9 Thoughts You Have Your First Time Flying Business Class

Is This Lounge for Real?

Since I usually spend my early airport hours claiming a spot next to the first available power outlet within sight of my gate, it was also my first time in an airport lounge.

The Lufthansa Lounge (a partner of Turkish airlines) at JFK was my first lounge experience and hopefully not my last. Aside for the comfortable armchairs, readily available newspapers, quiet reading rooms, and liberal dispersion of available power outlets, what really made the lounge worth it was the food.

A simple complimentary breakfast spread with a selection of beverages and fresh fruit is a great way to de-stress and indulge before a long flight. Along with a pleasant experience, there's no need to worry about eating before you leave for the airport or paying for overpriced food. It's something to be taken advantage of in the future, even if you're not flying first class.

Do I Really Need All This Space?

It's time to board, and with priority boarding I get to be one of the first on the plane and make the ceremonial left turn towards my front-cabin seat.

What I found there was a glorious amount of empty space—way more than a 5'3'' human being like me could ever need. This spaciousness makes sense once you extend the chair to its lie-flat position, but while I was still upright I enjoyed the comparatively infinite amount of legroom and with the middle-seat between me and my neighbor unoccupied, I had more personal space than I had ever dreamed of having on an airplane.

How to Organize My Storage Bin

One of the unexpected pros of all that space was that I didn't really need to keep much in the overhead bin. I had checked my luggage, so all that was left in my carry-on were the in-flight essentials. Usually, I'll take out what I need before tucking my bag into the overhead compartment.

Turkish Airlines business-class seating includes a food rest that doubles as a spacious storage bin. I could keep my laptop, books, and devices all within reach and tucked away—no hassle necessary.

Can I Take These Headphones Home?

Before take off, the flight attendants handed out sturdy and massive headphones for all business-class passengers. Far superior to the earbuds usually given out in coach, not to mention my own personal headphones, these Denon headphones fit comfortably and blocked out all the noise from my talkative neighbors. Unfortunately, they were only on loan and not complimentary. However, they are available for purchase during the flight.

What Do I Want for Dinner?

Still on the ground and getting settled, I was given a menu to peruse by the in-flight chef. With steak, tomato soup, chocolate mousse, and more, there were not only plenty of options to choose from, including some Turkish-inspired dishes, they also all sounded amazing.

There was even a card to fill out your breakfast order ahead of time. I was able to place my order early on in the flight which is a big advantage. Not only did I not have to worry about what I would be eating, I had something to look forward to mid-flight, which really helps the time pass by.

I Have to Photograph This Adorable Lamp

Before the food arrived, my in-seat table was set complete with a table cloth and condiments, but also a small electric tealight candle. This unique Turkish Airlines touch helped set the scene for the high-flying dinner I was about to have. It also makes a great little souvenir to remember the experience.

How Do I Make the Bed?

I had finished my meal and two movies, so I figured it was time to get to rest. After extending the seat all the way to its flat position, I stood up to determine the best ways to arrange my pillow and blanket.

At this moment, the flight attendant came over and asked if I would like her to make my bed. Trusting that she would do a much better job than I would, I stood aside and watched her lay down some extra padding, fluff the pillow, and neatly arrange the blanket.

I almost didn't want to mess up her neat and cozy-looking arrangement, but my tiredness won out. I got under the covers, popped on my noise-cancelling headphones (yes, they were comfortable enough to sleep in), and promptly passed out.

I Shouldn't Have Had So Much Wine

Maybe I got a little too excited celebrating my first foray into the world of luxury flying and indulged a little more than I should have. Forgetting that the dehydrating effects of alcohol only get worse while flying, I woke up with a pretty bad headache. Learning first hand that, just because it's free and comes in a real glass, doesn't mean it won't come back to haunt you later. Indulge to celebrate a little, but don't go crazy.

I'm So Glad I Ordered Breakfast Ahead of Time

Just in time to ease the pain, my omelet and Turkish tea blend arrived to set me right again. A delicious and freshly-cooked wake-up call, it was just what I needed to start a new day of traveling.

In a few hours we arrived in Istanbul, and while it was not my final destination, I was instantly inspired by the mosque-dotted skyline of the city and started plotting my return. Hopefully, on business class.