The first time I flew on Business Class it changed my life… and ruined my expectations about air travel altogether. I remember it like it was yesterday: ten years ago, I was flying from Honolulu to Bangkok via United for work. I had upgraded with my miles and the experience was pretty glorious, especially when you have two long flight segments. This was the golden age of mileage travel, when you could easily upgrade your ticket with miles – without the ridiculous mile and cash expectations imposed on the airlines these days. Thankfully, it was the beginning of many First and Business Class travel experiences, for which I am very grateful. When I look back at those experiences (besides the amenities, the leg space, and the comfort), there’s definitely a highlight that is missing on coach: good food. I asked around to my veteran luxury travel friends to get their feedback on some of their favorite First or Business Class dining experiences. This is what they had to say:
Photo credit: Luxe Travel Family Blog
From Caviar to Champagne: First and Business Class Dining Stories:
Nancy from Luxe Travel Family Blog: “After pre-flight champagne and macadamia nuts, guests in the spacious Lufthansa First Class cabin are offered a choice of appetizers, including caviar with traditional garnishes. I rarely eat caviar but find it difficult to resist in the Lufthansa First Class cabin! A soup course, entree, salad buffet, and selection of cheese and dessert complete the attentive, and often exceptional, Lufthansa First Class dining experience.”
Photo Credit: Emirates Airlines
Martin van Dop, editorial contributor at Dining Traveler: “With my height (6’9”) I am always very grateful when I do have the chance to fly Business Class, especially on long flights. One such long flight was from Amsterdam to Melbourne, Australia. Usually, I would have chosen to spend a night or two in Asia to acclimatize a little and enjoy great food there, but this time I was on a bit of a tight schedule. Not to worry – as I was pampered on Emirates Airlines’ A380 Business Class. Firstly, it is quite relaxing to change up the sitting routine (although the seats have a pulsating massage mode that stimulates your blood circulation and keeps your back happy) by taking a stroll to their bar area where they will prepare you a mean gin and tonic or any other cocktail of your choosing. Quite surreal to be lounging at a bar at 30,000 ft. As to food; I actually remember replicating this dish after I came home (who can say that about an airline meal): an appetizer of lightly seared tuna strips on a bed of Japanese button mushrooms and seaweed salad with a drizzle of balsamico. The sweetness of the seaweed salad, the tart vinegar with the tuna and mushrooms: divine! The glass of perfectly chilled sauvignon made this appetizer extremely memorable.”
Photo Credit: Cathay Pacific
Michael L, a seasoned Business Class traveler based in New York City: “Aboard Cathay Pacific’s First Class experience, it provides ample comfort and space as you fall into your luxurious seat for the next 14 hours. As you wait to take off, enjoy a refreshing glass of Krug and salmon tartare as this amuse bouche sets the tone for what’s to come. Meal service is set up with meticulous detail, comparable to 5-star dining. Begin your meal with champagne wishes and caviar dreams. Whether you desire perfectly cooked tenderloin steak or stir-fry lobster, dining options offer both Western and Chinese style meals to best suit your palate preferences.”
Photo Credit: Cathay Pacific
As for me, my favorite Business Class dining experience was flying from Beijing to Seoul on Asiana. I must say, Asian airlines set the example for the rest of the airline industry when it comes to great service and food. Although a short flight, we were treated to a beautiful lunch and had the choice between a western or Asian selection. I opted for a noodle dish that did not disappoint, it was paired with champagne, of course!
Photo Retrieved from: UltimateClassAirfares
Given that the golden age of mileage First and Business Class travel is over, there are other means of getting the best deal when it comes to purchasing first or business class travel tickets. That’s where Ultimate Class Airfares comes in. Their service is so personalized that you put in a request via their website and then a representative contacts you within 24 hours to discuss your First and Business Class travel plans. As I’m sure many of you know, sometimes it’s tricky to find a good deal on premium seats. Well, they make it not only easy – but personal.
What’s your most memorable First or Business Class dining experience? Share it in the comments!
Disclaimer: this post was sponsored by Ultimate Class Airfares. As always, opinions are my own…
Ah business and first class traveling truly does spoil you for coach on that next budget trip… I’ve always had a great experience flying first class with Virgin Atlantic, especially when you have a decent amount of time to enjoy those lounges in London! 😉
I was upgraded on Cathay Pacific for a trip to the Philippines when I had a business there. Spoiled forever, as this was many years ago when First Class was over the top. I remember copious amounts of champagne and delicious seafood. You know it’s a great experience when you don’t want to land!
Comments are closed.