Early-retirement wannabe

MallyGirl · 12 April 2019 at 7:02PM

I've only flown 1st class once - to NY on air miles as we had a lot - it was very nice but I wouldn't pay for the extra over business if it was my money. I will be going business for long haul in the future- the last time I went to NZ in economy my ankles swelled up so much I couldn't get my shoes on. We were there for a wedding and my dress looked lovely but the trainers on my feet did not add to the look

We went Business to Vancouver Island last year and it was only about half as much again over the basic fare (as we had a bit of flexibility on days).
Business gives the lounge, fast boarding, decent food, a flat bed and duvet so I arrive in a fit state to enjoy the holiday from day 1. Worth it for me.
I am not quite 6ft but I cannot sleep sitting up with my knees imprinted with the mesh pocket from the back of the seat in front.
Not worth it for short haul though.

chucknorris · 12 April 2019 at 7:12PM

MallyGirl wrote: »

I've only flown 1st class once - to NY on air miles as we had a lot - it was very nice but I wouldn't pay for the extra over business if it was my money. I will be going business for long haul in the future- the last time I went to NZ in economy my ankles swelled up so much I couldn't get my shoes on. We were there for a wedding and my dress looked lovely but the trainers on my feet did not add to the look
We went Business to Vancouver Island last year and it was only about half as much again over the basic fare (as we had a bit of flexibility on days).
Business gives the lounge, fast boarding, decent food, a flat bed and duvet so I arrive in a fit state to enjoy the holiday from day 1. Worth it for me.
I am not quite 6ft but I cannot sleep sitting up with my knees imprinted with the mesh pocket from the back of the seat in front.
Not worth it for short haul though.

I would never fly business or first class, unless it somehow allowed me to take my dog on board (in the cabin). The only time that I have ever travelled first class on the train was because there was more room for my dog (London to Newcastle and back again). Much to the amusement of my friends, they seemed surprised that it was all about my dog, but he is very important to me.

westv · 12 April 2019 at 7:21PM

Of course the most important thing is to book a minimum of 4 star hotel at your destination.

Terron · 12 April 2019 at 8:30PM

When I travel by train I often travel first class on longer journeys - providing I can get the weekend discount rate.

I've never travelled business or first class on a plane (though I once travelled in a higher class). I do tend to go for premium economy for longer flights.

shinytop · 12 April 2019 at 9:03PM

westv wrote: »

What about people next to you?

that would be Mrs S, who is even thinner than I am

The armrest does a reasonable job of containing anyone bigger - or, even better, they've all paid the extra for business class.

atush · 12 April 2019 at 10:10PM

MallyGirl wrote: »

I've only flown 1st class once - to NY on air miles as we had a lot - it was very nice but I wouldn't pay for the extra over business if it was my money. I will be going business for long haul in the future- the last time I went to NZ in economy my ankles swelled up so much I couldn't get my shoes on. We were there for a wedding and my dress looked lovely but the trainers on my feet did not add to the look
We went Business to Vancouver Island last year and it was only about half as much again over the basic fare (as we had a bit of flexibility on days).
Business gives the lounge, fast boarding, decent food, a flat bed and duvet so I arrive in a fit state to enjoy the holiday from day 1. Worth it for me.
I am not quite 6ft but I cannot sleep sitting up with my knees imprinted with the mesh pocket from the back of the seat in front.
Not worth it for short haul though.

I have started doing this, although i still fly P econ/WT+ sometimes too. I have given up flying econ long haul. I arrive in a state that means I cant drive the distance I need to.

tigerspill · 13 April 2019 at 9:29AM

ratechaser wrote: »

Well this one resonates a bit with me, given that I've just turned 46 (like the OP when the thread started), and definitely want to retire at 55 - that's assuming I'm still allowed to access my pension at that age.

But the reality is, what the hell am I going to do - I'm in a good job, the majority of my socialising is with colleagues, and the idea of playing golf to pass the time has zero appeal.

So I can see why, despite initial intentions, people end up falling into the trap of carrying on working. In my case it certainly won't be for genuine financial reasons, I don't have an extravagant lifestyle relative to my means - realistically I could liquidate assets and retire comfortably tomorrow. But what on earth would I do once I'd caught up with my box sets??

The 2 years I took as an 'extended sabattical' were quite an eye opener - volunteering was fun, not feeling knackered all the time was a bonus, and there were people I did genuinely enjoy spending more time with (yes, even the family...). But you really need a plan before you make that 'final' step out of work...

I don't necessarily agree with your final paragraph. If you dislike your job it can get to the point where it is doing enough harm that anything is better - plan or no plan.
This is where I have found myself. Finish at the end of this month with no plan (other than a bit of decorating). I am sure when I settle, things will turn up.
So I dont think there is any "rule" in this as it depends on circumstances.

tigerspill · 13 April 2019 at 9:37AM

vulcanrtb wrote: »

Business class is roughly 10 times the cost of economy. A sample of BC flights to NYC from London come in at roughly £3500, compared with £300 for economy. This was on Google, so perhaps there are taxes to add.
I'm not making this up for an argument, I've flown fairly frequently for work and am painfully aware how much BC costs. I could never force myself to pay for BC out of my own pocket and I'm 6ft 2"

You have picked an example here to make your point. But this is not the case in general.
I now use business class to travel to the US regularly and the difference has never been anything like 10 times. Last 4-5 years (maybe 8 long haul business class flights) on the specific dates I wanted, business has never been more than 50% more than economy. And many of these flights would be considered peak times of year.

jamesd · 13 April 2019 at 9:17PM

Terron wrote: »

When I travel by train I often travel first class on longer journeys - providing I can get the weekend discount rate.

Worth checking week days because sometimes there can be discounted first when very discounted standard are sold out.

On the weekends it can be worth checking zones for upgrades. Sometimes the end zones aren't worth paying for.

Say Plymouth to Liskeard (actually Menheniot) is a half hour trip using one zone while the 90 minutes more to Penzance is another zone. If you're paying £10.75 for a day pass with railcard the £10 for Menheniot to Penzance might seem like a better buy than £15 for both zones. Though if food service isn't being provided you might find that no charge is made anyway.

Or say St Germans to Southampton. One zone St Germans to Taunton can look good for about two hours but Taunton to the train change at Castle Cary is one zone more for just one stop and no first class on the Southampton leg.

It's also worth knowing that when travelling with a pass to or from a station outside the pass area you can buy the extra ticket for a station even if the train you're on doesn't stop at that station (14.2). So just to the first station in your pass area will do.

gfplux · 14 April 2019 at 1:03PM

melanzana wrote: »

I think we have been had.

I feel such a fool.

I have been retired (for over 22 years)

However my “advise” as such as it was is still valid.

He/she/it has in no way devalued my advise from my perspective nor from those trying to help those putting their affairs in order in the long road to early retirement.

Early-retirement wannabe

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