The world’s cheapest business class flight?

[Quickstatus]

One of the biggest benefits for lounges -

Only if airside and only if the airline is operating the lounge.

Was a waste of time in SFO once when I was not allowed to use CX Marco Polo(even though under OW rules I could as WP) . Had to slum it in the "associate lounge canteen run by AF who just said speak with QF when the airline decided to cancel QF74 at 2am

Had excellent service though from AAEagles Nest lounge when my flight from DFW arrived too late for the SFO connection. They put me to the top of the standby for the next available flight.

 

[Kiwi_Flyer]

Many years ago when nz flew nrt-chc-akl with 747 you could buy j for chc-akl for just a few dollars more than y. Was probably around the price in the op, but this was ~20 years ago.

 

[Rich]

I remember back in the day when only SQ and MH operated between SIN<>KUL. And only 2 classes were sold...economy and first (business class seating onboard). It was about an extra USD25 for first...and it got you did get access to the F lounge where you could sit at the bar and drink your body weight in Krug!

Back in the day (late 90s) in my early 20s I must have had less money than you because I used to cross the border and fly from JB on Malaysian. I don't remember if this is SGD or AUD (there was only about 10% difference) but economy worked out at $50. For an extra $9 I used to go business. For that I had lounge access (the first times I had ever used a lounge) which covered meal time. No booze in the lounge but I could get a beer and snacks in business on the plane.
On my last trip the new airport had opened in KL and we had to bus it from the plane to the terminal. Two massive buses rocked up. The 6 or so of us business class passengers took the first one and then I looked back to see everyone else piling in to the next one. I felt guilty and pretty pleased with myself at the same time.

 

[Mwenenzi]

How do you define business class? recliner seats or flat beds/suites?
The humble Marketing team at Qantas will tell you that Jetstar offers “Business class” for the pathetic recliner offering, but charged at exorbitant prices.
If comparing recliner seats marketed as Business, I just flew a Scoot “Business” DPS-SIN for $160 AUD. The quoted flight time is 2h35m.

Are airlines in the USA who will sell you a lesser quality seat (compared to JQ bus) as *First* class.

 

[bcworld]

Back in the day (late 90s) in my early 20s I must have had less money than you because I used to cross the border and fly from JB on Malaysian

The fare (it was in 2005) was about $75 in economy and $100 in 'first'. F lounge access = $25!

 

[Rich]

The fare (it was in 2005) was about $75 in economy and $100 in 'first'. F lounge access = $25!

I think it was around SGD160 for economy around 1998. Hence me departures from JB.
I flew that QF flight from SIN to BKK (on the way to Frankfurt) a couple of times which was the cheapest going at around SGD300.

 

[DazMel]

Initially I thought your article was going to be set in Tajikistan which sometimes features in British TV series like Spooks. Does anyone have experience with travel in Tajikistan?

 

[RooFlyer]

Does anyone have experience with travel in Tajikistan?

Yes, some, but maybe start a new thread under 'Destination guides'

 

[Rosege]

Looks like a great trip - have you read Eastern Approaches by Fitzroy Maclean?

 

[Mattg]

Looks like a great trip - have you read Eastern Approaches by Fitzroy Maclean?

I haven't - should I put it on my list?

 

[The Flying Schwartz]

What an interesting trip report, thanks Matt! And I’m loving the trend in safety videos these days. I think this one is even better than the somewhat trippy Thai Airways one

 

[Rosege]

I haven't - should I put it on my list?

If you are interested in that area of the world its a good read from a very interesting guy who travelled there before WW2. Eastern Approaches - Wikipedia

 

[blackcat20]

We once did NZ return in J for $50 (and no, not a reward flight).

 

[The Flying Schwartz]

We once did NZ return in J for $50 (and no, not a reward flight).

 

[Mattg]

We once did NZ return in J for $50 (and no, not a reward flight).

What was the route? Was it a mistake fare?