Flying high

First class is definitely a better way to travel.  I had only flown this way three times previously and each time was better than expected, making the return to Economy all the more depressing.  When we changed our flight from Kuwait-Innsbruck to Albany NY-Munich, we were able to upgrade using miles we had accumulated over the past few years.  Frankly, I was ready to be done with US Airways, which in my opinion, has been a source of bad service and frustration in economy class and how they treat frequent fliers. 

The seats on the tiny jet leaving Albany were roomy and we enjoyed copious snacks and drinks.  When we arrived in Philadelphia, we settled into the Envoy lounge. There were light snacks, wifi, and it brought us out of the florescent lighting of the gate waiting area.  The overseas Diners' Club lounges we have enjoyed were even nicer with showers, dark rooms, and hot meals, but we were not complaining.  Any perk is much appreciated.

I thought that our transatlantic flight was in Business class but it turned out that there was only one large First class section.  Russ and I settled into our pods which was a fully reclining chairbed, with Bose nose cancelling earphones (great advert; I am ready to buy), real feather pillows, and comfy blanket.  We were served sparkling wine before we departed, and a three-course dinner ensued soon after.  The ratio of stewardess to customer was about one to six and she addressed me personally.  We both slept well and had a beautiful fruit arrangement for breakfast in the morning.  This is how travel was meant to be.

We glimpsed into what is waiting for us in Economy on our return trip (Firrest was not available): crowded seats, crummy little earphones for a fee, as will any alcohol.  These used to be assured on an overseas flight but not any longer.  Travelling domestic will likely be even worse.  But for this moment in time, it was a delightful way to spend eight hours in the air.

We are in Munich now, where is seems much colder than in the Northeast.  We are adapting to that before we hit the Alps, as well as adjusting our body clocks.