When we looked at flights back to India from Istanbul for my last pit stop before the US, flights from there cost approximately $500 AUD and something or 20,000 miles plus $350 USD. However, after a lot of plug and chug options, we realized we could fly to Spain and for an additional 10,000 miles, 30,000 total, plus $125 USD, we could fly Business Class on Etihad Airlines to India. Sold!
I've been saving my miles for years and rarely can I find a reasonable reason to upgrade and enjoy the Business Class. What better reason than ringing out our 8 months of backpacking on a luxurious note.
Etihad is one of the nicest airlines in the world and we were flying on one of their nicest aircrafts. A nicely groomed chauffeur in a tailored white suit picked us up for free in our Mercedes Sedan from our hotel to start our Business Class experience. At first, we were a little embarassed about the fact that we were getting picked up from a hotel labeled "Hostal," bu then we figured the driver didn't know whether or not we were trust fund babies just trying to 'tough it out,' so why not own it. Our flight was at 9:30 a.m., so it was really nice to just get into a car at 6:30 a.m. instead of having to navigate our own way to the airport.
Once we got to the airport, obviously we went through the expedited and extra-customer service friendly Business/First Class check-in and airport security, and then went right into the Premier Lounge to relax, have my first cup of coffee for the day, and eat a small breakfast. I didn't realize how stressful the general pre-flight experience actually is until we finally arrived on our airport completely relaxed!
We got to our seats and sat down on our Airbus A320 and immediately were served champagne. Our seats had in-built 4-area, 2 setting massage facilities, which I proceeded to use for the next 7 hours (plus the 3.5 hours on the next flight). We had little amenity kits waiting for us, which includes not just the standard high-end eyemask, flight socks, and earplugs, but also facial lotion and lip balm. The bathroom also had face mist and hand lotion. I had no idea how dehydrated my face gets in flight!
Our seats also lay down completely flat, which I only tried once, just to say that I had tried out every setting on the seat. I then got to taking complete advantage of the endless flow of mimosas and food, while we went on our comfortable movie marathon, with our feet stretched out, wrapped in our uber comfy blankets. I swear, I never want to fly economy again!
I've been saving my miles for years and rarely can I find a reasonable reason to upgrade and enjoy the Business Class. What better reason than ringing out our 8 months of backpacking on a luxurious note.
Etihad is one of the nicest airlines in the world and we were flying on one of their nicest aircrafts. A nicely groomed chauffeur in a tailored white suit picked us up for free in our Mercedes Sedan from our hotel to start our Business Class experience. At first, we were a little embarassed about the fact that we were getting picked up from a hotel labeled "Hostal," bu then we figured the driver didn't know whether or not we were trust fund babies just trying to 'tough it out,' so why not own it. Our flight was at 9:30 a.m., so it was really nice to just get into a car at 6:30 a.m. instead of having to navigate our own way to the airport.
Once we got to the airport, obviously we went through the expedited and extra-customer service friendly Business/First Class check-in and airport security, and then went right into the Premier Lounge to relax, have my first cup of coffee for the day, and eat a small breakfast. I didn't realize how stressful the general pre-flight experience actually is until we finally arrived on our airport completely relaxed!
We got to our seats and sat down on our Airbus A320 and immediately were served champagne. Our seats had in-built 4-area, 2 setting massage facilities, which I proceeded to use for the next 7 hours (plus the 3.5 hours on the next flight). We had little amenity kits waiting for us, which includes not just the standard high-end eyemask, flight socks, and earplugs, but also facial lotion and lip balm. The bathroom also had face mist and hand lotion. I had no idea how dehydrated my face gets in flight!
Our seats also lay down completely flat, which I only tried once, just to say that I had tried out every setting on the seat. I then got to taking complete advantage of the endless flow of mimosas and food, while we went on our comfortable movie marathon, with our feet stretched out, wrapped in our uber comfy blankets. I swear, I never want to fly economy again!
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