When is it time to "upgrade"?

Well I can afford business class and I just feel that for the extra money it is not worth it. I am fairly short so that is a definite advantage. Were there any way of avoiding the check in lines then I feel I would pay anything. I have a sort of built in dislike of paying a lot of money for what is to me a fairly small degree of additional comfort.

Yes, I suppose I could "afford" to pay business class but like above poster I have an aversion to waste. I do LOVE business class when I get bumped up and it would sure make the long hauls sweeter but holy cow ...there are so many places to put one's money - selfish and philanthropic - that I simply cannot justify that kind of money to make myself more comfortable for such a relatively short moment in my lifespan.

The great thing about this particular branch is that you don't get "panned" for your views - we have all grown up! It's your money - spend it how you like. Belonging to working world, we don't have the time for stop overs - so we look to BA & EVA airlines for the in- between seat long haul (not as yet tried Virgin). It is a pity that some of the other big carriers don't follow suit. You pays your money & takes your choice.

#12...agree that it is safer to post here than some other places!

When I do stop overs they tend to be the airport only. My trip to the UK was a four hour stop over each way in Dubai...we travelled business class and saved 5000US v all other airlines(2 people). This to me was common sense. When I have to choose economy v business I think what else I could do with the money and then reward myself or someone else accordingly.

The debate is interesting and the answer is how you feel. It is how you value health, wealth and what else could you do. Although I can afford to do many things I still stop when I think the supplier is taking the xxxx and the value is not there.

#11 makes sense to me

Another thing no one brought up, is what you are doing once you reach your destination. If you are going over mountain passes on cramped buses or through rough seas on small fishing boats or traipsing through a heavy jungle, the mild discomfort of flying cattle class for a few hours will be a non issue.

If you are doing a restaurant tour in Paris, wearing the latest fashion, then it would seem more appropriate to fly in style.

I suppose if you even have to ask yourself the question, you really can't afford it. To write, "to make myself more comfortable for such a relatively short moment in my lifespan." indicates to me that your comfort does not take priority over money. To each his own of course. The way I look at it is, plane travel is not an INSIGNIFIGANT moment in my lifespan. Given the hoops we now have to go through just to get on a plane, the thought of then having to put up with all the one time a year on holiday idiots and the deliberate keeping of the aisles blocked by the flight attendants with their trolleys, I shudder at the thought of cattle class.

Justifying flying business class jsut doesn't enter my mind. Justifying NOT flying business class when you can afford it would be something I would struggle with. Maybe you all are just tightfisted and haven't learned how to enjoy what money you have. LOL

I admit to being a poor boy. The shame...

The wierd thing is however that you will be limiting the types of travel and places you can see if everything is based on comfort level.

I just do not see how it would be possible to cross a jungle in comfort or going spelunking down underground rivers in comfort or climbing really high mountains in comfort or scuba diving in really cold water in comfort. I will have plenty of time to be comfortably dead later.

I am just one low class fellow...

comfortably retired

ps Sam Walton flew around in a cramped super cub (cheesy little aeroplane) while looking around for new building sites

Oh dutchpickle, I hate it when people add to things in order to appear to be refuting a point with logic. Where did you see any reference to comfort being used to limit travel or even base ANY travel decison on? It is avoiding comfort to save money when comfort is available, that is being discussed. Adding criteria to a point to suit your argument ("if everything is based on comfort level") is rather stupid.

As for being poor and of low class, that's your problem to deal with. Pointing out that you are poor and of low class isn't a virtue you know. Like the guy on 'The Apprentice' who referred to himself as 'poor white trash'. It got him fired for even jokingly referring to himself that way. It indicates low self-esteem.

ps. What Sam Walton did out of choice has what signifigance? Are you suggesting that because he chose to fly in a super cub that it made him a better person or was the reason for his success or we should all do the same out of admiration for him or what? Irrelevant comments about someone of note without stating why you are making the remark simply indicate an inability to articulate your point.

Good grief. Its' the return of BP.

The thought had occurred. There can't be two of them can there?