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Based on my previous traveling experiences, flying is the way to go. When I was a kid, my parents insisted on making the drive to Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. The two-day trek across America is just not worth it. Your ass gets tired from sitting in a car for that long and there are only so many entertainment options before you start wondering if this vacation was even worth it. Flying, on the other hand, is a breeze. You’re at your destination that spans the time of a short nap. It’s perfect.
But, confession time: I am 26 years old, and I had never had the privilege of flying up with the royals of first-class. To put it bluntly, I was economy-class scum for all of my life. Left to ponder what it’s like to fly with the added legroom, the ability to get more than one drink without pissing off the flight attendants, and maybe even getting a snack that wasn’t a handful of old peanuts. So when the time came to book flights to New York City for our New Year’s Eve trip, I stared long and hard at the first class option. Eventually, I pulled the trigger and bought the damn tickets. And buyer’s remorse began to set in — mind you I was also shelling out nearly $2K just for a hotel.
The day came for our trip to the airport, and I was like a kid on Christmas morning, just excited to start this trip off on the right foot. The first perk of flying first class was that we each got a checked bag for free. This was huge because, well, homegirl packed like three suitcases just for a five-day trip while all I had was one carry-on and a suit. But the real majestic part of the flight came as soon as we boarded where we were greeted with hot towels and drinks prior to even departing from the gate. Free mimosas? Don’t mind if I do.
We depleted American of their champagne on the flight.
It only got better from there: the free blanket, the seats that reclined further than those ones that the peasants in the back were sitting in on this 3.5-hour flight, and the service. In addition to the free drinks, we were even blessed with a free meal. Now, I had already enjoyed two brisket breakfast tacos from Salt Lick while at the airport, but daddy wasn’t about to pass up free french toast that had an aroma that would make even the strongest-willed man hungry.
And oh yeah, the bathroom was at the front with no wait – which was good because after the fourth mimosa, I needed to break the seal. A mistake I regret making given the length of the flight ahead of me. We even drank American dry of all of their champagne. No worries, though, as they were fully stocked with Bloody Marys. I helped myself to two of these and a beer as we were getting closer — needed to sober up some so I could tell those NYC cabbies where to go, ya know?
I received the same A++ service on my flight back home as well. Only this time, they had enough wine to keep up with my demand.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to dip your toes into the first-class water, then you should do it ASAP. You won’t ever want to go back to the plebeian class. As I sit here and plan for our trip to Rome in the summer, you already know your boy is booking first. Well, at least business. .
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Harrison Lee
Harrison is a Content Manager at Grandex. When he's not working for the man, you can find him on the golf course or blowing his paycheck doubling down on red. LinkedIn profile
@HMontgomery_
Everything you are referring to as “free” actually cost you well over $1000-1500
Absolutely. Seems like a waste for a 3.5 hour flight. But it’s his money so more power to him.
#notsohumblebrag
Business Class/First Class on international flights is the only way to go.
First class is only only way to go when you’re taking a domestic red eye.
and cross country too, as long as it has the lie-flat seats
It’s all about the exit row. The first class of the people.
I would love that but it’s easily 2K more than a regular seat and economy on international flights (3/3/3 row seats anyway) are actually fairly spacious. Wouldn’t mind if I get bumped up though.
Strong pass. Steaks and champ on the couch for NYE and then pulled the trigger on a limit run LaRue AR10 and suppressor on New Years. Spent less than you did for a weekend in NY and some weak “free” mimosas.
Sorry you’re poor and can’t ball out for your girl like I can.
Are we supposed to believe a Grandex employee can casually fly first class?
Grandex employees are all FaF and have trust funds, remember?
So this NYE Trip cost you around ~$6k? Have fun paying off your Southwest card for the next year.
I think she’s doing fine with the lift I put on her 4Runner.
Getting super excited about first class on a DOMESTIC flight. PGP
I immediately pass out when I get to my seat unless I absolutely HAVE to get work done, so it ends up being a waste of money.
I flew economy plus to my wedding which is pretty rad though. Mainly because I wanted to board early without some asshat putting her Vera Bradley on top of my wedding dress.
if they are going to wrinkle your wedding dress, already do it with something nice. Vera Bradley is some of the ugliest shit I’ve seen in terms of women’s accessories. #fashiongod
at least* damnit
This is so true. I flew first class for the first time on a red eye from SFO to CLT last Monday. It was amazing. I thought the hot towel was to place over my eyes to help sleep lol. The warm nuts were delicious. I was a bit disappointed that the breakfast was just a continental breakfast, though. Here’s to making lots of money so I can fly first class again.
This is where free upgrades come in handy. Elite status like a MF. PGPM
Best part of traveling for work is getting enough frequent miles to boost status to free upgrades to first class!
After making my 5th 26 hour flight this year, I will never travel abroad again without going first class. If you can’t afford first class, you can’t afford to go.
Went on our honeymoon a couple months ago to Mexico. We didn’t upgrade our flight back or anything but somehow still ended up in first class. It is definitely the tits.