Is the cost of upgraded airplane tickets worth it? Some thoughts from The Women’s Travel Group.
In the last few years, travelers have become obsessed with airline status and their seats. This frenzy is, in part, caused by airlines themselves. There is branding / selling status by airlines. Who doesn’t want to be ‘special’ ‘elite’ ‘first in line’, ‘envied’ and ‘fussed over’.
Lets start with the special bit. Anyone who can afford to fly is already special. But anyone who takes the right turn on entering the plane is less special. We all know that.
Elite? Travelers with upgraded seats are the so called elite. Many airlines have added higher tiers of ff programs above what used to be elite status. On American, if you thought Platinum was royal, you are now below Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum. On Delta if you bragged about being a Diamond flyer, you are still Diamond. That feels and sounds good, until someone else gets the ‘free’ upgraded seat you saw vacant on the seating chart.
Status benefits are not consistent. Example: if you fly on certain busy routes you will not get upgraded. Fly Delta to Mexico City, it is unlikely. Why? Couriers carrying documents commute weekly even daily to Mexico City; they have more miles than you will ever have. To/from New York and Los Angeles, again unlikely. Monied folks to monied folks. Or if there is only one flight like Delta JFK to Nice, don’t bother praying.
First in line to board,is that a real benefit? Why the panic to get on the plane and then a panic to get off? This panic is exacerbated by the crowd crushing way airlines have us line up. Travelers worry about their carry on finding a home overhead. Relax more and more airlines offer ‘free’ check in at the gate. This is done because it speeds up boarding. And your seat is assigned already!
You want to be envied? In In First and Business Class, you will be addressed by name, offered a drink and a meal. The cost for upfront seats on a transatlantic flight averages to $4500-5500 round trip from JFK. Airline drinks average $8-9 for beer and $9-11 for wine or liquor. The average airport meal today is $20. (Did you know that fast food costs more in airports). So lets do the math: $20 for lunch/dinner+$20 for 2 drinks since you are ‘suffering in coach’ is $40. Flying to Paris, you just paid $700+ per mile to sit up front?
So is the extra cost of up front worth it? You decide, but first ignore the ‘status stuff’. Don’t stay home because you are not seated in the pilot’s lap. In the EU, there is push back on frequent flier programs. It is thought they encourage too much flying with climate destruction. Think about that also. Travel Tips from The Women’s Travel Group, award winning small group tours for women.
