Award Tickets: 1st Class Depart/economy Return - Or Visa Versa?

[SmellyFarang 57]

Bummer.

 

I *thought* I had enough miles to swing first class tickets for both my departing & return flights next trip.

 

But, it turns out I can only do first class on one, then have to do economy on the other. Since I'm from the USA, it's a long flight either way.

 

So what do you think would be the smartest way to use the first class flight: for my arrival or my return, and why?

Edited August 19, 2011 by SmellyFarang

[nkped 1,208]

Going definitely. It's a longer flight going west, sometimes by a couple of hours. You'll be in despair coming back so no point wasting the good seat.

[jacko 8,815]

Biz Class both ways not an option?

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Biz Class both ways not an option?

 

My immediate thought as well - or just do one of the intra-Asia legs in a lower class (unless he's talking about TG non-stop).

Edited August 20, 2011 by CheshireTom

[SmellyFarang 57]

Biz Class both ways not an option?

 

Business class actually cost more miles than the "saver" first class, so not an option both ways.

[Bullfrog 2,224]

I voted neither...If you can't afford business or first class either cash or miles don't do it...Just be selective with your choice of economy airline..

 

I recently wanted to use my airmiles to upgrade from economy to business but it meant paying full fare economy...which was more expensive than paying another airline business class..

 

My choice was to pay business class and wait to build up my miles...

[Hub 203]

Just my opinion, but I would always opt for the first class coming back. You will be looking forward to the lovelies on the way out and will be relatively happy and would dread the ride back. This way, you have something to look forward to when taking the depressing taxi to suvi at the end of your trip, arriving fresh for work in the US.

[Landshark 11]

I would use it for the arrival trip. Going back I am always bordering on exhaustion and I am out cold as soon as I hit the seat regardless of the class. My return flights to the US are always between 6am - 8am. This means that I usually have to leave Patts around 3-4am after a night out drinking and a final ST.

 

On my way to Patts, I am always too wired to sleep much and would get more benefit from the better seat.

[Bullfrog 2,224]

On the way in of course you will get handed a fast track arrivals voucher which means you miss the queue at immigration...

 

Also at the way out...but who cares then..

[jacko 8,815]

On the way in of course you will get handed a fast track arrivals voucher which means you miss the queue at immigration...

 

Also at the way out...but who cares then..

I thought you voted neither.......

On the way out a lot of guys are in a stupor, fast track and lounge access might be the best idea.

I also say Bangkok knows how to treat premium passengers, in the UK they are so PC and socialist they don't make much effort to segregate.

[oblong 8]

Since you said saver, i am assuming united. Do you know how to check for non united flight availability? If not, there is an easy way on the anaskyweb page. Honestly the business class on the asian airlines is pretty much par for first on united. The seat is slightly better in united first as a lie flat, but the food and experience is much better on everything else.

 

All of the award flights will be saver awards and are available to be booked via a call to united.

[jacko 8,815]

Since you said saver, i am assuming united. Do you know how to check for non united flight availability? If not, there is an easy way on the anaskyweb page. Honestly the business class on the asian airlines is pretty much par for first on united. The seat is slightly better in united first as a lie flat, but the food and experience is much better on everything else.

 

All of the award flights will be saver awards and are available to be booked via a call to united.

I was a regular on United Biz Class long haul to Hong Kong and was annoyed I had to use the same airline as the group travelling. God forbid a yank has to travel a non-USA carrier and lose those precious miles. We could have gone SQ or Cathay.

 

All the stewardesses were older and hatchet faced, and seemed to be anti-subservience. I don't do it at home for my long suffering husband, so I ain't fetching you another beer!

[Bullfrog 2,224]

I thought you voted neither.......

On the way out a lot of guys are in a stupor, fast track and lounge access might be the best idea.

I also say Bangkok knows how to treat premium passengers, in the UK they are so PC and socialist they don't make much effort to segregate.

 

You're right I did...but no harm in adding info to the OP ta aid a decision that is best for him..

[glynbuk 29]

This Xmas i am flying out business class and back by first class,

 

I prefer the return journey in better class as going out i am so excited the journey flies by, but returning

its bloody hard work to sleep and on Thai the lay flat seats are hard work coming back so the flat bed in first

is better for me.

[Grandpollo 366]

I just fly in and pay for Cathy first class and earn AA miles for a later day. I can't imagine flying half one class and half the other.

[glynbuk 29]

I can't imagine flying half one class and half the other.

 

 

Nor me, but when i booked i was going to do business both ways but the return flight i wanted was fully booked at that price,

so the travel agent gave me a price for return in first at the flight time i wanted, which was not bad so i said, ok go for it.

 

If i had done both legs in first then they wanted £900 more than what i paid, which is crazy money, and the saving more than pays

for my hotel for the 17 days i am there.