How To Maximize International First Class Travel

The reason that many of us collect miles and points is to be able to redeem for travel in first and business class. Of course being able to redeem for business class is awesome, especially if you’re flying one of the world’s best products. However, first class can be on a completely different level, offering some unbelievably good amenities.

In this post, I wanted to share some general tips for maximizing the enjoyment of long haul premium cabin travel, especially in first class, and in particular for those who have never flown in the cabin. These recommendations are all over the place, and I’m sure they’ll be obvious to some. I’d also love to hear what others tips y’all have. With that in mind, here we go, in no particular order…

Decide if you want to maximize rest or fun

In theory, the greatest thing about premium cabin travel is being able to arrive at your destination well rested. Perhaps I’m in the minority, but I find that when I fly business class, I usually arrive more well rested than when flying first class. That’s despite first class having more personal space, much better bedding, and more privacy.

That’s because in first class, you sometimes feel like you don’t want to “miss out” on the service and experience, while a great business class flight is simply one where you arrive well rested, in my opinion.

So decide beforehand what you want to get out of the flight. Do you want to have a blast and have a memorable flight, or arrive so well rested that you won’t even remember the flight happened?

Neither approach is wrong, and it obviously varies based on what you have going on at the destination and the type of flight. For example, on a transpacific flight there’s usually plenty of time to do both. However, on a flight from New York to London, you really don’t have that luxury. Either you can go straight to sleep and get at least some rest, or you can stay up and enjoy the flight.

From New York to London, I don’t have a problem enjoying the flight and then napping for a couple of hours upon landing, which for me is more effective than a few hours of airplane sleep.

Obviously a best practice in terms of getting over jet lag is to just go to sleep, not drink alcohol, etc., but what’s the fun in that?!

Know what special amenities an airline offers

When you’re flying in a premium cabin, it’s always worth researching what special amenities are available, ranging from chauffeur service, to pajamas, to massages at the airport. The beauty of first class is that the experience is often already amazing on the ground, and you want to take full advantage of that. For example:

• If you’re flying Lufthansa first class, maximizing the Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt and Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich can be a big part of the experience, including the limousine service to the plane, and don’t forget to request a rubber duck
• If you’re flying Cathay Pacific first class, The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong is awesome, and you can get a private cabana for relaxation, you can treat yourself to a foot massage, etc.

This is the value in reading trip reports and just generally learning about a product before flying. For example, if flying Emirates first class, I’ve written a guide with secrets to the experience.

Pace yourself, know what’s still coming

There are limits to how much we can consume when traveling, and that’s especially true in first class, where you’ll be offered endless food, alcohol, and more. With that in mind, here’s where I try to restrain myself:

• Unless it’s one of the world’s top first class lounges, I generally won’t eat or drink alcohol on the ground, and will “save” myself for onboard, since the offerings there are usually better; of course in the case of some lounges, the meal can be a part of the experience
• Sometimes airlines don’t serve good alcohol on the ground, because airlines have to pay taxes on that in some countries; for example, Emirates only serves Moet on the ground in first class in the US, so I’ll usually wait until after takeoff, when the Dom Perignon is served

So just be realistic, and remember that maximizing a first class experience is a marathon, not a sprint. In other words, you don’t want to be at your limit before the plane even takes off. 😉 That’s why I also find it useful to review the menu and drink list for airlines prior to taking a flight, assuming that’s offered.

Drink lots of water before & during the flight

Frankly this is a best practice regardless of the cabin you’re flying. I always try to hydrate a lot before and during flights, especially in first class, when I may have a bit more alcohol than I’d otherwise consume. I try to drink at least one bottle of water for every glass of alcohol, so that I avoid getting too much of a hangover. I’m not much of a drinker on the ground, so I’m a lightweight nowadays.

Don’t be afraid to admit it’s your first time

I think some people assume that they have to dress or “play” the part of a first class passenger, but that’s not the case. Quite to the contrary, don’t be afraid to admit that it’s your first time, and you’re really excited. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and if anything, your excitement may rub off on the crew. I’ve often seen crews go above and beyond for people who are openly excited about the experience, and there’s no shame in that.

Bottom line

There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy international first class, though there are certainly some steps you can take to make sure you maximize your enjoyment, no matter what you’re hoping to get out of the flight.

Does anyone have any other tips for maximizing premium cabin travel?