FIRST, Seat 5F

I'm far from being rich. My profession isn't one that offers opportunities for 'traveling on business' either. Last night I had the pure luck to be selected for a seat in first class, a direct flight from Chicago to Seattle (on standby status, no less!). Exciting and surreal all at once. It's strange (and sad actually) how much different you get treated when you sit in this area of the plane. I knew the service would be luxurious compared to my usual flying in coach, but even so I still found myself astounded by all they do for people in first class. The only thing missing was someone to fan me and give me a foot massage. Perhaps I shouldn't hold my breath. Maybe they already do this on international flights?

LEG. ROOM. I was comfortable the entire time....sitting on a leather seat. There was a 'recliner' option but I never used it because I was so comfortable already and had no intention of sleeping during this once in a lifetime first class flying experience. There's only 2 seats per row, so there was only one person (a man who looked to be in his 50's or 60's) sitting beside me. There's also a mini table between the seats, so you can put your drinks on that if you don't feel like putting it on the pull-out tray.

Within minutes of the flight taking off, the flight attendant comes around with tongs and a plate of steamy warm damp washcloths. Now until that point, I had been pretty excited about what that part of the first class experience would be like. When I was actually handed one, however, I felt silly with it. I started to pat my chin with it and felt incredibly pretentious, as if I just did some really hard and sweaty labor.....when really I'm just sitting on this really comfy chair in temporary heaven. I opted for "washing" my hands with it, especially since I'd be eating.

Shortly thereafter, the flight attendants working in first class (two!) asked for drink orders. At that point, I really wanted to order an alcoholic beverage (because I didn't have to pay for it!), but I had no idea if I had to wait for that kind of drink until later so I ordered a ginger ale. The man beside me ordered a gin and tonic so I realized I could have ordered alcohol right away. My ginger ale arrives in a glass, not one of those rinky dink plastic cups. Turns out there's no plasticware in first class! WARM mixed nuts are served in a tiny ceramic bowl for starters. There were tons of nuts in it...I didn't even finish half of it.

15-20 minutes later, I'm asked "Are you hungry (for dinner)?" Oh my. I can't remember the last time I ate a meal on a plane...probably in the 1980's. I'm asked if I want a lemon pepper chicken with vegetables or ricotta shells with a sun dried tomato sauce. I go with the pasta. At this point, I'm trying to figure out where the tray is located and feel dumb for having to ask, as clearly I seem to be the only virgin first class passenger. haha. I break down and ask. FYI...if you ever have the opportunity to get on a first class flight, the tray is in the arm rest. Pull that baby up and it comes out (you have to unfold it once to put it in front of you).

Get this: They bring out a long cloth to cover your tray (like a tablecloth for trays!!) and also have the same cloth on the actual tray of food they bring to you. It's insane! I felt like I was in a movie. I got real silverware and was served food on real dishes. I was offered a bread roll with my overflow of food which consisted of the following: 4 pieces of shrimp cocktail and cocktail sauce, a small salad (only thing I took a few bites of...it was kinda gross), and the pasta shells. At that point, I went in for the alcohol. There was a small empty wine glass on my tray. Perfect opportunity....I ask for some wine. The flight attendant tells me he has cabernet. "Am I really staring out this window and looking at a lovely sunset while sipping wine?" I thought.

One thing I noticed as I got waited on left and right was a lack of manners from fellow passengers. I was all 'please' and 'thank you,' but the man didn't seem to utter such words. He wasn't rude, but he didn't seem appreciative either. Maybe he's just used to it and flies nothing but first class. All I know is that if I ever became rich, I would still be polite and appreciative of people doing such things for me. I wouldn't become snooty or take it for granted.

5 minutes after dinner I was approached with, "Do you have room for dessert?" Ah, yes please! I got a small glass filled with a big scoop of vanilla/apple cinnamon spiced ice cream with what looked like either a few sprinklings of oatmeal on top. I couldn't even finish the whole thing because I was so full from all the other food and drinks.

It was quiet in first class the whole flight, which I loved as well. I read several pages of "Fifty Shades of Grey" post food coma. This secretly amused me. Here I am flying in first class reading a kinky erotic novel and no one knows it but me. And no, I did not initiate myself into the mile high club...though that would definitely make for a juicier story. About 10 minutes before we land, I partake in a mint that we're offered.

All in all, best. flight. ever. I think next time (listen to me, "next time") I'll pass on the pretentious washcloth though. I'm more of a moist towelette from a plastic wrapper kinda gal.