Until the end of June, everything I knew about business class travel came from observing its passengers as I made my way to the back of the plane.
A lifetime coach traveler, I'd gauged a few things about flying first class: that depending on the plane and airline, passengers usually get lie-flat seats, more gourmet meals, and an all-around more luxurious experience than those of us sat next to the plane bathroom.
That changed earlier this summer when I flew JetBlue's Mint business class for the first time. On the company's first-ever flight from New York City to Paris, I found that my previous understanding was true — business class travelers do get better food and seats.
But there were also a few things I hadn't considered that really surprised me. Take a look.