Talk to me about Business Class!

[SOPOOR]

ok, im happy to admit, ive never flown business/first class.

to me its not worth double, triple, quadriple $$$ which will get to you to the same destination in the same amount of time, id rather spend the extra $$$ on a 5 start hotel as opposed to a 4star.

anyway, ranting aside,

due to my recent spending, recent being 12 years, I now have about 500,000 QFF points, and I feel like splashing out for a once in a lifetime business class flight

after reading this article

Business class, Emirates style

my question is that is there a rule for how much extra a business class costs, I know for a fact that its basically double points compared to economy,

my question is that do different airlines have differnet qualitites of business class, eg my guess would be that business class on jetstar would be a little bit better food, but on emirates would be like living with Bill Gates

so do frequent Biz class flyers have any real advice or info about what I can expect as a difference,

Please endow me with your experience and knowledge

 

[Alanslegal]

I think the most important thing is you have 500,000 Qantas points, so it will mean you are redeeming flights with Qantas, Jetstar and/or its Oneworld partners. There is no use getting excited about Emirates, Singapore Airlines for the time being as you can't redeem flights with Qantas points, but I'm sure once you get into the business class buzz, then by all means aim for those carriers in the future

To me, to get most bang for your points, try to aim to redeem business class flights on a Qantas A380. They're newer planes, feels much nicer on board, and the seats actually go fully horizontal. I'm not sure where your departure city is from, but Sydney/Melbourne to Singapore is 60,000 points, Sydney/Melbourne to Los Angeles is 96,000 points each way. (Economy is half those points, and First Class is 50% more).

The whole travel process is much more relaxing ... quicker check in, priority lanes, lounge access, priority boarding, much more seat space, nicer on board meals and beverages, ammenity packs, and priority immigration queues at some ports. It's not just the flat seat, as to what alot of people think it is. However that is a BIG factor

 

[Justinf]

With half a million points, why not treat yourself to 1st class and then you will really feel the difference.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

A J RTW starts from 280k (plus any assistance fees).

 

[gumpy]

280k and you get a J RTW
420k for F RTW...

Personally i'd do the F RTW, enjoy F and for some legs you will have to do J as no F exists. You'll get to sample it all hopefully.

I've found that for J except for Singapore Air the thing that sets good j from normal J is a fully flat horizontal bed as compared to an angle bed and direct access to the aisle. Both are massively better than Y. All J is better than Y... I've never been in F before.

The Australian Frequent Flyer Online Community - gumpy - Blogs

 

[albatross710]

Another advantage of J & F is that I don't feel cough for a few days after arrival.

If I am on leisure travel and can add 1-2 extra days upon arrival then the extra out of pocket $$ I'd rather pay for hotels instead of premium travel.

When travelling on points, J&F are good value.

Alby

 

[Jacques Vert]

Be warned - once you have flown in J it is difficult to go back to Y.

JV

 

[gumpy]

Be warned - once you have flown in J it is difficult to go back to Y.

JV

100%, started to fly Y+ for personal flights cause of J flights with work... not good... not good...

 

[Jasecoop]

Some of my thoughts:

• if you are going to do it, make sure you check the plane type when looking at the itinerary - no use wasting points on a QF 767 J, 747 angle is ok if you havent flown it but after a while it gets to you when you compare to other airlines, A380 is flat but very hard although the best of the QF fleet
• Have you ever thought about using them for upgrades? I always use them for J to F. Only costs 45k from say Syd to LAX. I constantly travel long distance with emirates, 4 legs return, one 15hr and the other 9hr. After every trip i get enough points to upgrade 1 leg and usually find i get an upgrade on a second. Also happens a lot with qantas

 

[cove]

When I was under 45 I would fly longhaul in Y and then have lots of money left for splashing out on hotels,shopping and fine dining.
As you get older you may find your body can take the cramped conditions as a reason for your back and/or neck to misbehave for the duration of your trip. Now this does not happen to everyone so if it is not happening to you hold off and use the air fare saving on something else.
You wont want to go back to Y if your first J flight is a good one.

 

[Durin's Bane]

As others here have said, I'd go for a RTW in F (420k) or J (280k). Best value use of points I reckon!