At this early point in the year it is not clear if I will push for elite status once again on United Airlines or truly embrace the freestyle life of buying whatever ticket works best based on date, time, and cost. In any case, there are a number of first class products I do hope to try in 2024, which is much less exotic than my business class list.
7 First Class Products I Hope To Try In 2024
This is not an exhaustive list, but I would place these seven products at the top of the list.
JAL A350-1000 Suites
I wish I made a proactive booking last year on the JFK-HND route, but I do look forward to sampling the new suites onboard the JAL A350-1000s at some point this year. We’ll see whether JAL releases any award space, because the sticker price is extremely high.
Lufthansa A350-900
We’ll see if the new Allegris First Class suite actually debuts this year, but if it does I certainly hope to give it a try.
Korean Air 747-8 + A380-800
This product has been on my list for years. The problem is that Korean Air does not realize space in advance any longer so I am not quite sure how to do it, though I will try the waitlist feature (anyone have any luck with it?). Somehow I need to get on the 747-8 and the A380. Korean Air was historically much more generous in releasing A380 space than 747-8 space, but it is the 747-8 that has the latest “Kosmo 2.0” suites (operating from ATL and JFK currently).
SWISS 777-300ER
I have not flown SWISS First since late 2017 and I need to give SWISS First Class another try, ideally with a long connection in Zurich such that I can make use of both the Schengen and non-Schengen first class lounges.
Etihad A380-800
I’d like to give Etihad another try in first class from Abu Dhabi to London to check up on how the carrier is investing in first class as it brings the A380 back into service.
British Airways 777-300
I firmly believe that British Airways offers a very undervalued business and first class product and hope to use an oft-cancelled pandemic-era ticket to fly first class on British Airways this year on a longhaul flight, preferably aboard the newly-configured 777-300ER.
Oman Air 787-9
I’ve been to Muscat many years ago, but I’d like to spend more time in Oman and when doing so, sample the flag carrier in first class, which is an Aeroplan partner. I’ve been to the Oman Air lounge several times in Bangkok, but never stepped foot on an Oman Air flight. I see a lot of award space to Frankfurt on the older A330, but nothing to London on the 787, which is what I want to review.
CONCLUSION
While I am setting a number of ambitious travel goals now, I do wonder how this year will turn out in terms of travel. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes toward striking the right balance between this blog and my other endeavors, but I am confident everything will fall into place and you will be treated to some fascinating reviews this year.
What first class products are you looking to fly in 2024?
Nice compilation, particularly as a wish list. My question is how you can pull this off using points and miles. Sure, some of these are obvious but Swiss, for example? Boarding Area is largely predicated on points and miles and I know that there’s no way I could afford to fly long haul on Swiss first class if I was paying cash. How to pull that off using miles is the real trick although I’ll cheerfully read your review of a $12,000 paid flight anyway.
I know Ben just tried and failed to do an upgrade on a business award…but the “A” fares (when available) are pretty decent. If I can get one on one of my Africa trips, I’ll spend the ~$3K one-way for two segments in F from JNB-ZRH-LAX.
Lufthansa updating their ancient upper class seats in 2024? Haha, fat chance.
I am certainly skeptical as well, but that is what they are saying.
KE used to do some interesting F fares ex-CAI/IST, although I don’t think I have seen anything recently.
I miss LAX-GRU on KE…need to try LATAM, though I want to review. Dreamliner not a 777.
None. The cost is too high and for nearly all of them positioning flights are required.
What it looks like I will fly in 2024 is:
– JL J
– BR J
– AF J
– AY J
– VS J
– KE J
And at the beginning of 2025:
– SQ J
I don’t feel like I am missing out on much.
I might add
Gee,Matt. The lengths you’ll go to for a plate of Machboos on board. You’ll be golden as long as you don’t try flying MCT-FRA in first.
Korean Air waitlist seems to be the way to go, as I read on some other blog – request clears most of the times. Good luck!
@Konstantin and @Matthew I need to find some DPs of this working.
I assume the usual suspects, like FT?
Swiss ground experience plus service in the air are wonderful. I paid $1200 to upgrade as a treat and it was worth it for ZRH-SFO. If you take it, seek out seat 1A.
Good to know that pricing point. I certainly want to try it from ZRH-LAX/SFO (or at least anywhere from ZRH).