Why I usually don’t go out of my way to book international first class flights

As a travel writer and points hacker, it seems sacrilegious to not care much about scoring amazing deals in international first class cabins. But in general, I don’t get too excited (or go too far out of my way) to try and score international first class seats.

Now let me preface this by saying that I would never turn down a first class cabin if there was a particularly good deal — for instance, if it cost 50,000 miles to fly business class and 70,000 miles to fly first for a 10+ hour flight, I would consider the 70,000 first class deal, depending on my overall mileage balance. Or if I could upgrade from business class to first class for less than $1,000, I would also consider it (though this would really depend on the length and timing of the flight).

Here’s why I don’t get too excited about flying international first class:

Almost all of my international long-haul flights are already in business class where I already have a bed

With the amount of points that I have and my ear to the ground on great business class deals, almost all of my international long-haul flights are in business class with a bed. Since I already have a bed, lounge access, and priority boarding, the incremental benefits of a first class flight need to be especially high for me to justify paying more for the experience.

For instance, I’m considering purchasing a paid upgrade from business class to first class for an Air France Paris to LAX flight in May if the cash upgrade price is reasonable, as I think it’d be pretty cool to check out the first class lounge in Paris and the whole Air France first class on-the-ground experience, including getting a ride directly to the airplane.

I usually don’t drink alcohol

A benefit that international long-haul first class has over business class is that the drink menu is often more sophisticated and better. For instance, on Emirates first class flights you have access to champagnes, wines, and liquors that can cost hundreds of dollars per bottle.

But this benefit is lost on me, as I usually don’t drink (on flights or in general). Give me a Diet Coke and I’m a very happy man.

I’m not a foodie

Another benefit of flying international long-haul first class is that it will often have elevated dining options. That said, I’m personally not much of a foodie and, generally speaking, the food in business class is just fine for me (with rare exceptions, like Avianca and some American Airlines flights where I found the food to be pretty awful).

I’m not 6+ feet tall

I think for most people, international long-haul business class offers enough space. But I do have a friend who is probably 6’4 or 6’5 with substantial means, and he will book first class the price difference isn’t too excessive for the extra space. If I was his height, I could see valuing international first class more than I do now.

Reasons I would go out of my way to book international first class

I’ve alluded to some of the factors above, but here are some reasons that I would go out of my way to book international first class:

• Unique on-the-ground experiences. If the international first class ticket comes with a unique on-the-ground experience, like Lufthansa or Air France driving you directly to the plane and having dedicated lounges, I would be more enticed to seek out an international first class ticket.
• Unique in-flight experiences. I was super excited to fly Emirates First Class for one reason — getting to shower on the flight! A unique in-flight experience is definitely something that could convince me to book international first class instead of business class.
• Significantly smaller cabin. If the business class cabin is huge (I’m looking at you, Emirates A380), then I’d be more motivated to try and find a seat in business class, to avoid the noise and hassle that go along with being in a crowded cabin.
• Long, daytime flights. If I’m flying on a long, daytime flight, I’d be more likely to consider international first class. For instance, if I was flying 15+ hours to Asia or the Middle East on a flight that left in the morning or early afternoon, I’d be much more tempted to book international first class than I would if it was a red-eye flight where I planned to pass out after meal service.

Do you go out of your way to try and book international first class over business class? Let me know why (or why not) in the comments.