A Wren Says

I had been asking around various people if first class was worth it. I have always been curious about it, what with all of the songs and allure. Everyone said, “No.” Even still the thought remained. I gave up on trying, and booked my cross country flight ticket in the economy cabin.

 And then, a schedule change forced me to change my flight plans. I was able to move the time back without an additional charge. “Unless, that is,” the Delta site teased, “you want to fly first class.” I allowed myself to succumb to the pressure and upgraded the ticket. And now we have my experience flying Delta first class for the first time.

I got to the airport way too early. Being able to go through the Sky Priority line meant I didn’t have to wait. But then I had a question, was I allowed into the Sky Club? I was unsure, so I sat and waited the hours out sitting in the main terminal.

Of course, I boarded in the first group. But because I look young for my age, I was afraid they’d question me in the line, but that’s not their concern I suppose. I could have a TikTok fortune for all they know.

I had a water bottle waiting at seat when I boarded the plane. The flight attendant then took drink orders while everyone else was still boarding. I panicked and just asked for a Sprite. (Dang it, I should have taken more advantage of the options. Others ordered Bloody Marys, Gin and tonics, Vodka sodas.) I sat sipping my drink and watched everyone else get on the plane, stressed about where to put their carryon.

I was loving the extra space I had. I would have to unbuckle my seatbelt and then stand up, and rev up like an MMA fighter in order to knee the seat in front of me. I could still kick it if I really wanted to Meanwhile, I am pretty sure the space under the seat in front of me was smaller than expected, or maybe my bookbag was just overstuffed.  

I shouldn’t have chosen the last row. The people behind me didn’t have as much space. So I got kicked the back a couple of times.

After we were in the air, I noticed the flight attendant offering to take the coats of passengers, so they weren’t forced to keep them on their lap or smash them into an overhead bin. Then I noticed these extra touches:

• They passed out earbuds
• They served a meal using real breakable dishes
• They offered constant attention
• They used a tray to collect trash instead of a plastic bag

Here are the overall pros and cons I noted:

Pros:

• Sky priority lane- super fast through security
• Pillow and blanket, while not the worlds’ most comfortable pillow, but it was a pillow nonetheless
• Just two people on each side of the row. So though you might still have to climb over someone to get to the bathroom, you won’t have the middle seat
• Not touching the person next to you or arm wrestling to decide who gets to use the armrest
• Getting to watch the peasants board while you sit comfortably (I’m kidding. I was actually self-conscious the whole time because I feared what they thought of me for choosing first class)
• No spilled drink when the person in front of you leans back. Your tray table is beside you
• Better food and beverages. You get an actual meal, and they sent out a survey ahead of time to learn what you would want.
• I swear the seatback monitor is bigger. I was disappointed with my film choice in much more clarity

Con:

• It’s much more expensive. At the end of the day, you are still on plane going to the same place.

Well, was it worth it? Yes, for if for no other reason than my ability to finally appease my curiosity. I at least now know for myself what it is like up there. For some reason, what I thought first class would be like was tantamount to taking a private jet. It is not.

Would I do it again? Maybe. I at least see the benefit of comfort+ more. There is a real benefit of being able to stretch my legs. Now, let’s see what it’s like to fly first class internationally. Fingers crossed I get that opportunity soon.