First Time Flying First Class, a Memorable Occasion

Returning from teaching in Xiamen, I booked tickets on China Eastern’s website. They happened to have a first-class experience offer at economy prices. So I experienced it for the price of economy class. Ended up being looked down upon. I guess I’m just destined for economy class.

I’d never really understood the difference between business class and first class. Every time I boarded, I saw those wide seats up front and assumed they were business class. First class must be even more luxurious and private, invisible to regular passengers. Today I experienced it myself and found out: those ARE first class. For most planes, first class is business class. Actually, it’s pretty ordinary… Just fruit platter, a face towel, disposable slippers, no need to fight for newspapers, and the flight attendants smile more. As for the seat, I found it less comfortable than economy. I’m tall, and I always choose the first row in economy. First, you can exit quickly when the plane lands. Second, no seat in front of you, more legroom, comfortable.

Passing by the first-class lounge at Gaoqi Airport, I didn’t dare enter. Afraid they’d charge extra. Ended up squeezing onto the shuttle bus with everyone else. The crew thought a first-class passenger was missing. Only later did I learn that the first-class lounge has attendants who remind you when it’s time and escort you to a dedicated shuttle bus with priority boarding. I was completely out of my element this time. Just trying it once is enough. I’m a普通老百姓. From now on, I’ll stick to economy class.