Originally Posted by
Dan Druff
Agree that the Amex Centurion Lounge is top-top.
Regarding first class, it's more necessary for me than others because:
1) I'm taller than 97.5% of the US population.
2) My anxiety problems of last year still remain in low-grade (and probably won't ever completely vanish), and now make flying harder. So whereas before I used to do a mixture of economy plus and first class, now I pretty much need first class.
I don't drink, so I don't derive the benefit from the alcohol. Food is better, but is overrated. Often it kinda sucks anyway, and isn't that much better than the food-for-purchase in coach.
Regarding boarding early, I used to hate it for the reasons already stated by others, but it's necessary because of the carryon faggotry where people quickly take up the overhead bin space, even in first class. I used to wait til close to the last minute to board because I prefer to be on the plane for as little time as possible, but I can't do that now.
Regarding the overall quality of first class, there is huge variance from plane to plane. Domestic US first class isn't very good, but it's still big step up from coach if you need the room (and/or it's a long flight).
International first class is WAY better. Some planes -- especially ones used for international routes -- now have the sleeper seats, which is a step above regular domestic first class. Look for "Delta One" or "United Polaris". I think American also has a similar product, but I'm not sure what it's called. If you can get it for the same price as regular first class, definitely grab it.
