Fly business class for work?

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

This is my first real visit overseas for work, and under corporate policy, intercontinental flights over 8 hours are eligible for business class.

Do you do it or no.

I'm an engineer. If we're one of those companies that have no problem spending a la Google, Apple, then I wouldn't worry, but at our company, I'm not too comfortable.

Edit: I should add the main thing I'm holding back on is the fact that the flight costs $10k. I priced a flight a few months out and it's $4k only, which is the standard price.

 

[Ns1]

Do it.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=34324687&postcount=24


If they didn't want you to do it, they wouldn't have put it on their policy.

 

[VAisforlovers]

I would just do economy plus or something like that especially if you're more junior level to not raise any red flags

 

[kranky]

I'm not one to say exploit everything to the maximum, but if the policy says business class is OK, I see no problem going business class. It would be easy enough to change the policy if they didn't want people to do that. And it's not like there's some loophole, the policy is very clear.

 

[Broheim]

I'm not one to say exploit everything to the maximum, but if the policy says business class is OK, I see no problem going business class. It would be easy enough to change the policy if they didn't want people to do that. And it's not like there's some loophole, the policy is very clear.

this.

 

[Jeeebus]

Is your flight being billed to a client?

 

[KeithTalent]

I'm not one to say exploit everything to the maximum, but if the policy says business class is OK, I see no problem going business class. It would be easy enough to change the policy if they didn't want people to do that. And it's not like there's some loophole, the policy is very clear.

100% this. Have an extra glass of bubbly for me.

KT

 

[Ns1]

100% this. Have an extra glass of bubbly for me.

KT

After business class on Emirates I developed a taste for champagne =X

it's so tasty now

 

[IndyColtsFan]

This is my first real visit overseas for work, and under corporate policy, intercontinental flights over 8 hours are eligible for business class.

Do you do it or no.

I'm an engineer. If we're one of those companies that have no problem spending a la Google, Apple, then I wouldn't worry, but at our company, I'm not too comfortable.

Do it. My last company wasn't doing so hot and I even volunteered to fly coach all the way to Seoul, but they insisted on business class. I also got to fly business class to Sao Paulo another time.

Our policy was that if a flight had any single leg over 8 hours, they'd allow us to fly business class; however, I had a couple of European trips that were over this limit but they made me fly coach.

 

[sze5003]

Ask if its the norm from other employees. Also if you are flying to middle east I wouldn't drink too much alcohol lol, depending on your client, they may view it as unprofessional.

Otherwise, if its in your company policy that it's available, then why would you get penalized for it?

 

[KeithTalent]

After business class on Emirates I developed a taste for champagne =X

it's so tasty now

I swear environment has an impact on your taste buds. I'm not really a champagne fan myself, but in a very fancy restaurant or when being catered to in first class, it tastes freaking delicious. :hmm:

KT

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

So apparently the flight to China costs $10k... not sure what's going on, but I believe the norm is $4k or so, with economy being like $1600.

 

[OlafSicky]

How much is the ticket? Last time I did that the ticket was $7500 vs $1500 economy.

 

[sjwaste]

Yup, if it's in the policy, do it. If you're going to Europe, there's a good chance your return flight will involve sitting on the tarmac for a while anyway. At least, if you're going from Rome to the US, they always complain that they can't get a slot over France.

I suggest Air Canada, with the lay flat seats in business (they don't have a first class).

SFO to China? Is Singapore Air a possibility? I've heard such good things.

 

[Ns1]

I swear environment has an impact on your taste buds. I'm not really a champagne fan myself, but in a very fancy restaurant or when being catered to in first class, it tastes freaking delicious. :hmm:

KT

meh, I still went home and bought a few bottles LOL

So apparently the flight to China costs $10k... not sure what's going on, but I believe the norm is $4k or so, with economy being like $1600.

this is not your problem unless you have to front the money and then get reimbursed.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

So apparently the flight to China costs $10k... not sure what's going on, but I believe the norm is $4k or so, with economy being like $1600.

My business class flight to Seoul was $3800 and to Sao Paulo was $6200, but that was back in 2004. $10K does seem high but they might have a lot of demand for those seats.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

do it. thats the policy.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Well if it's a matter of $1.6k vs $4k I'm not too worried, but $10k is ridiculous. Probably because this is pretty late for a Jan trip. For Feb, I see plenty of tickets for $4k and under. Maybe I'll save it for then.

I just absolutely HATE United Airlines going to Asia though. That 31" legroom is a nightmare. I fly regularly to Asia for personal trips, and United is regarded as the worst.

Maybe I'll ask for Economy Plus. I suppose that's a good compromise?

 

[ichy]

Why in the world would you be worrying about this if the policy says business class is ok?

 

[Schfifty Five]

Can you bill this flight to the client? Or is your company footing the bill?

 

[Ns1]

Well if it's a matter of $1.6k vs $4k I'm not too worried, but $10k is ridiculous. Probably because this is pretty late for a Jan trip. For Feb, I see plenty of tickets for $4k and under. Maybe I'll save it for then.

I just absolutely HATE United Airlines going to Asia though. That 31" legroom is a nightmare. I fly regularly to Asia for personal trips, and United is regarded as the worst.

Maybe I'll ask for Economy Plus. I suppose that's a good compromise?

Why are you worried about this in the first place? Ask your bosses "hey, tickets are 10k now or 4k later. do you want me to travel now or later?"

Maybe this is why rates are fucked?

Sunday, February 10
Chinese New Year 2013

 

[Theb]

Talk to either your supervisor or the person you give your expense reports to and say "I just want to double-check that this is ok."
They'll either say 'yes go for it' or 'actually it would be better if you...' Don't skimp if you don't have to though.

 

[Theb]

Maybe I'll ask for Economy Plus. I suppose that's a good compromise?

Who are you compromising with? Yourself?

 

[Svnla]

OP, when in doubt, ask HR (in writing) just to cover your butt.

I used to travel around the US for work a lot (at least once a month) and my former company (Fortune 100) was so cheap, it only allowed coach for everyone except the big cheese (C level and above).

And I do agree with OP about US airlines to Asia. After you flied with ANA, Japan Air, Cathay, etc. and being served by cute hotties, you would not want to go back with United/AA/Delta, ever.

 

[Kntx]

Definitely fly business class. You want to arrive well rested and ready to work. Can't do that in coach!