I travel for work. A lot. I recently obtained Silver status on United Airlines and US Airways. When yesterday began, I had been upgraded to first class only one time and it was on a 6 am flight from Miami to Houston; not exactly a prime flight time. It wasn't like I was going to have a drink or two.
Yesterday I could hardly contain my excitement when I checked in for my evening flight from Pittsburgh to Denver and saw that I had been upgraded to First Class! Not only was it an evening flight, it was a LONG evening flight of 3.5 hours. I envisioned drink after wonderful drink, gourmet food, plush seats. It was going to be quite the experience.
For once my reality lived up to my fantasy. I enjoyed glass after glass (I had to tell the Flight Attendant to STOP serving me) of Italian Sparkling Wine, mixed nuts that were warmed up, an enjoyable dinner and a warm chocolate chip cookie. We were even brought warm towels before dinner to allow us to freshen up. Now I am far from being one of those people that is high and mighty; I am quite down to Earth actually, but I must admit I really enjoyed the experience! It was mind-blowing for a small town Oklahoma girl like me.
That being said, I travel A LOT and my company has spent a great deal of money on tickets for me on both of these airlines. Even though I felt a little guilty enjoying such pleasures, I have to ask myself why? After all, I have EARNED the miles; I did not BUY my way into First Class seating. I deserve to be there as much as anyone else, right? Yes, I do, so why did I feel guilty? When I told my fiancé that I felt guilty for drinking so much, he was appalled. He said that if he had the chance to sit in First Class, he would drink as much beer as possible, without hesitation. In my heart, I know that should be my attitude.
I am flying again tomorrow afternoon, this time to Wichita. It does not look like I will be in First Class on the way out there, but maybe on the way back I will be. I guess the more I "practice" being in First Class the more I will get use to it. I don't ever, however, want to take it for granted or start thinking that it is my right. I still see it as a blessing and a privilege that most people never get to experience. And I have a job that provides me with a living and man perks. I need to stay humble because all of this could be taken at any moment. For now, though, I am going to enjoy it. It was something that was on my bucket list and that I can now cross off! For that, I am more than grateful!
There's Nothing Like First Class
