Business class: should i pretend I've been there before?
Dec 11, 2017, 9:07 pm
#16
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: NY Metro Area
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Enjoy it and have fun. I’ve flown in business a lot but not recently. I couldn’t get the Bose earphones plugged into the socket. When I flight attendant came by I said “I know this is really stupid but I can’t remember how these headphones get plugged in. She took the plug and plugged it in somewhere else that was out of sight from the seat. I said I don’t even remember where they plug in I guess. We both laughed and she said a lot of people can’t find it. Message is don’t try to pretend, just enjoy.
Dec 13, 2017, 8:15 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA Plat, UA 1K>Plat>moving to Silver
Posts: 2,090
When I fly a new airline in international business class, I do some google research for flight reviews on that particular city pair, airline and plane (it makes a big difference). Reviews of almost any longhaul flight with pictures, menus, lounge reviews and the rest can be found on the web. That way you can be prepared to maximize the experience.
Dec 13, 2017, 9:08 am
#19
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Definitely geek out! Many first timers have the issue of deciding whether they need to "fit in" or just relax and enjoy yourself - in my opinion "fitting in" is overrated! Plus, if the FAs know it's your first time, they'll make the extra effort to make it special - I'm sure the fact that you're polite and actually happy is a refreshing thing for them too 
My tidbit of advice is, since that you are going for work - you might want to make sure you do get the rest you need - hope you enjoy it!
My tidbit of advice is, since that you are going for work - you might want to make sure you do get the rest you need - hope you enjoy it!
Dec 15, 2017, 3:28 pm
#20
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To paraphrase the late actress Beatrice Campbell, you can do whatever you want as long as you don't frighten the horses. Within ten minutes of settling into your seat you will have a good sense of what you want to do. Just do it.
Dec 18, 2017, 2:25 pm
#22
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Location: ORD
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I just sort of hunker down since I view flying as mostly a necessary evil that gets me where I need to be. Mrs. Milepig instantly starts to play with all the buttons, tests our the IFE system, reviews available movies, reads the menu, etc. I'd say we're both treated about the same.
Dec 18, 2017, 4:25 pm
#23
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
You could do something in the middle and say this is your first time your experiencing J on this aircraft/airline so you can ask all the questions you want about the seat/controls/amenities. Nobody needs to know that you have no other experience.
Dec 19, 2017, 8:31 am
#24
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Definitely geek out a little. (Quietly.) Nobody else is going to notice anyway. I've flown J on a few different airlines and types and I still enjoy a new product and yes, geek out a little. Flew the Emirates A380 a few weeks ago and made several trips to the bar. Not because I was getting hammered, but because I could walk to a freaking bar... 
(Sometimes I'd just go back there for a water and the snack stuff they put out.)
I sample whatever I think is the best wine or liquor the given cabin has, but always chase with a lot of water.
(Sometimes I'd just go back there for a water and the snack stuff they put out.)I sample whatever I think is the best wine or liquor the given cabin has, but always chase with a lot of water.
Jan 15, 2018, 1:57 pm
#25
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: YWG
Programs: Aeroplan, MileagePlus, Marriott Rewards
Posts: 2,159
The first time I flew TATL J I decided to take full advantage of it and sampled everything the FAs offered including drinks in the lounge, PDBs, in-flight drinks, wine with dinner, post meal drinks, etc. The end result was waking up with a brutally throbbing headache that was worse than anything I've experienced on land. I think I would have had a better rest had I been in Y and just had 7-Up instead
Jan 15, 2018, 2:17 pm
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 63
Well, since I just discovered that I'll be 6 months pregnant on this trip I think I'll have to focus on the nice big seat more than the available liquor selection!
Thanks for all the comments, FT-regulars. I'm prepared to exhibit just the right combination of wide-eyed innocence and cool BTDT-attitude.
Thanks for all the comments, FT-regulars. I'm prepared to exhibit just the right combination of wide-eyed innocence and cool BTDT-attitude.
Jan 16, 2018, 7:22 am
#27
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,684
I'm booked into my first business class cabin TATL in June 2018. Flying solo, hence the ability to upgrade without breaking the bank. Probably won't have an opportunity to fly business again for many years.
What's the best way to play it to have the best experience? I'm not sure if i should be cool and pretend like i do that all the time, or am i allowed to geek out a little about the whole experience.
Will the flight attendants think I'm a total boob and treat me differently if I'm grinning like a fool and playing with the gagets in my seat?
What's the best way to play it to have the best experience? I'm not sure if i should be cool and pretend like i do that all the time, or am i allowed to geek out a little about the whole experience.
Will the flight attendants think I'm a total boob and treat me differently if I'm grinning like a fool and playing with the gagets in my seat?
Jan 16, 2018, 8:33 am
#28
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wear comfortable clothes for sleeping. make a small pack for your toys, and put them in the seatback. bring lightweight house slippers to put on, and also to wear when using one of the latrines. they get very ugly on a long trip. order a champagne when you first sit down. have a second befor ethe meal starts(the glasses are small). bring a sweater to your seat. bring a book, or an iPad(best) of books to read. the plane is always way too hot, or way to cold. if you plan to sleep part way, get a sleep mask, and a pair of ear plugs. you might be able to see something out of window on takeoff, but once at 35000 feet, nothing to see.
Jan 16, 2018, 10:38 am
#29
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Well, since I just discovered that I'll be 6 months pregnant on this trip I think I'll have to focus on the nice big seat more than the available liquor selection!
Thanks for all the comments, FT-regulars. I'm prepared to exhibit just the right combination of wide-eyed innocence and cool BTDT-attitude.
Thanks for all the comments, FT-regulars. I'm prepared to exhibit just the right combination of wide-eyed innocence and cool BTDT-attitude.