I got an unexpected surprise today when I checked in for my Aer Lingus flight: Free Business Class Upgrade. Score!
This was my first visit to the highfalutin' business class and I didn't know exactly what the prevailing ettiquette would be. All I knew was I would be getting a seat that reclined far enough back that you could actually get some serious sleep on the overnight flight. So here's what I learned:
1. Hot Towels - I'm not sure if it's the same on all airlines, but Aer Lingus provided a pre-dinner hot towel and a post-breakfast hot towel. I don't know what it is about hot towels, but they're nice.
2. Free Drinks - When I first boarded, I was offered my choice of champaigne, orange juice, or ice water. I wasn't sure at the time if the drinks were free, so I took the OJ, because I knew that it is free back in coach. Later, however, I put the free wine to the test and had a couple of glasses of a Spanish white wine with my meal.
3. Real Plates/Silverware - None of this plastic junk. The glasses were glass. The silverware was stainless steel. The plates were ceramic.
4. Super Recline-O Chairs - I was not disappointed. The reclining chairs were wonderful for sleeping. Don't get me wrong, this isn't Serta or Simmons comfort, but leagues beyond the chairs that recline one inch back in coach.
5. Better meals - Though these meals won't be served at 5-star restaurants, once again it's a considerable upgrade from coach.
6. Separate Baggage Claim - Your bags come off first and go to a separate baggage claim so it's easy to find your bag. Unfortunately, I did not realize this and sat at the regular baggage claim for half an hour before going to the baggage assistance desk. There they pointed me to the right place to pick up my big. Low and behold it was sitting there all by itself.
Thus were my adventures in Business Class. I hope that I get the privelege of riding there again. If you've flown Business Class, what's your favorite feature? If you haven't flown Business Class, what do you utterly hate about flying coach?
This was my first visit to the highfalutin' business class and I didn't know exactly what the prevailing ettiquette would be. All I knew was I would be getting a seat that reclined far enough back that you could actually get some serious sleep on the overnight flight. So here's what I learned:
1. Hot Towels - I'm not sure if it's the same on all airlines, but Aer Lingus provided a pre-dinner hot towel and a post-breakfast hot towel. I don't know what it is about hot towels, but they're nice.
2. Free Drinks - When I first boarded, I was offered my choice of champaigne, orange juice, or ice water. I wasn't sure at the time if the drinks were free, so I took the OJ, because I knew that it is free back in coach. Later, however, I put the free wine to the test and had a couple of glasses of a Spanish white wine with my meal.
3. Real Plates/Silverware - None of this plastic junk. The glasses were glass. The silverware was stainless steel. The plates were ceramic.
4. Super Recline-O Chairs - I was not disappointed. The reclining chairs were wonderful for sleeping. Don't get me wrong, this isn't Serta or Simmons comfort, but leagues beyond the chairs that recline one inch back in coach.
5. Better meals - Though these meals won't be served at 5-star restaurants, once again it's a considerable upgrade from coach.
6. Separate Baggage Claim - Your bags come off first and go to a separate baggage claim so it's easy to find your bag. Unfortunately, I did not realize this and sat at the regular baggage claim for half an hour before going to the baggage assistance desk. There they pointed me to the right place to pick up my big. Low and behold it was sitting there all by itself.
Thus were my adventures in Business Class. I hope that I get the privelege of riding there again. If you've flown Business Class, what's your favorite feature? If you haven't flown Business Class, what do you utterly hate about flying coach?
2 comments:
Now you've done it...every coach flight from now on will only remind you of how great non-coach is!!
Glad you got the perk, especially for such a long flight. Got the freebie once for a mere 3 hour flight and loved it.
The recline is big. I also like the free wine & champagne. Together, they make sleeping much easier ...
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