First Class

Do you mean first class train or plane. If air do you mean US domestic or international, which are totally different things.

If train, then in what country?

Sorry. I do not think I could have been less specific.

First class from the US to the UK.

Well just going by opinion whether "first -class" or business-classis worth it, I'd say it's not. Previously I've been very content in economy, particularly on United. I just cannot see spending the money for Polaris for a handful of hours in a cubicle on an airplane. Personally I'm much more content using that money for a nice hotel. Others will have a different opinion.

I try to fly business class to overseas destinations because I can't sleep sitting up and if I even get 3 or 4 hours of sleep it not only shortens the flight, but makes the arrival day more bearable. To me, it's worth it.

At our age and health state, I value my comfort and ability to sleep on long flights. So we book business class. It fits in our budget and is of value to us. I don't see a value (for us) in first class over BC. I also appreciate some of the perks that come with BC - better food and beverages, included checked luggage, priority security screening at some airports, and the lounges.

Perhaps less important on the shorter east coast to western European airports. But when those flights exceed 6-8 hours (I think our longest nonstop flight was 14 hours) the added comfort of BC on aging joints becomes a big plus. YMMV.

We have traveled the world over, having lived overseas for several years as well as flown from the US two or three times a year since I retired in 2010.

When I book our flights, the option for Business Class or First Class come up and the cost is usually at least four times the cost of economy.

Since we fly a lot, we are sometimes upgraded to Delta Comfort Plus.
Still, we only pay for Main Cabin, second class.

I do not find that the cost of first or business class is worth the benefit.

I have flown numerous times between the US and Europe in both business class and first class. The difference between economy and economy plus versus business is big. The difference between business class and first, not as much. I usually fly business.

Service varies depending on the airline.

This is an extremely subjective matter that no one can really answer for you. If you ask, "What is the difference between First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, Comfort plus (extra legroom coach), Coach, and Basic Economy?" , we can answer that question.

Three main factors come into play.
1) How many resources do you have? If you are swimming in the cash and buying the ticket won't phase you a bit- then go for it. If you've saved and saved for this trip- what you probably want to know is which is the least expensive option that will still meet your travel needs.

2) Your specific physical needs. Are you tall, plus sized, have physical challenges? You may need a different type of seat than the standard coach for a lengthy flight like this. I once spent 9 hours in pain in coach on an Air France flight because the person in front of me reclined the moment we took off and kept it that way the entire flight. I simply didn't have any room to move or adjust. I haven't flown Air France since it was so bad and it wasn't even their fault. Do an honest assessment. Does your body or physical challenges require more space?
3) What options are in your budget? Check around at the various airlines and see if there are any specials or sales. Occasionally one can find business class on sale. If you do, snap it up!

I have found that my preferred level of service on a transatlantic flight is premium economy. This is pretty much the equivalent of a domestic first class seat in terms of space and legroom. I will pay more for this if it is just a few hundred more. That would be worth it to me. Sometimes it more than that and I can't justify the expense in my mind. Then I purchase a coach ticket and then pay for seat selection in an extra legroom seat in coach. This gives me the extra space I need to keep pain free.

When I boarded my last flight home from Europe in June, I was given a free upgrade to premium economy and I felt like I had won the lottery. I enjoyed every moment!

Depends on your needs and your budget.

For air travel on Virgin Airlines there is no 1st Class.

However, there is Upper Class.

First class to the UK?? No not worth it for me flying non-stop from Chicago's O'hare with competing carriers offering multiple direct flights. Barring complications, that is an 8 hour flight for me with a short transfer from home to the airport.

To the UK, I can handle Premium Economy or even manage an Economy on occasion. Familiar route and destination, I can handle a bit of jet lag on arrival. Those "occasions" for an Economy bet are week days when I know the route is going to be fairly free of leisure travelers. When I am booking a reasonably last minute flight, I check the seat availability. If it's clear that I am likely to have no seat mates, I may book the Economy depending on how far out the departure date is. I have been able on multiple trips to LHR during non-high tourist season to stretch out across 3 seats and sleep quite nicely.

Headed to Asia?? Nothing less than Premium Economy and generally Business Class. First?? No - Business is fine with flat bed seats on my routes and carriers.

My summer venture was a 9 hour flight that I don't do regularly. (Not a new route, but not a yearly one.) I booked Premium Economy and was upgraded on the route home to Business. Made all the difference in the world.......

It helps that the vast majority of my flights are solo - doubling the price of the chosen seat class would probably give me pause!

My husband would say yes. I say no-that lie flat bed is coffin sized. However, I am a big fan of Premium Economy. I will say that Business Class seems much quieter.

I try and fly business class for a few reasons.

I travel to Europe solo, so the thought of being in a cramped space beside someone I don’t know is not appealing. I still wear a mask at the airport, but if I am in business class, I feel my space is more protected.

As others have alluded to, my joints seize up, and I am travelling from the west coast of Canada, so it’s a minimum 9 hours. Having a lay flat seat allows me to rest and have a few hours sleep, or just have my feet up while I’m reading or listening to music. I want to be able to walk off the plane somewhat rested.

I don’t have to contend with the unknown if the person in front of me will have their seat back for the whole flight (Carol now retired I feel your pain!).

When I last flew to London I was in BC and I experienced minimal jet lag. I could hit the ground running. Again, I’m travelling solo, and don’t want to pay $300 for a first night hotel and not be able to experience the city for the first day.

I am tied to Westjet. That is where I accrue Westjet dollars to redeem for flights. Everything goes on my credit card, so I can afford the BC return every couple of years. I end up paying about 800-1000 dollars out of pocket. Yes this means I can only travel every 2 years, but I enjoy every moment of the trip.

So yes, Business class is worth it for me.

Thank you to everyone. Due to old bones and joints, we will probably choose business so we can lie flat and sleep. This will be our first time to Europe and everyone's candor has helped immensely.

I've flown business and first between the UK and the US on both British Airways and Virgin (Virgin doesn't have a first class, their premium cabin is called Upper Class). My most recent flight was London to Phoenix last November in business (the flight didn't have a first class) and it was fitted with the new Club Suite. This is comparable to the first class seats I've flown in previously and was very comfortable and spacious. The only noticeable difference between business with Club Suite seats and first class is the food and drinks being better in first. For me that difference is not worth the extra cost.

I can't speak for other airlines.

Having reached a certain age, I find that flying business class is imperative for international flights! I’ve now accumulated enough points to have it pay for itself. Do it! You won’t be disappointed.