A few weeks back I boarded a flight to the Dominican Republic on US Airways flying first class from NY to Charlotte and then direct to the Dominican Republic. I have had numerous things shock me as well as surprise me in my travels over the years, but this first class experience left me in awe and even angry. I was angry for the people with me in First Class who paid the extra money or miles to experience the luxury normally associated with First Class and even angrier for the newlyweds setting out on their much awaited and planned honeymoon.

For us, this bad experience didn’t sour our vacation, we just made a mental note to avoid this airline in the future and made light of the situation with the people around us.  However, I couldn’t help being upset for the couple in front of us who were on their honeymoon, her proudly wearing an adorable “The Bride” T-shirt and her groom, although mortified, wearing his “The groom” T-shirt were heading out on their once in a lifetime honeymoon vacation.

For them, having never flown first class before were let down to say the least, especially after having saved up for this honeymoon adventure and splurging to experience the FULL red carpet experience that “First Class” was said to bring. Shortly after take off with bad service and the chatter of the angry people around them, they began to realize they had wasted their money.

The slight difference, and I stress the word “slight”, of First Class and Coach on this US Airways flight was that first class offered 12 larger seats then coach, served an inedible meal (that they ran out of after passenger 7) a few choices of complimentary alcoholic beverages, (which ironically they ran out of twenty minutes into the flight) leaving you with vodka or beer or wine to choose from and some of the WORST service I have seen. One thing that comes to mind is when I went to use the ladies room, I had to interrupt the flight attendant from reading her newspaper to let her know that 4 people needed a beverage and after sucking her teeth she reluctantly got up to help them. I was waiting for the pilot to come out and ask someone else to fly the plane!

Had the couple just flown coach they could have purchased the following: 4 Vodkas, or any alcoholic beverages that were served in First Class, 2 Salads, the same that were served in first class, and exaggerating that the items were each priced at $10.00 (I am sure they were less) it would have cost them a grand total of: $80.00 verse buying two “First Class” tickets.

That being said, when I think of my experiences in first class I envision the over friendly and wonderful service, the private closet to hang your coat, the welcome cocktail in a normal glass, a sip of champagne or mimosa, the decent if not great food and that special feeling that first class just gives you. It is the best way to fly and the BEST way to start off your honeymoon when you do your homework and know the airlines and the plane.

Things you should look for BEFORE splurging the extra money you could EASILY use somewhere else in your trip! (i.e. couples massages, excursions, tours, or even a fancy dinner.)

Things you should consider before booking first class!

• How long is your flight?

• (If your flight is only 2 hours, you may want to consider saving the cost of this first class ticket and putting it into something on the trip that you will enjoy more)

• Also on the shorter flights you will notice some airlines offer very little service in the First Class / Business Class area.
• How old is the plane you are flying?

What airline you are flying!

(This makes a huge difference. You need to do your homework here, check the airlines first class reviews.)

• Find out what kind of lounge the airline offers and be sure to make sure you are able to get into the lounge pre and post flight.

• Does the lounge offer complimentary alcohol or food

• Use of private bathrooms

What kind of plane you are flying!

This is so important! If you are flying an older plane, the first class “services” may be little, if not any different then regular seats! The older planes may have a bigger seat, but first class Experience is not always equal on every airline and every style plane! In some cases I’ve experienced

• Plastic glasses

• No meal or only a boxed cold lunch

• Very little bar service

• No champagne

• Single rows of seats so you will not be together!

Doing your homework on this will not only save you money, but also let you know what to expect when you got there so you are not disappointed.