Virgin Premium economy

[freddiehollie]

Dec. 1, 1997, from the New York Post: Time for Gatesgate?
Bill Gates has no idea what happened to his new $21 million private jet.
"All he knows is Melinda lost it somewhere in the nursery," a Microsoft company flack told Page Six, almost apologetically,
adding that the world's richest man "will skibble right out and buy another."

I get the point, but this article is from 1997. Its now 2011 so he's been flying in comfort for quite a while.

I can only deduce you were agreeing with the quote "if you can afford a Rolls Royce, few people would choose a mini". Check out all the Sports Stars/Celebs, what comfort "most" of them travel in.

He must think his private jet is good value.

On a slightly different note. I was on Concorde recently & according to the tour staff Michael Jackson used to buy two seats (so no-one could sit next to him) then "throw a blanket over his head" so no-one could see him I suppose!! on flights with them.

Strange world we live in.[msneek][msneek]

[Katys Grandad]

I think the value that each individual puts on it, as with most things, 'depends'.

Because I fly regularly I am entitled to 8 upgrades a year on any route provided there aren't more than 3 segments so I can fly more or less anywhere in the world in First/Business without paying a penny more. I also have more frequent flyer miles than I'll ever need so I could avoid economy every time I travel by using those.

Because the 8 allowance doesn't cover all my needs I am selective on when I use them. To me, upgrading on night flights is much more valuable than on a day flight. As all UK-US flights are day flights I tend to use them for the overnight returns. That also means that I don't have to pay the extra rip-off £60 UK Departure Tax. An overnight Los Angeles-London in economy is brutal so I upgrade to Business on those but a Manchester-New York 7 hour day flight is perfectly acceptable so I don't waste my upgrades on those. I know many frequent flyers who take the same approach if they're paying for their own ticket. There are of course a few people who are 'in the know' and can get free upgrades and special fares - I've met quite a few over the years although, curiously, always in the Economy cabin.

I have never flow Premium Economy in my life because I think it's very little different to Economy. I have bought the equivalent BA World Traveller Plus tickets but only because I can easily upgrade those to Club with miles.

My own opinion is if you can't run to Business or First then save the money to spend on the ground. YMMV of course.