FIRST CLASS TRAVEL SECRETS

As us baby boomers retire we start to think "gee all those years cramped in economy with the kids maybe its time to treat ourselves to some First Class or at least Business Class air travel". Its all great right ? Er no. Just like there is a huge difference between different airlines down the back of the bus the same thing applies to the pointy end. Here's some secrets and tips to help you get the most out of your Business or First class ticket.

1. DON'T shop off the airlines web sites. While the airlines can and do play with the cost of those coach tickets , and you can get some good deals , they hardly ever touch their premium seats. Why ? Its because that's where they make the most margin. Shop around on some of the better travel web sites for your First or Business Class ticket and your bound to find a better deal. Also don't necessarily be loyal to your Frequent Flyer plan. If you can get a First class ticket on any airline that is a $1000 cheaper than your Frequent Flyer airline why blow the money for a few extra points ?

2. Avoid American carriers like the plague. Sorry guys they just don't know how to do great stuff at the pointy end. The food  is generally still bad , the glasses are sometimes still plastic , the blankets and pillows are thin , the planes are old and the First Class lounges (unless they are using someone elses) are pretty lacklustre. Last time I was in the First Class Admirals Club lounge at JFK I was given a coupon for 2 drinks and there was a jar of pretzels - please ! If you are travelling outside the USA and you want to get serious about your hard earned bucks going into First or Business Class go with a carrier that knows the meaning of the word. So who is the best ? Generally in all the magazine awards the gongs normally go to the Asian carriers. Here's our list :

* Singapore Airlines. Consistently at the top of the heap. Great service. Lie flat beds even in Business , great food , modern aircraft and top of the range entertainment systems with over 100 movies , games music you name it - you ll never get bored.

* Emirates. The new kid on the block that is chasing Singapore FAST. The newest fleet in the sky. Unbelievable entertainment system. Great food and wine. Attentive if a little cold service and the thing I love about Emirates - free limos to and from the airport for Business or First passengers.

* Etihad. Emirates are chasing Singapore and the other Middle East airlines are out to chase Emirates. I have not travelled with them but I hear they are stunning

* Qantas. The flying kangaroo still does it well with lie flat beds in business class on most flights and superb food and wine. The planes are starting to get a bit old and dirty and some of the interiors need a make over so it can be a bit hit and miss at the moment. Just like the staff. I recently came back London-Hong Kong-Sydney First Class. The London based crew were stunning but the crew out of Hong Kong were tired old and could barely get through the gig.

* Air New Zealand. On the come back trail with new 777's on the North American-South Pacific route. You can also catch them at good prices between LAX and London. You will find the ticket prices are sharp and food and service good. The new aircraft have lie flat beds in their Business Class (see photo with this story). They don't do First anymore. However the fleet upgrade is still on going so check that your getting a bed and not a seat.

* Malaysian. Some call it the poor mans Singapore but they have sharp fares.

* Thai. Some call them the poor mans Malaysian ! I have heard mixed comments.

* British Airways. Poor old aunty. I have had some good flights. But the food is a struggle and the fleets getting old. If your flying across the pond to the UK your probably better off with Virgin Upper Class or from LA I would grab Air New Zealand

3. Beds Vs Seats - Go Figure !. Make sure you check with your nominated carrier that the flight you are on has a lie flat bed and not a seat ! The smarter airlines are upgrading fast. If your in  First Class and it does not have a bed your really not in First Class anymore. And most of the better airlines are putting the beds into Business. A word of warning though. We are in the middle of a lot of fleet upgrades so don't just check if your airline has beds check that the flight you are booked on has beds.

4. Get To The Airport Early and Enjoy the Lounge ! Great airlines have great lounges particularly in their home ports. The Cathay Lounge in Hong Kong is like a five star hotel. Singapore Airlines Singapore hub you could probably spend a week in ! Likewise Emirates at Dubai. Getting to the Airport early allows you time to have a free drink and meal ,catch up on your email , have a shower and just generally chill before the long flight. Your paying for it babe so enjoy the side bits !

We would love to hear any comments or secrets you have for getting the best out of First or Business travel.