Dining and drinking at 39,000 feet

The moment I entered the first-class cabin, one of the flight attendants greeted me by name and handed me a glass of champagne. And this was not just any champagne, but one of the premium brands in a sparkling crystal glass. This set the tone for the rest of the journey, a taste of the luxury that lay ahead.

Having had personal experience in airline catering and menu development for major airlines, I was eager to see and get a feel for what first-class dining would look and feel like. The meal service didn’t disappoint. First, the menu presentation at the tableside was just like one would have in a fine dining restaurant, with gourmet dishes crafted by well-known chefs.

There was smoked salmon and caviar followed by a delicate lobster salad with avocado and citrus dressing. The main course was a turbot filet with truffle mashed purple potatoes, roasted vegetables, and white wine caper sauce. The presentation was faultless and the food was bursting with flavor. I thought I was having a Michelin-star meal in the sky. For dessert, I had molten chocolate fondant with homemade vanilla bean ice cream. The freshness in ingredients and richness in flavors perfectly ended the meal.

What really made it special was the personalized attention. The cabin crew was attentive, calling me by name, seeing to my every need without being intrusive. When I mentioned a wine that I enjoyed, they quickly brought along a bottle to try. It felt like a fancy restaurant where the wait staff does everything possible to make the evening an unforgettable one.

Each meal was served on fine China (porcelain pots) with real silverware, linen napkins, and crystal glassware. Every detail was well thought out, even down to how the presentation of the bread and the serving of the butter were laid out. It was an exclusive experience that was tailored to suit my liking.

The first-class seat felt more like a private suite than a standard airplane seat. There was everything I needed to feel comfortable—a personal closet, a huge screen for entertainment, and adjustable lights. When it was time to sleep, the flight attendants transformed my seat into a fully flat bed-complete with a thick mattress, soft pillows, and a warm duvet. Pajamas and slippers were also provided.

The bed linen was such that I slept for several hours and woke up refreshed to continue the further leg of my journey. Quite frankly, it felt much more like being in a five-star hotel than on a plane. One thing that did surprise me was how functional the first class was for working professionals: high-speed internet, power outlets, and spacious tables to work on. I could see why most business executives fly first class. The quiet, private environment had me working as if I were in my office.

Having these facilities in the air was a game-changer for people who had to remain industrious during long plane flights. First class is not all about luxuries; sometimes it is actually a necessity if one is a professional who needs to work without any disturbance.

Now that I have flown first class, I can understand why people pay for it. It’s not just space and gourmet food. It’s the experience. First-class flying passengers enjoy privacy, comfort, and personal services that can never be provided in economy or even business class.

It all begins when one arrives at the airport. The journey becomes smoother and more pleasant. Exclusive access to airport lounges, priority boarding, and private check-in enhance this experience even further. The spacious and quiet setting onboard is an excellent opportunity to relax comfortably, work, or sleep. For the business traveler, at least, the productivity could well be worth the cost. For others, it’s that once-in-a-lifetime extravagance that makes a long-haul flight an unforgettable experience.

However, I found all the attention to be a little tiring. It was unlike anything I was used to so it felt strange to be pampered to this degree. I told this to one of the stewardesses and asked her if I could just be left alone for some time. And in that moment of silence, I truly appreciated the first class services. It wasn’t luxury but it was a different way of travel. Not many people can travel first class, but if the opportunity presents itself, make sure you savor every single moment.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef