Funny "First time in First class" stories?

[14Accent]

Earlier this evening, while chatting with a buddy about air travel, I remembered a story I thought would make for an interesting topic of conversation among the flyer-type members here on the forum.

Several years ago, I cashed in my miles for my first 1st class flight: a United flight from MSP-PWM. Upon boarding, I was given my pre-departure drink which I expected, then I was presented with a hot towel that smelled wonderful. Being a first-timer, I had NO idea what said towel was for. I held the towel in my hands for a moment, unsure what to do (and not wanting to look foolish). Looking slyly around the cabin, I observed the other passengers wiping down their faces/necks/hands and that's when it clicked! Duh...

So let's hear it: any "first first" experiences that stuck for those among us?

 

[Ursatdx]

Phila to Portland and back.
Too much scotch both ways.
It was nice.

 

[opus1]

I can't say that this was a funny moment, and it wasn't even to first class but the most memorable bump I had was getting moved up to business class on a 747 - which meant I got to sit upstairs. That was during the time when work had me going to NYC a lot so I guess I was noted as a steady customer in their system.

 

[Variant_S]

My one and only first class experience was from Delhi to Chicago via Frankfort on Air India, summer of 1997, I think. I got bumped from business class, which meant that I was in the downstairs nose of the 747. 16 seats, 4 rows of 4.

I was asked if I wanted a drink and I ordered a beer, a Kingfisher, IIRC, served in a glass. I took a drink, set the glass down to look out the window, and turned back to find a full glass. Huh. I took another drink, looked out the window, and the glass was full again. Not wanting to get smashed before we had even left the ground, I moved the glass to the window side of the seat and went back to watching the ground crew.

The food on both legs of the flight was absolutely wonderful.

 

[JHZR2]

One of my first times was a flight from LAS-PHL, and I sat next to Greer Childers. The stewardesses knew her and treated her like she was a star. I had no clue. She talked to me the whole way about who knows what, I recall that she was going to Atlantic City for a concert (Earth, Wind and Fire IIRC). She was uneasy about flying, or at least that was her claim. When she got up to go to the head, the stewardess explained who it was. I knew of the oxycise exercise videos from the 90s, but I didn’t talk to her about that. But it was just funny to be sitting next to a “famous” person that the crew obviously had dealt with before.

Acela, being the high end Amtrak train, used to get Biden riding daily with his entourage. I would bump into him and other congressmen routinely.

 

[ls1mike]

First time was an upgrade as my ex-wife and I got bumped off a flight. She had to help me off the plane. A few too many free drinks. For free is for me. LOL That was 1996.

Before 9/11 if I flew in uniform for anything there a few times were they put me in first class. That was always nice. If I fly for work and there are first class seats available, I will pay the difference out of my own pocket to be upgraded. I don't like to fly and first class makes it a bit easier.

 

[4WD]

We used to fly International First Class - truly an eyeful at first - I’m sure I was funny to the flight attendants … but I loved the appetizers & bubbly.
Now, since Business Class went lie flat … we take that and ticket costs are far less - but, the cabins have actually been getting better. Domestic legs are still First Class …

This is my recent transatlantic aisle/window seat:

 

[PimTac]

We used to fly International First Class - truly an eyeful at first - I’m sure I was funny to the flight attendants … but I loved the appetizers & bubbly.
Now, since Business Class went lie flat … we take that and ticket costs are far less - but, the cabins have actually been getting better. Domestic legs are still First Class … View attachment 84733View attachment 84734View attachment 84735
This is my recent transatlantic aisle/window seat:

The difference between international and domestic upper class is night and day. Also, many of the international lounges are super nice.