I took an $8,000 business-class flight with Virgin Atlantic. It was worth my airline points, but I wouldn't pay cash for it.

Kara PanzerJan 12, 2024, 17:55 IST

I took a business-class flight from London to New York City.Kara Panzer

I spent 12 hours flying from London to New York in Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class.
When bad weather added an extra four hours to the journey, I was really grateful for my comfy seat.

When my family decided to meet in the UK for a vacation, I used the opportunity to explore my options for redeeming my Chase Sapphire credit-card points.

I decided to splurge for a business-class ticket for the return flight so that I had something fun to look forward to at the end of my trip.

After scouring some mileage blogs for the best options, I settled on Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class, which is a transfer partner for Chase. Booking about four months ahead of my trip, I ultimately spent 47,500 points from my Chase account plus $781.50 in cash.

Since these tickets retail at $8,000 for a one-way seat, I felt as though I had gotten a good deal. Typically, an economy seat from London to New York can be found for under $500.

However, I had a great travel experience from start to finish, which justified the extra cost. Here's how my trip went:

The entire airport experience is better when flying business class.

I flew back to New York from London's Heathrow Airport.Kara Panzer

After making it through security, we headed straight to the Virgin Atlantic lounge.

Once in the lounge, my sister and I enjoyed the continental breakfast buffet.Kara Panzer

My ticket included access to an exclusive lounge on the plane.

My business-class ticket allowed me access to the in-flight lounge.Kara Panzer

I booked a window seat, but all of the options looked plush and comfortable.

I booked a window seat.Kara Panzer

I even got a goodie bag filled with toiletries.

The airline provided a bag full of toiletries and skin-care products.Kara Panzer

About 30 minutes after takeoff, the three-course food service began.

I really enjoyed the tangy quinoa and arugula salad.Kara Panzer

After the movie, I settled in for a nap.

I was able to fully recline my seat to create a bed.Kara Panzer

Two hours before the scheduled landing, a flight attendant came by to offer another meal service.

For my second meal, I enjoyed a vegan wrap.Kara Panzer

Flying in business class can't shield you from all inconveniences.

We made a rainy pit stop in Boston.Kara Panzer

Thanks to a combination of deplaning first and Global Entry membership, I made it out of the terminal in record time.

I made it through the chaotic terminal in record time.Kara Panzer

See inside this chic, 1970s Santa Barbara houseboat named Thomas Jefferson that can be yours for $4.9 million

Cookies on the Business Insider India website