It was the month of Christmas, and everyone was making plans of either going travelling to see a new place, or to be with their family or their family and loved ones were making their way to see you. My family was no exception. My brother was flying in from Chicago and I would be flying over from Sydney. We already had a trip planned to go down to Queenstown and Lake Tekapo for a week. Also prior to my move to Sydney, my brother had already planned to stop over at Sydney on his way to Auckland. He arrived on Saturday the 12th of December and had checked in to The Westin, with advice from me, of course! I joined him there for the weekend.

Fast forward to Monday, he was flying to Auckland on that day and I’d be flying on Wednesday. I was booked on an Emirates flight. It was the first time I’d be flying with them. I had heard a lot of good reviews about flying with them in the past, so I was definitely looking forward to it. Monday morning, whilst getting ready to go to work, I got a text from my brother. It was an image. I quickly scanned the image and saw the keywords, Business Class, Sydney to Auckland. A little puzzled, I wasn’t sure what was going on. I replied and asked whether it was a joke or whether I was actually flying on Business Class. His response, “It says you’re flying Business Class on your way to Auckland”. Ecstatic! I had no words. I started researching on the Business Class experience. Wednesday could not come sooner!

My flight was at 8.45am. I had planned on leaving home by 5.15am, as I had no idea how long it would take to get me to the airport. But given the change of plans, I’d wanted to go even earlier to make use of my time at the lounge of course. That didn’t happen, I left at 5am. And of course I was the first person to check in, most likely. It didn’t feel real, till I got my boarding pass, with Business Class written on the top left corner. That’s when you know it’s real.

As I didn’t have any one dropping me off at the airport, to see me off, there really was no point in strolling around the airport and not going through security. Important dealings were on hand, I had to go check out the lounges. There’s some construction work going on at Sydney airport, so I struggled to spot the Emirates lounge. A quick phone call to my brother and I find out that I can go to the Qantas lounge too. That’s where I headed. Absolutely empty, as I walk in. So many seats, which one should I choose? I strategically place myself close to the food and get me some breakfast. Keen on getting some coffee, but I have no idea how this beast of a machine works, see below. I stare at it, in hopes that it somehow gives me inspiration and directs itself to work. Yeah, that didn’t happen. Not a problem I’ll just chill at the lounge for another 15-20 minutes and then it’s time to head to my gate any way for boarding.

Made my way to the gate, the next 3 hours and 30 minutes, would be extravagant. But what is this, boarding hasn’t even begun yet. That was the day, a tornado warning was also issued in Sydney. It was already 8.45am but there was no sign of boarding. So I went and purchased a coffee. First world problems. Had my coffee and came back and the boarding was about to begin. I could hardly contain my excitement, but I needed to calm down. Show my boarding pass and passport and off to my seat it is. Can I just say, seat was rather fancy, but you already knew that. There was a drinks tray right next to my seat and a cabin only for my luggage storage. I managed to take a rather fail picture before the air hostess came up to me and introduced herself to me and let me know that she’d be assisting me. I must say being called Miss. Goswami constantly has a nice ring to it.

Whilst everyone boarded the flight and the luggage stored in cargo, the passengers in business class were offered drinks ranging from champagne, water and juice. I had to choose champagne, of course. It’s the only drink that makes sense to be consumed at 9 in the morning. I take a glass of Moet and immediately I’m asked if I’d like the wine list. Pssht no way. I don’t usually drink alcohol on a flight, but I made an exception this time. Sacrifices shall be made.

Finally it’s time for take off, we were delayed by about 45 minutes, if I remember correctly. But we were now finally getting ready to take off and boy oh boy was it a rather packed runway with flights lining up to take off. A lot of flights were delayed and a lot cancelled because of the tornado warning. With a movie playing on my screen, and one glass of champagne down, I was ready for take off and to head home for the Christmas break.

All in all it was a great flight. I had some eggs for breakfast, on the flight, as you do. I had a seat all to myself, as you do. I did not make it into a bed and sleep. Lets be real you want to be awake for a flight where you are getting premium service and besides you’ve just had a good night’s sleep so why bother sleeping on a short haul flight. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Here’s to more Business Class flights, and who knows maybe even First Class but for now Economy will suffice on my paycheck. Needless to say my first flight with Emirates was amazing, given the service I received.

Until next time,

MiliG