After scoring a first class ticket with credit card points and getting to relax in the United First Class Polaris lounge, it was time for my flight.

First Class Boarding

Since I did most of my waiting in the lounge, I was able to board the flight right away upon arriving at the gate. Though I booked the ticket through United on their website, the actual flight was with ANA (All Nippon Airways), since they are Star Alliance partners.

The flight had a separate jet bridge for first class passengers. I walked on the jet bridge completely alone and entered the first class cabin. The plane had a separate business class, which boarded through the main jet bridge, not first class. This meant no one had to walk by me on the way to their seats. There were only two other passengers in first class, and they were on the opposite side of the plane. What an odd feeling to be nearly alone on a flight!

As I settled into my seat, the flight attendant stopped by to offer me my complimentary pajamas (sweatpants, sweatshirt, and a sweater) and ask if I wanted to change into them now. I wanted to wait until after dinner, so I set them aside and enjoyed a glass of champagne in my comfortable seat.

First Class Seat

The seat was large and comfortable, like an armchair at home, with options for reclining and turning the seat into a lay-flat bed. There was more legroom than I could possibly use, and a couple of windows to see out.

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The First Class Meal

Flying first class is amazing because it is so comfortable, and because you don’t have to wait in line for the restroom. But the other big bonus to flying first is the food! On this ANA flight, I had the choice of the Japanese meal or the “international” meal. I wasn’t sure if I would like the Japanese meal, but it was the most adventurous choice so that’s what I went with.

Course by course they brought out my meal. I wasn’t sure what most of was but it was amazing, and so beautiful to look at. With a nearly empty first class, it felt as if I had my own personal flight attendant. She asked if I would like Sake, and of course I said ‘yes’.

“Dry or sweet,” she asked.

“I’ll try dry.”

She returned with five brand new bottles of Sake, opened each one, and poured me some.

“I don’t really need to try all of them,” I said, trying to not seem rude. She smiled and kept pouring. I’m not sure if she didn’t understand me, or thought I was just being polite and really wanted them. When the main course came out, she did the same thing with the wine – but only three glasses this time. Good thing, too. It was much more alcohol than I would normally drink. I was lucky I had a bed to stretch out in.

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After eating, I watched movies for a while, then changed to my airline pajamas, changed my seat into a bed, and slept. In the morning, I watched the sunrise with a cup of tea.

Arriving in Tokyo marked the end of my first class experience. I had an economy flight from Tokyo to Singapore, and another economy flight from Singapore to Brisbane. I certainly preferred the first class experience but I endured the rest, grateful for the experience. I certainly got my $50 out of that ticket!