Flying In First Class Can be Highly Addictive

Planning to fly thousands of miles; wondering if your backside can handle that economy seat with your neighbor’s elbow crossing the armrest hour after hour? Do you ever find yourself wondering what would happen if you sprung for a seat up front? Next time you fly, pay extra close attention to what happens in the gate area when the agent announces pre-boarding of the first class cabin. A crowd of passengers, thirsty for the taste of celebrity, comes out of the woodwork and the gate area becomes a virtual “red carpet” for a moment. You can almost see the flashbulbs from the paparazzi as everyone in the boarding lounge turns around to see just who is in first class.

The last time I witnessed this, I made a decision that I was going to spring for a first class seat the next time I had to fly on business. Almost immediately, plans called for me to travel from Portland, Oregon to Miami. I bought a first class ticket on Alaska Airlines with a connection in Orlando. I have to say that I became instantly excited about my flight once I my online ticket purchase was completed. Knowing that I was going to be in first class was already making me feel special and I could hardly wait to experience the feeling of walking that imaginary “red carpet” when first class passengers were called to board. I sat there, drifting into a trance-like state as I imagined how fabulous it was going to be.

The fun began the moment I walked into the Portland terminal and began looking for the first class check in counter. I walked by the long, long lines at the economy check in counters to a line only two people deep that read “First Class and Elite Check In”. Well, I was feeling pretty elite at this point and decided that this is where I belonged. The agent invited me up to the counter and to tell you the truth, she could have been a little more excited. After all, I should be treated like a celebrity right? I was beginning to understand how a sense of entitlement naturally befalls those that pay the big bucks to fly. Maybe I had set my expectations too high. I had to remind myself that my first class status had already gotten me to the front of the line and that in itself was a big perk!

Before I left to the airport, I had gone to the Alaska Airlines website and was very pleased to discover that my first class ticket also included complimentary access to the Board Room, Alaska’s private membership lounge. Getting to the lounge would require me to pass through the TSA security screening. Of course, since I was flying first class, I was able to bypass the crowds and use the special line for first class passengers. How wonderful! As I placed my items on the conveyer belt, I saw a frazzled businessman in the “regular” security line that was looking my way with sort of pitiful, envious look on his face. I could tell he wished he was in the “special” line. Reality started to creep in and I realized that next week that I would be right back in the normal security line myself, so I better enjoy every single second of this experience.

Once through security, I went directly to the Alaska Airlines Board Room lounge to relax before my flight. The lounge was small, but very nicely appointed with attractive wood paneling and lots of comfortable chairs. I found a cozy spot to enjoy the free high speed internet on my laptop. I decided to check the status of my flight and found there was a delay of 1 hour. My delay seemed completely unimportant being in the airline club. I was actually pleased that I would be able to enjoy my lounge experience a little longer. I enjoyed some cheese and crackers being sure to save room for my late night snack on my overnight flight to Orlando.

I arrived at the gate just in time to walk that “red carpet” as they called the first class passengers to pre-board. As I took my seat in row 1, I almost felt a little guilty as the coach passengers filed by one-by-one. I took out my magazine to keep my occupied. I felt like everyone was staring at me. I now know firsthand what Paris Hilton has to contend with! During the flight I enjoyed the delicious fruit and cheese plate and a few glasses of Merlot served on white linen tablecloths. The flight attendants even offered complimentary use of personal entertainment devices load with movies and other programming. I chose to sleep and woke up a couple of hours later the aroma of freshly baked croissants. Moments later I was enjoying a continental breakfast as we descended for landing. Sure I was happy to be getting home, but so fast? Flying first class sure had me willing to fly around a little bit longer. I definitely could get addicted to this!