What it’s like to fly across the Atlantic in First Class with United Airlines

“Is it your first time up here?”

Yes, was the answer to our semi-condescending but truly well meaning flight attendant.

Did we look that out of place? The answer was a big fat yes. We were far too excited about the entire experience. I also had my giant Canon DSLR camera and was in the midst of filming Instagram stories. So yes, this wasn’t our typical experience in the sky.

If you remember in one of my previous posts, I mentioned that our 2017 was going to start a little late due to a series of delays with our flights back on United Airlines. The holidays are a tough time to travel due to delays, overbooking and weather. After our second time switching flights at the airport to fly out the next night (a third evening at the Buffalo, New York airport), I asked if we could be upgraded to First Class. The answer was a resounding yes for our troubles and I don’t think Joe and I have ever been quite so excited to fly back to London.

Nearly three years ago after our wedding, we flew in United’s First Class out to Hawaii. It was a series of three flights and on slightly smaller airplanes. There was certainly no bed to sleep in on those flights. However, there was plenty of food and drink, which suited us just fine.

This time was a little different. We flew out of Buffalo in the second row seats with a staff that was full of hilarious banter and we indulged in drinks on the flight, because when in first class, you know?

Landing in Washington Dulles (D.C.) we had roughly 40 minutes until we boarded our transatlantic flight. When we boarded, it seemed like the past few days of chaos were well worth it. Flying United Airlines new Polaris Business First Class across the ocean is epic. Our flight started with us taking our seats and exploring our surroundings, while the flight attendants ask what you’d like to drink. White wine, of course.

They greet you by name, that’s Mr and Mrs Prince to you. It’s OK that they didn’t do the -Wright because most people don’t and we never think twice about correcting it.

Once we got up in the air, they brought another round of drinks. We decided to try a wine flight which included a selection of three red or white wines. Joe went with red and I opted for white. After selecting your favourite drink from the bunch, you start with appetisers; including black pepper tuna, red quinoa, apple kale salad with wasabi paste and a cabbage, bok choy, carrot and mango salad. We really enjoyed both of these dishes, I didn’t realise there would be so much food.

Onto the mains, where we had a selection of around five dishes to choose from. I ordered the Seared Turbut – Basil buerre blanc, mushroom fava bean risotto and cherry tomatoes and Joe ordered the Braised Short Rib – Bordelaise, Carolina stone-ground grits, fava bean, shiitake mushroom, cherry tomato and shallot.

Our flight was a little bit shaky with turbulence during dinner so I spiraled into a mild panic while eating. Yay to fear of flying. But after dinner, they brought out desserts which focuses my mind elsewhere. Hello to ice cream sundaes, pies and cheeseboards.

After indulging in the sweet treats, the flight was smooth and I adjusted the seat to turn into a flatbed. It. Was. Incredible. 

I cuddled up in a blanket and slept solidly for four hours, only to wake up when they began to serve breakfast, where I ordered the fruit bowl, which also came with a Greek yogurt and cereal. Naturally, coffee and orange juice too. We were pretty exhausted, even with the sleep at this point so I didn’t eat too much of this, even though it was just what I needed.

Instead I turned my attention to our slow descent back to London as I started to wake up.

Landing in London were able to take the Fast Track through immigration and customs due to our United Airlines Polaris tickets, which was fantastic. Our bags were first of the belt and then we ventured back out into London… where we promptly were put back into our place by getting home on the Piccadilly line.

Honestly, if we could regularly afford to, I’d upgrade for any transatlantic or long haul flights. It helped to sleep for a few hours and actually stretch out and feel comfortable.

It’s going to be back to United Airlines economy living for me, which is OK. It gets us to where we need to be and that’s what it’s all about in the end. But if the opportunity arises for an upgrade wherever you’re going – ask for it, take it and enjoy the ride!

Cheers!

Kelly xoxo