10 Things I Loved About Flying First Class
In my life, I’ve had the option of flying First Class a total of three times. All three times, I had the opportunity to upgrade my seat to a first class seat. I did not pay the expensive rate you pay when you first book, nor did I receive an upgrade because of a credit card or airline miles perk. On all three trips, I was offered the option to upgrade and pay an additional fee when I was checking in and I jumped on it. This doesn’t always happen and in fact, most of the time, it doesn’t happen, so it was a good opportunity for me to experience it and then share about it. Let me tell you, while I won’t spend the large sum of money it takes to book a first class ticket initially, I will take advantage of it when I’m able to upgrade my coach ticket. I loved flying First Class and here is why.
10 Things I Loved About Flying First Class
1 – Priority boarding. I’ve been on a good number of flights where you’re waiting for your Group number to be called and everyone rushes the “non red carpet line” to be the first in that group to board. While it is not fun and not preferred, it’s something I normally have to do when flying. However, when flying first class, you get priority boarding (and you get to walk down the silly red carpet on the left side of the rope with the Priority Boarding sign). You get to board the plane before the majority of the flight does.
2 – May include checked luggage. When I flew first class this last time, I didn’t have to pay extra to check my bag. If you’re wondering what my luggage is, I love this best samsonite luggage. I didn’t even know that until I was checking my luggage curbside and the attendant told me that since I had a first class ticket, up to two pieces of luggage were included at no extra charge. Cool!
3 – Where they know your name. The first time I flew first class, I was shocked when the flight attendant introduced himself and knew my name. I remember taking a double take and asked him how he knew my name. In the majority of my flights, I don’t think they know anything about you (unless you’re sitting an emergency row maybe). When I asked the flight attendant how he knew my name, he showed me a roster of the first class passengers (like a map) that had our names on it for easy reference. Wow, I felt pretty special!
4 – Ultimate comfort on the plane. I’m gonna say first and foremost, the seats are way more comfortable than in Coach and you actually have a lot of leg room! Plus there is a tray table that is much bigger and you DON’T get squished when the person in front of you leans back their seat!!! Definitely ideal for a long trip…or any trip honestly! I did still need to ask my neighbor if she could let me out to use the restroom, but I think I could have squeezed past her if I had to.
5 – Blanket or headphones anyone? Do you remember the episode of “Seinfeld” when Jerry got to sit in First Class and Elaine was stuck in Coach? He had a blanket, slippers, champagne in a goblet, hot fudge sundae, the works. Ok, so it’s not exactly like that, but you do get your own blanket and headphones to use. I will say that I was happy I had this blanket as my extra jacket was packed away and it was a bit chilly on the plane. I didn’t use the headphones, but thought it was cool that you didn’t have to pay the $2.00 or $3.00 fee for them.
6 – Great customer service from the flight attendant and staff. I definitely noticed a difference in the way they treated you in First Class versus Coach. Now this could have just been the staff, but I have a feeling that there was an actual difference (especially with all the times I’ve flown in Coach before). Not only do they greet you by name or pay extra special attention to all of your needs, but they also offer to take your jacket and help you with your luggage when you board.
6 – Start with a drink and end with a drink. In Coach, you’re lucky if your flight includes a soda, yet alone nuts or pretzels. In First Class, you can enjoy as many drinks (even those with alcohol) at no extra charge. That’s right! As soon as you are seated, the flight attendant asks if you would like something to drink…while people are still boarding the plane! Whoa! The first time I flew First Class, I did not realize you could get an alcoholic drink until more than halfway through my flight. Bummer! I know it now though and that’s all that matters. Ha ha! Oh and I asked if there was a limit on how many drinks someone could get in First Class and they told me they could have as many as they wanted unless it started affecting them negatively.
7 – Never-ending snacks…if you want. Shortly after take off, the flight attendant came around and asked if we wanted another drink. I ordered a Bloody Mary (of course). Then he came around with a basket of snacks. You could take as many as you want and several of the passengers did! They had popcorn, chips, chocolate chip cookies, CLIF bars and more.
8 – Breakfast, lunch or dinner is included! Depending on the length of your flight and time of the day, you may be served breakfast, lunch or dinner. In my case, I was served breakfast on this flight because it was early in the morning. There was a choice between 3 different entrees and I chose the one with eggs and sausage on a biscuit. It came with a danish, pastry or roll, as well as fruit and yogurt. Plus, they gave you a mini salt and pepper and Tabasco Sauce. Oh and they give you actual serving utensils and a cloth napkin with ceramic dishes, not just the plastic sporks with paper plates and napkins.
9 – Warm towel for what? Another thing they do in First Class is give you a warm towel after you’ve eaten. Ok now that I’ve typed this out, I guess I can see why they give you a warm towel. I guess to wipe your hands off? I saw some people wiping their face and neck with it, but I had makeup on and hadn’t seen my husband for 5 days, so that warm cloth wasn’t going anywhere near my face. I did like that it was nice and warm though. Simple pleasures I guess.
10 – Private bathroom. While I’ve been on flights and have seen people in Coach open up that thin little curtain and use the bathroom in the front, the flight attendant tried to limit how many people were doing that. It was nice and made it so there was always a bathroom available to use. Plus, it was actually pretty clean!!! I don’t really know if that was because it was at the front or just the beginning of the day, but seeing as how I’ve never used the one in First Class, I just assumed it had something to do with that.
Flying First Class was a pretty awesome experience and maybe we would buy First Class tickets or private jets for sale if we were millionaires, but other than that, I’ll wait to upgrade when I have the chance. As you can see, there were a lot of perks to flying First Class and it was definitely an enjoyable experience. Next time, I might even try out a Private Plane Charter Program. This time in first class really made my husband want to learn how to fly a plane, of course the though of getting on a plane with him behind the stick was terrifying but after a bit of convincing we found ourselves look for floatplane training courses.
Have you ever flown First Class before? What did you like about it?
[wl_faceted_search]
[…] In my life, I’ve had the option of flying First Class a total of three times. All three times, I had the opportunity to upgrade my seat to a first class seat. I did not pay the expensive rate you pay when you first book, nor did I receive an upgrade because of a credit […] Click Here For Original Source Of The Article […]
I flew first class for the first time last year. It’s hard to go back to coach after that….
Seriously Robin! First Class is soooo nice!!! Makes it hard to go back! Ha ha! But I guess the ticket price makes it a little easier. Hee hee! 🙂
I’ve only flown once and was lucky enough to be put in first class for part of the flight. If given the chance i will try and make sure i get first class next time!
Wow – you were really lucky to be in First Class for even part of your flight flying the first time. Trust me, flying is NOT always like that! 🙂
The difference between first class and coach is absolutely astounding. If I could afford it, I’d travel first class all the time.
I know, right? It’s amazing how differently you’re treated in First Class versus Coach. I would do it all the time if I could afford it too!
First class is the bomb! I don’t do it often, but when I do, I feel like a rockstar.
Well heck yes who wouldn’t love to fly first class all the time. When they bring the price of the tickets down maybe we would be able to treat ourselves.
I have only flown first class once in my life. It was during a horrible snow storm so nothing went as it should have. Needless to say we did not get the “royal treatment” you usually do on first class. I was a bit bummed but it was still WAY better than coach! I hope to fly first class again someday.
First class flying most definitely sounds like the best way to fly, I would love to flying first class myself.
I’m definitely a nervous flyer, but I think being pampered in first class would definitely ease the anxiety!
I have flown first class a few times. It is a world of difference from flying coach!
I have never flown first class, but I would like to. I like the unlimited drinks and more space.
I feel so bad now that i never flew first class. Your flight looked so relaxing and so much fun. I will upgrade if I ever get the chance.
These really were some sweet perks! I think it’s nice to upgrade every once in a while.
I have never flown first class!! OMG! It sounds like heaven! I love the endless snacks, the knowing your name and the extra leg room!! Sign me up!
I always get a little sad walking on a plane past first class. I want to be there with Rose and not in the back with Jack 😉
Flying first class sounds awesome. Such great amenities. Most flights I’ve been on (even long ones) don’t have food at all (except a bag of pretzels) these days!
I’ve never flown first class before, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about it! I’m so glad that you had the chance to treat yourself to all of the nice perks!
I’ve never flown first class, but have walked through it while boarding and always said one day that will be me sitting there enjoying myself before takeoff.
I’d love to fly first class some day. It sounds like they know how to pamper their guests way up at the front of the plane!
I’ve flown first-class once and it was an awesome experience. If it’s not so expensive I would fly first class every time I travel.
I have never flown first class, but I have to say that breakfast looked pretty amazing for being up in the air! Yum! I have also wondered why they give a hot towel to the first class passengers, but as a women I wouldn’t wipe off my make up either!
I would LOVE to fly first class one day!! I may need to look into that for my next trip!!!
I haven’t flown much and haven’t had a chance to fly first class but seriously what an awesome experience. I really do think they should do this for the entire plane!
I’ve never flown first class but it’s always been something I’d love to do. I’d probably do it how you have to and taken the upgrades as opposed to paying straight out x
Don’t you just feel so special whenever you fly first class? My husband and I don’t often purchase first class tickets but we make sure we make the most of it when we get the chance to do so!
I have yet to fly first class! I would love to experience it – when I’m not flying with the kids. On my travel bucket list.
That flight attendant is up for photo shoot ain’t he? I agree, flying first class is a lot nicer.
So amazing! I would love to fly first class. I had no idea they know your name! I fly a lot, and my biggest pet peeve is when they are calling rows and no one listens. They just jump in line. I would love to board calmly and relax in first class.
I absolutely agree with all these!! I’ve experienced flying first class once and I really enjoyed the comfort and snacks and everything! Amazing!
First class is pretty nice, we went for our honeymoon to Hawaii and the space we had and the food was great. Also I like that there’s a place for your feet to rest, like international flights.
I have never flown first class before. These are all great perks though if you can fly first class. I am sure comfort is a big thing for many.
Flying first class is definitely an experience. So many don’t realize what all is offered and think it’s just for the rich. It’s totally not!
I haven’t been on a plane since I was 8 and it was only one time ever so I think if I were to be paying for a flight I’d be doing it first class because this looks awesome!
I’ve flown the lowest class most of my life. However, I’ve gotten the luxury of first class a couple of times and can relate to your list!
I flew first class one time. There is definitely a difference between that and coach. I can see why you would like first class more.
You look good in first class! It a luxury but I would love to fly first class more often. It’s the perfect way to start out a trip relaxed.
I flew first class once, but only because I got bumped, Lucky, I guess. But I enjoyed every minute of it and every extra inch of leg space. That was an awesome experience for me.
So many great things to love about flying first class! Warm nuts, cocktails and cookies were always my favorite when I was flying more often.
I’ve never been lucky enough to fly first class but hopefully one day I will be!
I would love to fly first class at least once! I like flying coach and all, but I want to feel that luxurious at least once, lol
I’ve flown first class a few times and I love it. It’s definitely worth the extra price. The priority boarding, not having to pay extra for luggage, comfy seats and great service is such a treat.
I have flown first a few times, but haven’t paid for it. I mostly love the extra room – you can stretch!
This is on my bucket list for 2017. It seems like your experience was all that and some. – yolonda
I love the few times that I have flown first class too. The service and seats are so much better. It takes my mind off the flying aspect.
It really is such a treat to fly first class! That is awesome!
My daughter and I were flying once and they asked me if I wanted to let her upgrade to First Class for the flight. She was a teen and I knew she’d love it. She did. 😉 I’ve still never flown first class. I’d love to on a long flight though!
You are so right with all of those points. So far the best First Class experience I’ve had is on a long distance international flight. I was traveling with my toddler. Phew!!!
I haven’t been flying with first class! I totally love those amazing photos! I’m glad that you had fun and amazing experience.
I am not really that into flying but if I had to, I would totally want to fly this way. Who wouldn’t want to be more comfy, that sounds awesome!
I’ve never flown first class, it is totally a dream of mine though ha! When I get enough money I might treat myself 🙂 It seems you definitely get taken care of and have some extra treats 🙂
First class is definitely awesome!!! Back when I lived in Orlando…8-10 years ago…. I would upgrade all the time because it was only $50 on delta! Unfortunately prices like that don’t exist anymore…
I love First Class! American Airlines knows how to do it right- Ialways try to get 1st class when flying more than 3 hours
What’s not to love? It’s definitely a treat thats worth splurging on.
I fly first class whenever the budget allows. I just love the extra space, the service, the food! You really get your money’s worth if you fly first class.
I love flying first class too! You can never go wrong! There’s so many perks!
I haven’t flown first class…yet, but I know it is waiting for me somewhere in the future. 😉 I have a bladder the size of a walnut, and having a bathroom within easy access would make it worth it to me.
I’ve flown first class and it is the best way to fly! They pamper you all the way.
I’ve never flown first class before, but it sounds incredible! I definitely don’t want to fly in coach next time I go away after reading your post.
Louise x
You’re so lucky, Shannon! I’d love to do this one day! Any tips I should know before flying first class?
OK you are going to think I am a complete stone age person. I Have NEVER flown on a plane. I used to dream about flying somewhere back in the days before everything got crazy. Now, I know I likely wont be flying.I want to go first class.
I’ve never flown first class, it looks enjoyable though.
I have never flown first class, in fact I have never flown on a plane before. Yeah, i know thats odd I guess. Years ago, I used to want to fly sooooooooooooooo bad. Then after 9/11 and all the TSA junk, nope no thanks. Way back when, everything you mentioned was common back when I wanted to fly. It was an adventure, and a pleasant one, now it seems youre crammed in and it is like being on an old bus.
I can see why you like first class though!