Am I Odd? I Look Forward to Business/Domestic First Sometimes More Than the Actual Vacation Destination?

[Anonymous]

Over the last two years, I’ve been flying business or domestic first for all my trips, whether for work or vacation. I travel about once a month, and I’ve noticed something interesting. I actually look forward to the premium travel experience sometimes more than the destination itself.

I recently took a 20hour flight to Asia, and while I had fun and the sights were great, I was even more excited about the inflight experience. The caviar, fine dining, lie-flat seats, and overall luxury made the trip feel special. We didn’t splurge on expensive hotels, choosing Airbnbs instead, and honestly, I preferred it. I’ve stayed at highend hotels before and didn’t find them worth it, so I’d rather save on accommodations and excursions while splurging on travel. I enjoy the flight experience the most.

Does anyone else feel this way or will it wear off? For me, the journey has become the real highlight of traveling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Over the last two years, I’ve been flying business or domestic first for all my trips, whether for work or vacation. I travel about once a month, and I’ve noticed something interesting. I actually look forward to the premium travel experience sometimes more than the destination itself.

I recently took a 20hour flight to Asia, and while I had fun and the sights were great, I was even more excited about the inflight experience. The caviar, fine dining, lie-flat seats, and overall luxury made the trip feel special. We didn’t splurge on expensive hotels, choosing Airbnbs instead, and honestly, I preferred it. I’ve stayed at highend hotels before and didn’t find them worth it, so I’d rather save on accommodations and excursions while splurging on travel. I enjoy the flight experience the most.

Does anyone else feel this way or will it wear off? For me, the journey has become the real highlight of traveling.

Also, to add. I’m an introvert and love not having to talk to people or deal with them when I travel. In my job and everyday life as a husband and parent of teens, I have to be a forced extrovert, constantly engaging with others. But when I’m on a long flight, I finally get to just focus on myself.

I love the idea of settling in, trying different foods and drinks, and just enjoying the experience in peace. It’s one of the few times I don’t feel any social obligations, and I think that’s a big part of why I look forward to the upgraded travel experience so much.

[Anonymous]

I can relate. Business class flying is one of last remaining areas of the truly exceptional service.

Yes, the seats, the food are nice but the main thing is how the flight attendants treat you. Night and day compared to the economy. And they are so damn good at it - I’m almost convinced that I am really special

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can relate. Business class flying is one of last remaining areas of the truly exceptional service.

Yes, the seats, the food are nice but the main thing is how the flight attendants treat you. Night and day compared to the economy. And they are so damn good at it - I’m almost convinced that I am really special

I flew business class on Etihad a few years ago and it was amazing. The food was incredible. And of course the service was "first class." Anything you needed from food and drink, at almost any time, you could have.

[Anonymous]

I mainly travel for work and due to flight length I've lately had a lot of Polaris or other business/first class long haul trips. (Mostly United but also Etihad/Emirates a few times, which are totally next level.) I tell my family it's like a spa visit. That's a bit of an overstatement but like the PPs it can be a lovely bubble of indulgence. I alternate between feeling really spoiled and really pathetic that this is the most relaxing part of my life.

[Anonymous]

Are you a working mom?

I enjoy it because for X hours no one asks me to do anything or asks me questions. Notice when you’re home how you can’t sit down. My family members constantly coming to me for something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can relate. Business class flying is one of last remaining areas of the truly exceptional service.

Yes, the seats, the food are nice but the main thing is how the flight attendants treat you. Night and day compared to the economy. And they are so damn good at it - I’m almost convinced that I am really special

I haven’t found this to be the case. Service at high end hotels and resorts in Asia reliably also provide top tier service.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you a working mom?

I enjoy it because for X hours no one asks me to do anything or asks me questions. Notice when you’re home how you can’t sit down. My family members constantly coming to me for something.

Truth. I took a cross-country trip by myself last year, and even in economy it was bliss for this reason. I had a window, watched my movies on my tablet and napped a bit. Glorious. Didn't activate the free phone messaging either.

[Anonymous]

I also adore a long haul business class trip. Nothing better than curling up with a good book, alternating with naps and movies as I get fed over and over again.

Whenever people on this forum tell people that business class on the return leg from Europe isn't worth it because it's a daytime flight and you won't be sleeping, I always think they're crazy for thinking that.

[Anonymous]

I get that. But also maybe that's you telling yourself to upgrade your trips to really enjoy the destination too

[Anonymous]

You're still stuck in a germy chair that is less comfortable than a laz-e-boy in a noisy environment with toilets that get grottier by the hour and you still arrive at your destination with jetlag.

The food is better than in economy, but chain restaurants do better than the reheated tv meals they serve on the plane. The best meal is the scoop of ice cream.

[Anonymous]

It sounds nice. I've only traveled first class once (big airline mess on our honeymoon and they upgraded us) and yes, it was very nice. Way too expensive for us to ever consider paying for, so I personally find flying to be pure hell and a deterrent to travel.

[Anonymous]

I love to fly - I’m also a mom, an introvert, and I’m never bored. I can read, put in headphones, work, or just stare out the window and be perfectly happy because no one will bother me or speak to me other than to offer food or drink. I have no sense of time while in flight so it’s a weird dissociation. I’m even happy in coach, as long as I have a window seat.

[Anonymous]

No. I hate flying. Hate being cooped up in a metal box in the sky no matter how good the food is or how lucky I am to lie flat. Would rather be at the hotel by the pool or at the spa or restaurant. And yes I’ve flown to the middle east on one of these luxury flights. I appreciate how much better it is but still want to just get there and be off that plane!!

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you crave comfort in your regular life. Or being cared for? Do you not get enough of those things?

I get it but I wouldn’t want to enjoy the flight *more* than the trip. I love the adventure and novelty.