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

Monica HumphriesMar 11, 2023, 17:22 IST

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

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

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 Champagne at the author's business-class seat.Monica Humphries/Insider

I cherished every sip of bubbly since sitting in business class was a rare luxury experience. And it's one I'm unlikely to go again soon.

After dinner, flight attendants stopped at each seat to convert it into a bed.Monica Humphries/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 sitting in coach.

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

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

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

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I flew in business class for the first time. It costs $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.

I cherished every sip of bubbly since sitting in business class was a rare luxury experience. And it's one I'm unlikely to go again soon.

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 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.