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Flying Business Class for the 1st time? Here’s what to expect
OMG!!! You must be so excited, but also a little nervous, right?! I was so PUMPED before my first business class flight I could barely sleep. It was like the night before Christmas mixed with final exams. How do I dress? What’s going to happen? I don’t want to look like I don’t know what I’m doing!!! Flying longhaul in business class is QUITE the experience from start to finish and you will enjoy it EVEN MORE if you have some idea of what’s to come. So if you’re flying business class for the 1st time….here’s what to expect!
Dress how you want
There isn’t really a “dress code” for flying business class. You’ll see people in suits, jeans, t-shirts, track suits, shorts, etc. Some airlines will GIVE YOU PJS in business, but most don’t, so I typically bring a change of sweat pants and a t-shirt to sleep in.
You can bring extra carry ons
When you fly business you get UBER overhead space – typically an entire bin to yourself. Wearing a jacket? They’ll hang it for you. Long story, short: don’t be stressed.
Check-in will be a breeze!
You will have an exclusive and separate area to check-in. No mixing it with all those common economy folk 😉 – YOU’RE IN BUSINESS!!!! Little do they know you’ve learned the tricks of the trade and paid far less than they have – heh, heh, heh.
You’ll have a lounge to relax in before your flight
Who likes sitting around in airport terminals?! NO ONE! That’s why airlines have built premium lounges to relax, drink, and fill your belly up like you’re the prince of a small country. Some lounges even have shower suites, massage rooms, and a la carte dining – WARNING – you may not want to leave.
You’ll board early, ahead of the crowd
Boarding can be a mad rush of nerves, elbows, and sweat. When you’re flying business – no fret, my pet…just saunter on board
Pre-flight drinks – pinkies out, bottoms up!
You’ll be offered your choice of drinks – I like to drink champagne purely because I always feel like celebrating when flying business.
You’ll enjoy an entire meal of food
Remember when you felt special getting a whole can of soda? HA! The life of plastic bags of nuts and crackers is over. Welcome to white table cloths, glass, and silverware.
Fast Pass Immigration
Depending on the airline you’re flying they will give you fast pass immigration. In short, that means you will be in an EXCLUSIVE line
Ahhhh…ready to kick back, relax, and biz it up? Me too 🙂
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Awesome. Flying Emirates business class from Houston – Dubai – Mumbai. First time flying Emirates but have flown business class many times. Any tips or tricks for Emirates to make the long haul more enjoyable. Already crediting miles to Alaska mileage plan 😉
Hey Nd – I’ve actually never flown Emirates Biz, but I think I’d put having a drink at the bar as tops of my list. Enjoy the flight and lemme know what you thinK!
Do you know anything about transfer times between terminals at JFK? My daughters have their first business class trip from JGK to Madrid on Iberia in terminal 7. They’d like to go to the American Flagship lounge in terminal 8 before departing. How long will it take to travel by the airport train?
Kristin – trains run roughly every 10 mins and it only takes 2-3 mins between terminals; however, i’d be aware of security wait times which can be pretty hectic during peak times
I never knew you had extra overhead space in business class for extra carry-ons! My husband and I recently started a small business, and we’ve found ourselves traveling across the country quite a bit. We’ve been thinking about upgrading to business class since we spend so much time on flights and need to be comfortable and well-rested before going into meetings. Hopefully we can find a great travel agency in our area who can help us book some business seats at a great price. Thanks for the information!