Business Class Air

[emckeeve]

For those who upgraded to business class air (going half way around the world) did you find that the routing and connections were good?  I'm pretty picky about flight schedules was just wondering if they are pretty convenient.

 

[labrasett]

58 minutes ago, emckeeve said:

For those who upgraded to business class air (going half way around the world) did you find that the routing and connections were good?  I'm pretty picky about flight schedules was just wondering if they are pretty convenient.

 

All different depends on where you are going from and where you are going to.

 

[frankhi]

I do P2P and book my own air. If I'm, as you say, going half way around the world, I'm going to go a few days early anyhow. So a flight delay is not going to impact the cruise. 

[sea bright]

It depends. We always artive at least a couple of days early, which is possible to do with Silversea BCA with a deviation fee.  Sometimes Silversea's business class routing has been good and sometimes it has not and  we have proposed other routes. Sometimes the proposed route is within contract and other times it is possible with a fee (sometimes a substantial fee). I always independently price business class and cancel the Silversea business class air if I can beat it. For the past almost 2 years I have been able to beat Silversea's business class quote/route on all but 1 cruise. Pre-pandemic Silversea BCA was frequently better than what I could do myself. 

[Lois R]

I agree with the others....it really just depends. I had one issue last year but SS had nothing to do with it....it happened at the airport and the airline was responsible. But thinking back to all my other sailings over the years, I can't remember having any big issues. Oh and my problem was on the return flight home so no problems going.

 

You mentioned being pretty picky? You could see what SS is offering and if you are not happy with their itinerary, just take the air credit and book the flights on your own.

[emckeeve]

Thanks for the replies.  Orlando to Singapore we booked with United miles.  We end up in Mahe (Seychelles) so the scheduling is a little more difficult with MANY options on multiple airlines.  

[Hlitner]

Let's talk about Business Class.  The problem with upgrading to international business class, on a decent airline, is that it is completely addicting!  We learned the lesson, the hard way :).  I now have a DW who expects to fly business class whenever we take longer international flights, no matter what the cost. Is it worth it?  My simple answer is that we have never regretted flying business class on longer flights.  We especially will do this on flights where we need to get some sleep.  But we are talking about lay flat seats.  

 

My message is simple,  When booking any business class, carefully look at the hardware (aircraft type and seating quality).  As far as connections, it is no different than flying the lowest priced economy.  You should choose your flights (and airlines) carefully.  I do not support the idea of paying any cruise line for business class without having the ability to choose flights.  

 

Speaking of choosing flights, and connections, a big plus with most business class is that it included lounge access.  For us, a 3-4 hour layover is not a bad thing if we are at an airport where we have access to a decent lounge.  In fact, many flyers actually do their booking/routing in order to access certain lounges.  The lounge experience, when you are dealing with the better lounges, is part of the fun.  When we need to lay over in airports like Istanbul (when flying on Turkish Air) we actually look forward to our time at the airport.  Get stuck at Toronto, and have access to Air Canada's Signature Suite, and it is not a bad thing :).  Have to kill a few hours in an airport with an AMEX Centurian Lounge (you generally need an AMEX Platinum Card to access these lounges) and the time flies faster than some flights.

 

Hank

 

[DavyWavey70]

I’m all for doing my research too. As an example, my upcoming flights on EK in January, there is only one flight a day each way on the A380-800 MAN-DXB that has the true 3 class config, the others are all the very tired 2 class. The upgrade from BC to First is the same amount if you get first class on both legs or just on one. So that bit of research that I did is giving me an extra 8 hours in first class for not a penny more. It pays to do the leg work.

[mchell810]

10 hours ago, emckeeve said:

For those who upgraded to business class air (going half way around the world) did you find that the routing and connections were good?  I'm pretty picky about flight schedules was just wondering if they are pretty convenient.

 

 

As others have said it will depend. In my experience initial flights have always had tight connection times so I ask for a change.  SS will offer something with an up-charge; I always turn that down and then we end up with something reasonable.  I will always take a 3-4 hour connection over 60 or 90 minutes.  Lately, I just book my own air. 

[drron29]

I think it really is essential that you do some rearch into paying for your own fare.

I would also ask a TA or 3 for a quote. They often have fares that really are only accessible by a TA.

I am lucky having found a TA who specialises in airfares. He comes up with some really good alternatives.

[labrasett]

12 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Let's talk about Business Class.  The problem with upgrading to international business class, on a decent airline, is that it is completely addicting!  We learned the lesson, the hard way :).  I now have a DW who expects to fly business class whenever we take longer international flights, no matter what the cost. Is it worth it?  My simple answer is that we have never regretted flying business class on longer flights.  We especially will do this on flights where we need to get some sleep.  But we are talking about lay flat seats.  

 

My message is simple,  When booking any business class, carefully look at the hardware (aircraft type and seating quality).  As far as connections, it is no different than flying the lowest priced economy.  You should choose your flights (and airlines) carefully.  I do not support the idea of paying any cruise line for business class without having the ability to choose flights.  

 

Speaking of choosing flights, and connections, a big plus with most business class is that it included lounge access.  For us, a 3-4 hour layover is not a bad thing if we are at an airport where we have access to a decent lounge.  In fact, many flyers actually do their booking/routing in order to access certain lounges.  The lounge experience, when you are dealing with the better lounges, is part of the fun.  When we need to lay over in airports like Istanbul (when flying on Turkish Air) we actually look forward to our time at the airport.  Get stuck at Toronto, and have access to Air Canada's Signature Suite, and it is not a bad thing :).  Have to kill a few hours in an airport with an AMEX Centurian Lounge (you generally need an AMEX Platinum Card to access these lounges) and the time flies faster than some flights.

 

Hank

 

I am so with you Hank.  I have reached the point (and age) where if we couldnt afford to fly BC on long haul flights we simply wouldnt go!   It started with "well we can managed in Premium Economy on a day flight" to "lets just go BC whatever time of day" and certainly, IMHO, essential for long haul night flights.   As you say one of the great benefits is the use of a lounge when transiting and frankly on very long journeys it is quite nice to have a leg stretch and an hour or two (or even three) off aircraft in a comfortable lounge with some nibbles and maybe a glass of wine.   

[Hlitner]

1 hour ago, labrasett said:

I am so with you Hank.  I have reached the point (and age) where if we couldnt afford to fly BC on long haul flights we simply wouldnt go!   It started with "well we can managed in Premium Economy on a day flight" to "lets just go BC whatever time of day" and certainly, IMHO, essential for long haul night flights.   As you say one of the great benefits is the use of a lounge when transiting and frankly on very long journeys it is quite nice to have a leg stretch and an hour or two (or even three) off aircraft in a comfortable lounge with some nibbles and maybe a glass of wine.   

We will sometimes use Premium Economy on a day flight, assuming the PE is decent.  Recently, we tried Delta's Premium Select class on a flight from Milan to Dulles.  That got us two abreast seating and plenty of leg room along with some upgraded food.  Not bad :).  In retrospect, we should have tried La Campagnie (to Newark) but that small airline scares me because of their lack of backup aircraft.

 

Hank

[Sololux]

Yep, I’m hooked on business class as well.  I preferred to book my flights with SS.  When BA cancelled our mid morning U.K. to Rome flight SS got us quickly rescheduled onto an AirItalia flight at a 7am departure.  Ok, it was an early start but no stress.  
I learnt that if I was doing a same day flight and cruise to always book with the cruise line - it’s their responsibility to get you onto the ship.  If we were going to arrive a couple of days before the cruise departure then we’d book the flights ourselves - this was usually for a Seadream cruise though.

[Texas Tillie]

8 hours ago, drron29 said:

I think it really is essential that you do some rearch into paying for your own fare.

I would also ask a TA or 3 for a quote. They often have fares that really are only accessible by a TA.

I am lucky having found a TA who specialises in airfares. He comes up with some really good alternatives.

 

Need to add that in the US it has been a long time since travel agants booked flights, unless they are part of a package or the client has agreed to pay the travel agent since airlines haven't paid any commissions in years.

[Tothesunset]

Last August we had return economy flights from London to the Maldives. 12 hrs overnight. Never again. Ever. 

 

(5x reward flights. If son and his wife and daughter hadn't been with us we'd have used BC but weren't going to pay the silly prices BA wanted. We love our family - but not that much!) 

[CruzinFeraBruzin]

17 hours ago, Lois R said:

You could see what SS is offering and if you are not happy with their itinerary, just take the air credit and book the flights on your own.

Is Silversea still offering the air credit on Door to Door?  On the website, I still see the business class upgrade on most itineraries, with the exception of the Kimberly Region, but I no longer see where a specific air credit amount is offered if you want to take the Door to Door option.  Are they now forcing you to do Port to Port if you want to book your own air? 

[Hlitner]

You might want to take a look at the SS blog where there is the recent story of 2 passengers who were left in a bad situation, by SS air, and had to be helped by a family member.  Yes, SS did rearrange air (after a missed connection) to the next port.  But SS did nothing to help with hotels, transfers, etc.  That couple is very unhappy how they were "handled" by SS air.  

When Silversea Door-to-Door leaves you stranded abroad - Page 2 - Silversea - Cruise Critic Community

 

I mention this because using cruise air is fine until it isn't!

 

Hank

[highplanesdrifters]

Not a alI international Biz class is created equal. It is important to learn what kind of seat you are getting. On some airlines all you get is a traditional seat that lies flat. Often found on 3 class BA and JAL. Some you'll get a door that closes for privacy and a little cubby, Delta One, Emeriates. Prices dont always reflect the difference.  It's a minefield of research.

[taxatty]

We flew RT to NZ in AA economy a few years ago--not pleasant experiences. For us, if a flight is 8 hours or less, and isn't overnight or otherwise requiring a need to sleep, PE is fine, although we've flown business when good deals exist. AA and BA each have decent PE seats and service. On longer flights, we go business (almost always on points/miles).

[fdnycruiser]

Check out seat guru for seating plans, and stay alert to any aircraft changes. Also pays to download the app of the airline you’re flying on.

[FlyerTalker]

1 hour ago, fdnycruiser said:

Check out seat guru for seating plans, and stay alert to any aircraft changes. Also pays to download the app of the airline you’re flying on.

 

Seatguru has become an abandoned website.  Incorrect information, aircraft that are no longer in fleets and airlines that no longer exist.

 

I assume it exists only to funnel airfare searches to the Trip Advisor website.

 

 

[Texas Tillie]

20 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

Seatguru has become an abandoned website.  Incorrect information, aircraft that are no longer in fleets and airlines that no longer exist.

 

I assume it exists only to funnel airfare searches to the Trip Advisor website.

 

 

 

So, is there any site that has the up to date information on the various airlines seating charts?

[FlyerTalker]

Try Aerolopa.  It is very accurate, but does NOT have any "ratings" for various seats (which was inconsistent and subjective at SG).

 

 

[fdnycruiser]

2 hours ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

Seatguru has become an abandoned website.  Incorrect information, aircraft that are no longer in fleets and airlines that no longer exist.

 

I assume it exists only to funnel airfare searches to the Trip Advisor website.

 

 

I stand corrected 

[sea bright]

10 hours ago, CruzinFeraBruzin said:

Is Silversea still offering the air credit on Door to Door?  On the website, I still see the business class upgrade on most itineraries, with the exception of the Kimberly Region, but I no longer see where a specific air credit amount is offered if you want to take the Door to Door option.  Are they now forcing you to do Port to Port if you want to book your own air? 

In February we had to book DtD to get certain cabin classes (Silver Suite  or higher) and could get a credit when we didn't use Silversea's air.  Staring in May or so, we could book Silver Suites, etc in the new PtP (refundable deposit, counts for Venetian days,etc.) which did not include air. I don't think under the new rubric you can book DtD and get an air credit.