A note about premium cabins and becoming jaded...

So true.

The test of this travel philosophy will come when someone else (i.e. an employer) is paying for all this travel and lodging and making your arrangements. At that point, coach class travel, likely including transatlantic, is virtually guaranteed. I would not take business class for granted, as you seem to be doing.

Yes, so true. I came across this blog earlier this year and even though I dont live in the USA, have managed to get through mattress runs, buying US miles and similar, cheap F tickets. Man, my partner doesn't want to go anywhere in coach that's more than 2 or 3 hours. haha!

I love it, and no, you can never go back! =)

You are such a great writer...I enjoy so much reading your articles, and thanks for sharing your experiences...Have you considered writing a book?

@AS I don't think Ben is taking business class FOR GRANTED. He's saying that it's not impressive relative to what he's become used to. It's perfectly comfortable transportation, not something to spend time anticipating for its special-ness. And that's really what it's designed to be, in any case, no matter what the marketing geniuses may say otherwise about it. As for business travel, small and mid-size employers with flexible enough travel policies to accomodate this 'hobby' are almost a must!

I have a dental practice that generates a slew of points each year and we have been blessed with many Business and First Class flights over the last 8 or so years.

I've often commented to my wife that the hardest thing about retiring in the years ahead will be the loss of those miles and being relegated back to Coach where I belong! My wife, bless her, had the solution. "Don't even THINK of retiring!"

Sounds like you could start a business helping others maximize their travel and money. I have yet to see anyone offer Mile Makeovers to help a traveler get the most out of what they are already doing.

Something to consider....

It's like this:

A frequent first class flyer gets a free Business Class ticket for his Birthday! He thinks, "Wow Business class sucks, how disrespectful of you to give me a damn business class ticket!"

Now, a frequent coach class flyer gets the same Business Class ticket for his Birthday! "Oh my God, this is amazing!" The flyer is full of Joy and is one of the happiest days of his life!

Think about those who fly in private jets all the time... they wouldn't feel one ounce of Joy if they were awarded a freakin' First Class ticket... Or the guy with a few mansions around the World... give him a 4-star hotel and he'll freak out that its not 5...

And thats how this World goes round my friends, thats how it goes...

Coins,
When my upgrade doesn't clear domestically, or when I decide to slum it on coach Trans Atlantic since it's only a redeye, it helps to keep my nose in place. Sitting in the back every once in a while is a good thing. It makes you appreciate flying upfront.
FYI, I've never 'wasted' my miles for first. My wife and I are very happy in business.

We're all looking forward to reading a report from you about your next coach experience!

Just remember, no matter what cabin you're in, you are sitting in a seat in the sky!

I love your blog when it comes to strictly doling out information. It is very helpful. But, I find a lot of the opinions/nitpicks completely obnoxious. So, I am glad you issued this post.

My last trip (via FF miles) involved using LH's first class terminal in Frankfurt. Talk about becoming jaded after that experience.

Personally my biggest desire is to have personal space on the plane. Alcohol I rarely drink while flying and I'm not a foodie (give me a turkey sandwich and I'm happy).

Next time I have to fly coach internationally it will be tough. I do have a lot of sympathy for those who have to fly for business regularly and in coach. I did some flying while working for the government and heading to the mideast from the east coast in coach was a long long day.

The trend is to eliminate or downsize the international F cabin. I can't even fathom the thought of no more F award availability - plus it's one of the best reasons to earn all of those miles. I hope the big programs realize this. Eliminate this redemption option and more and more of my flying will be on smaller airlines.

Two words : private aviation.

That will leave you TOTALLY JADED.

First class will be around for top executives who contractually get it, so I don't see world-class airlines doing away with it. Which means redeeming / upgrading to F will be an option. And totally agree with you: it's like staying in the Wynn one night and Circus Circus the next.

I could not agree more. I've had the luck of employer paid C and F travel and it's impossibly to travel in Y afterwards.

This week a new girl in the corporate travel office booked the 10 people or so traveling to various places in Y instead of C/F.

Talking with my coworkers, we all thought it was the end of the world as same girl was the only one staffing our travel office this week and would not change itineraries.

I survived my day meeting trip to Seoul, however, after getting back last night, I still feel like I need all day to recover from sitting in Y for so long.

I will say UA seems to be picking it up. My upgrade cleared last night on LAX-ORD and the FA in first made me reminice about OZ and SQ F. He addressed me by name, remembered my drink choices and wine preferences, and the flight was even stocked with wines found on Int'l f instead of Domestic F. (Not that they are very impressive, but I really enjoyed the 2006 Chardonnay I had) Talking with him about the merger and new policies that are being introduced by the new Inflight service management, I feel the new UA will be headed in a better direction and maybe it won't be the typical doom and gloom direction American carriers seem to be heading.