My best FC experience was giving my mom a AS/BA Business Class award SAN-LGW in Dec '97. They upgraded her to first, she was totally excited and in 7th heaven. The cabin attendants were very nice to this little 67 yo woman who asked for her picture taken in her little suite. The best part was her friends that picked her up were all concerned she would be exhausted from her journey, but she had slept like a lamb and was ready to hit oxford street to shop that day.
She had the best time showing her friends the menus, her sleeper suit and still uses the amenity kit bag for her travel toiletries.

My father, who I offered the same trip to, and declined and has never turned me down since.