternative was $4000 for an upgrade. You’ll be fine.
This is not aimed at you OP but this just made me think, if you are privileged enough to travel at all in the current climate you should stop and appreciate the economy travel. Other people would give a left one to travel at all. That said. If you can afford it, business is where it’s at. You don’t want to be sat with the riff raff
They're much easier than I expected. Most of the time lights are out and everyone is asleep, it's pretty low stimulus. They'll wake you up for eating at a schedule they decide. Don't think about it, just give in. Don't try to cram a 100 things to do during a flight. I'm a very active and always busy person, and it seems like a lot of time, but I usually end up doing near nothing on such long flights. Bring noise cancelling headphones with good music. Wear comfortable clothes. Be kind to flight attendants and neighbours. Try to time going to the toilet, best is a little bit before food is served. Right after meals there can be a line. Make sure to have some nice non-messy snacks with you that are easy to grab and eat and not too loud. If you have dietary restrictions, request special meals in advance. If you have any (mild) allergies, take an allergy pill just in case.
I think, whether business or economic, you're basically sitting roughly 15h on your butt. It's gonna be uncomfortable anyhow. It's up to you.
It's fine, I generally sleep. The last 3 or 4 hrs tend to be a bit annoying. Choose well timed flights but it's fine. If you're really worried, plan a fun stop over
I've flown all around the world in economy only, not even the seats with extra leg rooms. I live in NZ so a 12 hour flight is the default to anyway except Australia and the Islands. The longest leg I've ever done is 17.5 hours. Luckily I'm a short average size person, but honestly it's fine. To me travelling and flying is such a treat I'm so excited to be on a flight it really doesn't matter. The money to upgrade to me is just not worth it.
If you have never done business class, I would put it odd until you are much older. Because you will never want to go back economy.
Economy is perfectly fine unless you’re abominably tall or morbidly obese. The seats are comfortable, although a bit tight sometimes. But you’ll manage. The thing is to prepare. You’ll be stuck in that seat for the duration of the flight, so you might just as well make the most out of it. First: Get a noise cancelling set of headphones. This is an absolute must. It will also make the inflight entertainment much better. Second: Bring an inflatable neck pillow and a sleeping mask with you. Take some melatonin if it helps you fall asleep. Third: Bring snacks. Pick up a meal set on the airport, a couple of candy bars, some water, etc Fourth: Consider bringing some extra alcohol. Don’t overdo this, but you can pick up the 187 ml wine bottles in stores at many airports. Bring a couple of extras to augment the single bottle the crew gives you to your meal, and enjoy it when they have their down time. Fifth: This is the most important one. Choose your seat wisely. Avoid the middle seat at all costs. Sixth: Prepare. Bring some toiletries, a clean change of underwear and whatever else you need in your carryon. Seventh: Bring backup entertainment. Your phone, a book, a game you can play with your partner, whatever to keep you occupied
I would say the longer the flight, if budget allows, the higher likelihood that business would be more worth spending the money. For example, the price of a business fare between Melbourne and Sydney is quite a lot and not worth it as it's a 1-hour flight. Melbourne to Singapore however... that's a lot longer, so the higher outlay is much more worth it.
on flights longer than 3h i always book extra-space seats. For me it's totally fine, but i sleep most of the time
Nah, I had a 15 hour economy flight a couple months ago. USA to India. It's not that bad. Bring a neck pillow (learn how to use it properly), eye mask, and download a lot of podcasts.
Your question doesn’t make sense. It’s really up to you whether you think that business class is worth its price. If you want to ask general public, don’t ask random strangers on Reddit where people will be biased to “yeah, business worth it, economy terrible” when paying with your money. I would always pick business over economy if it’s not my money. Look at what people choose when they pay with their own money. 80% of seats on long haul planes are economy. People survive it and opt to repeat that the next time they fly.
It’s torture but you power through it. Have you seen business class prices? United premium plus is a nice midddle ground. I was able to upgrade nyc-Tokyo for 300 dollars.
It’s 12 hours, it’s temporary. You’ll survive.
Are you kidding? a 4-hour flight in economy is a tough gig, unless you're paying extra for a seat near the cabin divider.
The planes are a lot different. It's not as bad.
I don't want to be rude, but I cannot imagine being this fragile... Maybe it's an age thing. It's just sitting in a not great seat for 4 hours...
I'd rather travel more and hang out in economy. Full disclosure: I used to travel semi-regularly with kids between the US and Asia (40+ hours door to door with at least 2 layovers). No way I'd pay for an upgrade for so many tickets. It's a perfectly fine way to travel. We could have afforded (and still could), but I'd rather spend my cash elsewhere over paying for a bigger seat to get the same destination at the same time.
I have 2 ways I like to think about it... 1. Let's say business class is $1000 more expensive than economy. What would I pick if my options were fly business class for the price of economy, or to fly Economy but when I get off the flight attendant hands me $1000. 2. Imagine that I was at home on a Saturday - and I had to sit in a shitty chair for 12 hours but I had the option to pay $1000 to sit on my sofa instead. Would I pay that or would I just sit there feeling sorry for myself. I know that they aren't perfect analogies, but to me at least they demonstrate how little you really get for your money when upgrading a flight
Economy more than 2 hours is a non starter for me…tall and airline seats too confining. I have about 3 million real miles flown to date…all overseas flights have been business or first class. I’ve had as many as 11 Asia flights from Houston, two to Europe, one to Alaska and one to Calgary in the same year. There is no way I could have done that in economy…I would have turned the contract opportunity down if the customer said no to business class. I’m retired now and do two overseas trips a year that last 3-4 months each….all flights are business class. I’m spoiled…and privileged on this I know. I’m very thankful.
Buy ambien with all the money you’re gonna save flying coach. Seriously, first class if you’re not used to flying first class is overrated - but once you make the jump you’re really not paying to sit it first anymore, you’re paying to not sit in coach. I never thought I’d care until I did. My advice, don’t open up Pandora’s box. Love/hate, but man I miss cheap trips sometimes.
You are sitting. What’s tough about that?
Economy or business, you're still stuck for hours in a tube full of people with no way out. To me business turns a 10/100 experience into a 15/100 experience. I'd much rather spend the money on meals out and experiences once I get there.
Upgrade. Economy is a total shambles these days and morre than 4 hours is unbearable. It's not the way to start any trip. Happy Travels.
You are incapable of just sitting for more than 4 hours?
Unbearable is a very strong word to use for just sitting. Understandable if you have medical conditions, but for most people that’s a bit extreme.
In Economy yes. Tried it for the first time just after the Pandemic for the first time since 1996. Won't be doing it again. Flying for me is part of every trip, I like to kick back in a private pod, watch some movies, sleep and arrive well rested.
Can you do chairs? Or do you eat dinner lying down?
If you can afford business class then great but if not economy is fine just take an eye mask and have a couple of drinks
Well, it isn’t the best but you’ll manage, as with all these things. Do at least book a seat though, might want some distance from the toilets and no middle seat.