Let me paint you a picture. Imagine free unlimited drinks, a private bathroom and so much leg room I can’t even use it all. That is what first class is like, and that’s only the domestic flight. Currently I sit in my reclining seat seat to Newark, typing away while I await my complimentary serving of warm nuts.
It’s not everyday or even every lifetime one gets the opportunity to fly first class, let alone internationally. I am very lucky and grateful my mom elected to spend her miles for two one way first class tickets to Barcelona. When else are we going to do this? And what better way than during a once and a lifetime mother-daughter trip to Spain/France.
Round 2
We landed in Newark and found our way to the Polaris Lounge. A special lounge only for United first class international flights. Mom and I were expecting gold and diamond encrusted toilets and everything else under the sun.
To our surprise, it was quite crowded and not a diamond or gold fleck in sight. However, the food was great and they even offered shower suites and quiet suites if needed. We both left impressed but not overwhelmed. It was great to take advantage of, but really not much more exciting than a United club.
United Dreamliner 787-10
After all this time, we turned left! First class, and we had tickets to match. We each had a seat that reclined all the way flat to a bed and our own monitors with movies and games. Not to mention Saks Fifth Avenue pillows and blankets and complimentary toiletries.
The attendants came around with our choice of drink and took our orders for dinner before we took off. The only hiccup here was the hour long delay at the gate for the crew to finish stocking the plane, but no matter! We were living the life of luxury and cherishing every moment.
Once we were airborne the cabin was bustling. Appetizers arrived which were a smoked duck and salad, and dinner followed with a lemon curry chicken. Finally if we could bare it, dessert was our choice of ice cream, cake, pie, cheese cake, or an assortment of fancy cheeses.
Hindsight, we probably shouldn’t have eaten everything that was offered to us through out our first class experience, but more on that later.
Lights Out
With about 5 hours remaining on our flight, it was time to recline and call it a night. As you can see, mom was pretty cozy, and I followed not long after.
I am sorry to report that neither one of us got much sleep. Perhaps 30 minutes combined. Although the seats were comfortable and we were able to get into decent sleeping positions we could not fall asleep. For me, my mind was swimming with all the things to come, and that I was responsible for all communication in Spain. I wouldn’t say I was nervous, but mind you I had spend the last year speaking Spanish at the level of a 5 year old.
Arrival
Our seats were in the upright position with our personal items secured. We were now descending into Barcelona. To be honest, we barely noticed when we actually landed it was so smooth.
When we got to the gate I saw I had received an email from our Airbnb host and we could come but and leave our luggage until check-in. This was great news as we finally had a destination and begin exploring what Barcelona had to offer.
Impossible n’est pas français 