Finally, I could take no more. After reading yet another of SFO777’s beautifully photographed tales of First Class decadence aboard Star Alliance carriers Lufthansa and Swiss, I decided I have got to try out some of that for myself!

Usually this is the time of year when you’ll find me traveling about in First Class aboard the likes of Cathay Pacific or British Airways. This spring however is dedicated to putting in the work to allow me to once again return to international First Class with a flourish. Already I’ve booked and ticketed First Class suites in the fall aboard a collection of Emirates 777-300s and A380s down to South Africa and back. Hopefully I’ll then be able to work out a good side trip to Madagascar. Until then, I’ve got 141000 miles of flying to do in the coming weeks aboard both Alaska and United, broken up by the occasional train ride and laundry break.

I live in Alaska and given the amount of flying I do aboard Alaska Airlines, it makes sense that my primary frequent flyer program participation is with Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan. It’s a fine program with award travel possible aboard nine foreign airlines. However, international First Class travel is only available aboard four of those foreign carriers and given the near impossibility of securing anything more than an Economy Plus seat aboard longtime partner Qantas, realistically I am limited to First Class award travel aboard just three airlines – British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Emirates.

Those of you who’ve read my trip reports over the years are well aware of the many fine flights I’ve enjoyed in First Class aboard British Airways and Cathay Pacific. You’ve reveled along with me through marvelous lounges, comfortable suites and many a spectacular meal served atop Royal Doulton china and finished off with delicious cheeses and ports and perhaps even a Godiva chocolate or two.

I live in a cabin without water and drive a bus along a ninety mile dirt road for a living. Not many others who share my lot in life have been able to enjoy the style of travel that I have, so I am most appreciative to Alaska’s Mileage Plan for making this all possible. That said however, as good as Cathay Pacific’s First Class service is, at the end of the day it is what it is: Cathay Pacific’s First Class Service – an excellent product with which – after twenty-two flights – I am very familiar.

I want to try out some of the world’s other great services as well. After all, who amongst us hasn’t admired the quality of the new First Class suites aboard Lufthansa or salivated just a little bit over those beautifully photographed plates of Singapore’s caviar with all the trimmings or Lufthansa’s three tiered hors d’oeuvre stand or perhaps an artistically plated serving of Veal Zurichoise whilst comfortably ensconced aboard a Swiss A340?

As one who truly enjoys flying, I more than most have a real love for and appreciation of a quality First Class service. I love everything about it from the lounges to the suites to the six and seven course meals. I especially love the meals, for that is – to me at least – the best part of any long flight. A nicely prepared and presented international First Class meal is the ultimate form of inflight entertainment. I know, I know… I could just as easily go to a nice earthbound restaurant and pay a lot less for a meal that would be a bit fresher but - it’s simply not the same. For me at least, there’s just something special about being wined and dined with style and flair while cruising comfortably along through the troposphere. It’s not enough to simply read about the great service aboard these other airlines. I want to try it out for myself.

So it is that I’m taking United Airlines up on its Premier Status Challenge. I am ever so thankful that United has seen fit to match my MVP Gold 75K status at Alaska with Premier Platinum status at United. This is absolutely fantastic inasmuch as it puts me in an excellent position to earn some big time mileage aboard United flights which of course I’ll then be able to cash in on quality First Class travel aboard some new airlines. Ideally, by years’ end I’ll have logged at least 75000 miles on United though, if I can swing it, I’m going for 1K. If anybody out there can do that in addition to flying 90000 miles on Alaska and its partners, I can. The end result of course is that all of you who’ve become bored with my endless reports of yet another First Class flight aboard Cathay Pacific can now rejoice if only for variety’s sake.

As for Alaska’s Mileage Plan, I fully intend to maintain my Gold status in years to come. After all, during the winter months Alaska’s the only game in town and overall, we’ve enjoyed a good relationship. I’ll just have to work a bit harder to maintain upper crust elite status on two airlines rather than just one. Again, if anybody can do it, I can.

So – if you’re ready to continue, I know I sure am. Let’s head on out to the airport and start rustling up some mileage!