Corporate Travel

My flight down to Buenos Aires was my first Business Class flight. I have been flying since I was a child, but discovered that I have never experienced the luxuries of flying.

During the domestic portion of the flight, I sat in First class. The big perk: sitting in the seat and watching everyone else file by, into the back. Yes, I felt elite and enjoyed it. Regular cabin passengers do give looks of contempt as they file into the back. Next time, please smile at the folks in First Class. It is not their fault they are there, and you know you would not voluntarily sit in the cattle car.

I had a six hour lay-over in Atlanta. The First Class Lounge-a whole other world. I was a starry-eyed Alice who just fell through the looking glass, simply by opening the door. The lounge had an ambiance of peace, a marked contrast to the bright lights, sterile floors, and hustle & bustle of the airport terminals. The lounge was carpeted and had over-stuffed chairs with end-tables and lamps (I know, hence the word lounge). There were windows into the outside world. People are relaxing, having snacks, working on computers, watching TV. There is a snack counter that provides substantial snacks (hummus, cheese, chocolate chip cookies) and an open bar. Who knew such an oasis existed at the airport.

I boarded the plane to Buenos Aires and  I entered to the left, Business Class, where I had to show my ticket to prove I was not lost. Once again, I was in awe--as though I had stepped into another secret world. I felt out of my element, like a child, playing in an adult's world. My co-workers have traveled first class before and were not enthralled, but probably were amused by my delight.

(I may also have texted my boss to say "thank you" before I placed my dinner order.)

Wonderful discoveries in Business Class:

1. I received a goodie bag, complete with ear plugs, an eye mask, tooth brush, socks, lotion, chap stick, and gum. The pillow was fluffy & full sized and the blanket was quilted and the head phones were Boss noise-canceling.

2. There is enough "leg room" that all of your items do not need to be stored in the over-head bins. They can simply sit at your feet during take-off.

3. Prior to the meal, I was given a warm washcloth. Then, a linen was placed over my lap tray. I believe I had three forks, two dull knives, and a couple of spoons, all in a linen napkin.





4. The meal includes a four course dinner (not counting the assortment of warmed nuts), served on real dishes. THEN a dessert cart circulates, up & down the aisles (extravagant-also, my favorite part).

As I walked through the aisles to prepare for bed, most fellow travelers were already sleeping, fully reclined, head phones and eye-mask on, blankets pulled up to their chins. It was at this moment that I realized what business class really is:

A sleep-over with 24 strangers.

(I did not think my fellow-travelers would appreciate this moment caught on film).