I flew in business class for the first time. It cost $6,000 and was the best flight of my life, but I wouldn't do it again for 5 reasons.

Monica HumphriesMar 26, 2024, 12:47 IST

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

I took a 12-hour, business-class flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand.
Air New Zealand's business-class seats on this route typically cost $6,000.

Every time I book a flight, I eye the first-class and business-class seats.

The extra space, the delicious food, and the endless bubbly seem like pure luxury. Just as I'm tempted to turn my daydream into reality and switch from economy class to first, my brain reminds me that I don't have an endless budget.

Things changed during the summer of 2021 when Air New Zealand invited me to its headquarters to cover the airline's redesigned cabins. For the 12-hour flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, I'd sit in business class for the first time.

It was easily the most glamorous ride of my entire life, and I disembarked knowing that I likely wouldn't do it again anytime soon.

Minutes after settling into business class on an Air New Zealand flight, I had the realization that this plane ride was going to be unlike any other flight I'd taken.

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

Every expectation of business class was met, but I'd ultimately never shell out $10,000 for a round-trip ticket. It's not like the plane will get there faster than it would if I were sitting in coach.

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

Every expectation of business class was met, but I'd ultimately never shell out $10,000 for a round-trip ticket. It's not like the plane will get there faster than it would if I were sitting in coach.

For the same price as a round-trip flight, in theory, I could've paid for another three weeks in New Zealand, covered months of rent, or put a down payment on a new car.

Business Insider's author went bungee jumping in New Zealand.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

For the same price as a round-trip flight, in theory, I could've paid for another three weeks in New Zealand, covered months of rent, or put a down payment on a new car.

The flight also taught me that I don't truly embrace the motto: "It's about the journey, not the destination." To me, flights are all about getting from point A to point B.

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

The flight also taught me that I don't truly embrace the motto: "It's about the journey, not the destination." To me, flights are all about getting from point A to point B.

I previously never considered the environmental toll of sitting in business class.

The business-class cabin on Air New Zealand's Boeing 787 Dreamliner.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I am privileged to be able to sit in an economy cabin as an able-bodied person, and I plan to do so for as long as possible.

The author in an economy-class seat.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Ultimately, I'm at a point in my life where every dollar and every day of exploring matters to me. For now, I'll skip paying for a business-class seat.

Business Insider's author in front of the geodesic dome she spent a night in during a trip to New Zealand.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

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I flew in business class for the first time. It cost $6,000 and was the best flight of my life, but I wouldn't do it again for 5 reasons.

Minutes after settling into business class on an Air New Zealand flight, I had the realization that this plane ride was going to be unlike any other flight I'd taken.

Every expectation of business class was met, but I'd ultimately never shell out $10,000 for a round-trip ticket. It's not like the plane will get there faster than it would if I were sitting in coach.

For the same price as a round-trip flight, in theory, I could've paid for another three weeks in New Zealand, covered months of rent, or put a down payment on a new car.

The flight also taught me that I don't truly embrace the motto: "It's about the journey, not the destination." To me, flights are all about getting from point A to point B.

I previously never considered the environmental toll of sitting in business class.

I am privileged to be able to sit in an economy cabin as an able-bodied person, and I plan to do so for as long as possible.

Ultimately, I'm at a point in my life where every dollar and every day of exploring matters to me. For now, I'll skip paying for a business-class seat.