After years in coach, I took my first long-haul flight in business class. Here are 10 surprising things about the most glamorous plane ride of my life.

Monica HumphriesApr 3, 2024, 03:33 IST

Air New Zealand's business-class cabin.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In June 2022, I flew business class on an Air New Zealand flight to Auckland, New Zealand.
It was my first time in business class and during the 13-hour flight, I was pampered and amazed.

In the summer of 2022, I boarded what was — and continues to be — the most glamorous plane ride of my life.

I spent about 13 hours seated in Air New Zealand's business class on a long-haul flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand. Business Insider received a media rate for the round-trip flight.

Prior to the trip, I had only ever sat in economy. Spending thousands of dollars for a flight — this business-class ticket, for example, typically costs around $6,000 — never seemed worth it. But the perks were everything I'd dreamed of.

From meals that felt like fine dining to a turn-down service, I was spoiled and surprised throughout the entire flight.

The surprises started before I even stepped onto the plane. My ticket came with access to an airport lounge.

The bar at the Star Alliance Lounge at the Los Angeles International Airport.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

When it was time to board the flight, for the first time, I was one of the first people to walk onto the plane.

Business Insider's author entered a nearly empty jet bridge when she boarded the Air New Zealand flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I knew to expect more space in business class, but my seat exceeded my dreams.

The business-class section on Air New Zealand's Boeing 777-300ER planes.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Once on the plane, and before economy class had finished boarding, I was already sipping on Champagne.

A glass of Champagne at the author's business-class seat.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

A goodie bag of supplies for a long-haul flight was waiting in my seat.

Each business-class passenger received a bag of toiletries on the flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I thought airline courtesy meant never taking off your shoes. But before the plane left the jet bridge, I noticed that nearly everyone's shoes in business class were already off.

The two passengers across from the author had their shoes off shortly after boarding the flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I thought airline courtesy meant never taking off your shoes. But before the plane left the jet bridge, I noticed that nearly everyone's shoes in business class were already off.

Flight attendants offered passengers hot towels multiple times throughout the flight.

An Air New Zealand flight attendant passed out warm towels to business-class travelers.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Dinner wasn't wrapped in aluminum foil and didn't come with plastic cutlery. Instead, I was served a restaurant-level, three-course meal.

The author's first-course on her Air New Zealand flight.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

There's a turn-down service for lie-flat seats in business class.

After dinner, flight attendants stopped at each seat to convert it into a bed.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

By the end of the flight, I felt like I knew my flight attendants.

An Air New Zealand flight attendant prepares for passengers to board the plane.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

After a 13-hour flight, I thought I'd be begging the flight attendants to let me off the plane. But half a day in business class was even better than I imagined.

The author in her business-class seat.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I traveled first class on an Amtrak Acela train and thought the perks were cool — but not worth the $270 price tag

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

After years in coach, I took my first long-haul flight in business class. Here are 10 surprising things about the most glamorous plane ride of my life.

The surprises started before I even stepped onto the plane. My ticket came with access to an airport lounge.

When it was time to board the flight, for the first time, I was one of the first people to walk onto the plane.

I knew to expect more space in business class, but my seat exceeded my dreams.

Once on the plane, and before economy class had finished boarding, I was already sipping on Champagne.

A goodie bag of supplies for a long-haul flight was waiting in my seat.

I thought airline courtesy meant never taking off your shoes. But before the plane left the jet bridge, I noticed that nearly everyone's shoes in business class were already off.

Flight attendants offered passengers hot towels multiple times throughout the flight.

Dinner wasn't wrapped in aluminum foil and didn't come with plastic cutlery. Instead, I was served a restaurant-level, three-course meal.

There's a turn-down service for lie-flat seats in business class.

By the end of the flight, I felt like I knew my flight attendants.

After a 13-hour flight, I thought I'd be begging the flight attendants to let me off the plane. But half a day in business class was even better than I imagined.