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 HumphriesJan 14, 2023, 17:03 IST

Insider's author was surprised by business-class perks like hot towels and lie-flat beds on her long-haul flight.Monica Humphries/Insider

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

Earlier this summer, I boarded what was easily the most glamorous plane ride of my life: a business-class flight on Air New Zealand. Throughout the 13-hour ride, I encountered constant surprises.

The author in her business-class seat on an Air New Zealand long-haul flight.Monica Humphries/Insider

Earlier this summer, I boarded what was easily the most glamorous plane ride of my life: a business-class flight on Air New Zealand. Throughout the 13-hour ride, I encountered constant surprises.

The surprises started before I even stepped onto the plane: my first-class ticket came with access to an airport lounge.

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

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

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

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

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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.

Earlier this summer, I boarded what was easily the most glamorous plane ride of my life: a business-class flight on Air New Zealand. Throughout the 13-hour ride, I encountered constant surprises.

The surprises started before I even stepped onto the plane: my first-class 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 airplane 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.