Have you ever flew First Class or Business Class on a commercial jet before?

[opebo]

I was upgraded once for no reason to that class that is in the 'hump' of the 747 - I don't know if it is business or first.  This was on Philippine Airlines though so not a really top notch first/business.

Funny thing about flying, nowadays it isn't even the miserable time you sit in the seat that is the worst part - it is all the waiting and humiliating molestation one must endure at the hands of the Security Forces, Customs, etc. 

[opebo]

By the way, for those of you who have only flow on domestic (american) airlines, I'd like to inform you that flying is enormously better outside the US.  Nearly all non-US airlines have much better service and friendlier staff than any american airline, and most importantly foreign airports have much more efficient and less intrusive security forces.

[opebo]

No, and I doubt I ever will. The equation is ridiculous. You pay $2000 extra for a moderately more comfortable experience for 14 hours, or you have $2000 with which to extend your travel by a fortnight to a month.

Seriously, if you don't fly economy class, you're a spoiled douche who has his priorities wrong.

Hughento, you have to keep in mind that $2,000 to many rich people is like the coins in your pocket are to you - essentially nothing.

An economy ticket from Frankfurt to St. Louis can cost anywhere between €450 and €650 in most cases.

You fly to St. Louis?  Bizarre.  I bet not many Europeans do that.  What the hell's in St Louis?  Well I guess it makes Germany look pretty damned good when you get back.

[opebo]

And that second assumption is incorrect

Wow, in that case Germany must suck.