My First Business Class Experience (with Air India)
As a solo traveller who typically flies economy, upgrading to business class always felt like an indulgence I couldn’t quite justify. However, when planning a recent trip from London Heathrow to Bangkok, I decided it was time to splurge. Long-haul flights are notoriously tiring, and the idea of reclining in comfort and having a bit of luxury in the sky was too tempting to resist. My airline of choice? Air India. Now, I know what you might be thinking – Air India and luxury? Their business class isn’t exactly known for glowing reviews. I’d read countless comments online about outdated seats and inconsistent service, so I approached the experience with cautious optimism.
What I found, though, was that despite its flaws, my first taste of business class was undeniably special. Here’s how my journey unfolded.
The Heathrow Experience
For most travellers, the journey begins the moment you step into the airport. Heathrow’s Terminal 2 can be chaotic, especially during peak travel times. As someone used to queuing for what feels like hours at economy check-in counters, the business class experience was an immediate game-changer. Priority check-in meant no long lines, no jostling with other passengers, and no stress. Within minutes, my bag was tagged, my boarding pass was in hand, and I was through security. It was seamless and effortless, and I already felt like I was in a different league of travel.
Next up was the lounge. There were several business class lounges that I could choose from and I chose The Singapore Business Lounge at Heathrow – it’s the one that every seemed to like whilst reading reviews online. The Singapore Business Lounge provided a quiet sanctuary away from the bustling terminal. The seating was comfortable, with ample space to relax or catch up on social media. While the food and drink offerings were limited, there was enough to tide me over – it had similarities of a hotel breakfast menu. A plate of a British breakfast and a latte later, I felt relaxed and ready for the flight ahead. For someone like me, who’s used to grabbing overpriced snacks at airport cafes, this felt like the first real treat flying through business class.
Boarding the Flight
The boarding process was another smooth affair. Business class passengers were invited to board first, which meant no waiting in long queues or battling for overhead bin space. As I stepped onto the aircraft, I was greeted warmly by the cabin crew and directed to my seat. This was the moment I had been waiting for – my first glimpse of a business class cabin.
The seat itself was a mixed bag. On one hand, I was thrilled to have so much space. The seat was wide, with generous legroom, and could recline fully into a flatbed. For someone used to squeezing into cramped economy seats, it felt like absolute luxury. On the other hand, it was clear that the seats was dated. The upholstery showed signs of wear, and the overall design lacked the sleekness and modernity you might find on other airlines like Virgin, Emirates, etc. Still, as a first-time business class traveller, I wasn’t here to nit-pick. I was here to enjoy the experience, and from where I sat, it was already a major upgrade.
The cabin wasn’t fully booked, which added to the sense of exclusivity. Settling into my seat, I was offered a welcome drink and a choice of a hot or cold towel. I chose orange juice as my welcome drink.
The In-Flight Experience
Once we were in the air, the true business class experience began. The first thing that struck me was the attentive service. The cabin crew, dressed impeccably in traditional Indian attire, were polite, warm, and efficient. They went out of their way to ensure every passenger was comfortable, which set a lovely tone for the flight.
The meal service was a highlight. As someone who’s a foody, I was excited to see the menu, which featured a variety of authentic dishes. The flavours were rich and comforting, a far cry from the bland meals I’ve endured in economy class. The presentation, while not Michelin-star level, was still far superior to what I was used to. Pairing the meal with a glass of red wine at 35,000 feet made it feel all the more indulgent.
When it came to entertainment, however, things were a little underwhelming. The screen was small, and the selection of movies and TV shows was limited compared to the offerings on other airlines. As someone who usually relies on in-flight entertainment to pass the time, this was a bit of a letdown. Thankfully, I had come prepared with my own phone loaded with films and shows from Netflix and other streaming platforms. The noise-cancelling headphones provided by the airline were decent, but I preferred using my own.
One of the biggest perks of business class, in my opinion, is the ability to sleep comfortably! After dinner, I reclined my seat into a flatbed, wrapped myself in the soft blanket provided, and drifted off to sleep. The privacy and quietness of the cabin made it easy to relax, and I managed to get several hours of uninterrupted rest. For a mid-range solo traveller like me, this was a revelation. No more waking up with a stiff neck or trying to find a comfortable position while squished between strangers. Travelling long haul, this was a must for me and definitely a first for me!
Arrival in Bangkok
Waking up to the sight of the sun rising over Thailand was a magical moment. The crew served a light breakfast about an hour before landing, which included fresh fruit, yoghurt, and a croissant. It was the perfect way to ease into the day and prepare for arrival.
As we touched down in Bangkok, I felt refreshed and energised – a stark contrast to how I usually feel after a long-haul flight. Clearing immigration and collecting my luggage was quick, thanks to the priority services that come with flying business class. Before I knew it, I was in a taxi heading to my hotel, ready to start my adventure.
Final Thoughts
Was Air India’s business class the most luxurious option out there? Probably not. The cabin could use a revamp, and the entertainment system left much to be desired. But for someone like me, experiencing business class for the first time, it was nothing short of amazing. From the spacious seating to the attentive service and delicious meals, it felt like a world away from economy.
What surprised me most was how much the little things added up to create a truly enjoyable journey. Having priority check-in, access to several business lounges, and a comfortable place to sleep made the entire travel experience feel less like a chore and more like part of the adventure. While seasoned business class travellers might find Air India’s offering lacking, for me, it was an unforgettable first step into the world of luxury air travel.
Would I fly business class again? Absolutely – especially long haul flights! This experience has set the bar for what long-haul travel can be, and I’m already dreaming of my next trip. If you’re a mid-range traveller like me, curious about upgrading your flight experience, I’d say go for it. Sometimes, a little indulgence is worth it.
