That’s not the only part of air travel I dislike; lining up multiple times and being herded through pens towards security and immigration is degrading. We’re treated like a factory product on a conveyor belt. And there’s nothing you can say or do which is going to make any difference. If you make trouble, you can be sure which side is going to win. The last time I found myself and a hundred others shuffling slowly through the zig zag of barriers, I had an urge too strong to resist and started to baah loudly. I was vaguely hoping that the crowd would join in. They didn’t but I got some friendly smiles.

Yeah, so I’m jealous of the first class experience!

However, I had one very notable experience – which ironically was the only time I’ve flown business class on my own dime – oh well, I did not pay for it, I used FF miles. That was when I flew Austrian Airlines to Vienna. At the end of the flight, I simply did not want to get off the plane. I wanted to stay there on the next leg. The most impressive thing about the experience has been the fact that they actually had a CHEF on board. No joking. He will take orders and prepared basically anything you wanted. I ordered Eggs Benedict for breakfast and they were out of this world. They had an entire cart of cheese and desert, with tons of choices of ice creams and sorbets. They served a very good pea soup French service (poured in your bowl at your “table”). They had huge individual TVs and more movies choices than I’ve ever seen. And the flight attendants were the most smiling and best looking attendants I ever had. Instead of a little cheap blanket, they had a nice, warm and cozy throw. I don’t know if that is true on every Austrian Airline international flight, because if it is, they will be my choice for when I travel to Europe. Very few little things leave me speechless, but it was a flawless experience from beginning to the end – especially when my day started with a compliment from everyone who passed me (I was wearing some very hot, traffic-stopping, red boots and a crispy white wool skirt). Austrian Airlines is part of Star Alliance and I have United to thank them for it.

I agree that flying business on domestic flight is sort of a joke. I usually have enough free upgrades to put my name on the list for upgrade, but I actually think it is pointless and let those miles expire. I enjoy the company of people in Economy more. Somehow, on domestic flights, everyone seems to be busy, stressed, preoccupied and … 98% times all male. Boring! But you gave me an idea, I should cash in my free upgrades and give my seat to someone who looks like they need it.

Happy travels,
Alex

In contrast to Air New Zealand’s sterling premium economy is British Airways lackluster service in their premium economy cabin. Of course a melding of British and airline food will never make gourmands salivate, but the cramped environment and lousy service makes for a disappointing long haul from London to Sydney.

Whereas in Southwest Asia (Middle East) you sometimes need to pretend to be angry to get any attention at all.

All I could think was “How the hell does Chris get into 1st class, and how can I get there?” Good post.

Now I’m that much more jealous.

I *thought* I had made my requirements clear to the travel agent who sold me the ticket in Bangkok. But, when I got to the airport in Taipei to check in for the TPE-SEA portion of the flight, I was informed I needed to pay an extra US$200.

Why?
Because as of July 1st, it was the high season, there was a surcharge on the seat. It just happened to be July the first. Nobody, not the travel agent, not the person I called a few days earlier to confirm my flight mentioned that a few extra US dollars were be charmed from pocket if I wanted on the plane that I *already* had booked and paid for.

One of the rules in Asia is that if you lose your temper, then the game is over. In the west we often cop the “I’m the customer and you WILL, blah blah blah….
Do that in Asia and you sitting in the corner with your head spinning and a bad feeling in your stomach.

I worked my Chinese polite as best I could. Pleaded. Begged. Reasoned; all to no avail. No two hundred bucks, no making it to Seattle in time for the wedding.

I finally asked “Why?” “Hey, yesterday I could have been on this plane without a surcharge, why is today that different?” The answer: “today we are booked full. But….”

But, they were willing to fly me to SEA via LAX, without a surcharge. I thanked the manager politely.

When I got the ticket counter to get the new boarding pass I discovered that I was upgraded to business class. It is a damn fine way to travel. Comfortable seats, good food, and usually a seat mate that has an interesting story as well.

Lesson learned: help those who are trying to solve your problem, to solve the problem. They can sometimes show their gratitude in ways that will in turn make you feel grateful!

When we flew from Dubai to the UK the last time, got a great deal on Virgin which cost £20 more than normal economy seats – and I only checked on a (hopeful) whim.

When we got on to the plane, I actually thought we were in some sort of new business class to begin with – so much nicer were the seats! Lots more room, foot rests – better service, better food options. Well worth the extra £20 per ticket.

So, lesson learned for me is that it’s always worth checking to see what the extra is for premium economy – might be a lot lower than you expect!