Alison Millington / Business Insider
A few things surprised me on my first ever business class flight.
- I recently flew business class for the first time on an American Airlines flight from London to New York.
- The seat was more comfortable and private than I imagined, but the food wasn't quite as luxurious as I expected.
- Here are all of the things that surprised me, and why I think people really splash out money or miles to fly business.
I wish I'd been smarter with air miles so I'd never have to fly long-haul in economy class again.
That's what I found myself thinking as I settled into my first-ever business class seat on a recent American Airlines flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK.
As a pretty frequent traveler across the Atlantic - I'm a Canadian living in London who makes the trip home regularly - the idea of splurging on a first or even business class ticket has always seemed beyond me, especially as I've only been properly collecting miles for under two years.
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However, when I was offered an upgrade from economy to business class at the gate as I was boarding my eight-hour flight to New York, I jumped at the chance (despite the fact I was travelling with my boyfriend who, having booked separately, didn't have the same option).
We took turns in the upgraded seat to see what flying long-haul in business class is really like - and there were a few things that surprised me.