A Taste of Luxury: How We Scored a Business Class Upgrade from Seoul to Paris
And the opportunities for you to score one too.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to experience the luxury of Business Class?
We definitely have as well.
And earlier this year, we finally got some answers when we unexpectedly got upgraded to business class on our return flight from Seoul.
Why did we receive an upgrade? What was Business Class like? And which opportunities are there for you to experience the joys and luxuries of Business Class yourself?
We’re here to let you in on it all.
Logistical Issues, We Thank You
Our return flight to Amsterdam, with a layover in Paris, was scheduled for 9 AM.
When our alarm went off at 4:15, we woke up to a message from KLM saying: “Your flight has been disrupted.”
Our first response? Ugh.
Our response after finding out what happened to one of our seats? THANK YOU AIR FRANCE!
Apparently, Air France flew a smaller plane to Seoul than originally planned (a 777-200 instead of a 777-300ER). Because of this we (unfortunately) wouldn’t be getting the Economy Comfort seats we paid for for our 14-hour journey back home. But as it turns out, we got something even better.
At the check-in counter, we were told that one of our tickets had been upgraded to Business Class.
Shoutout to Mike’s dad for expertly using the American Express Benefits and blessing Mike with his bonus Platinum FlyingBlue status.
With one of our newly allocated seats all the way at the front of the plane, it was time for takeoff.
A Blend of Comfort, Cuisine, and Care
There are 3 crucial components to an enjoyable flight experience: your seat, the in-flight dining, and the level of service.
Let's talk about what these are like in Air France’s Business Class.
1) The Seat
We’ll start by acknowledging that Business Class seats are simply great.
Not having a sore butt after sitting for more than 30 minutes? Extending your legs without making everyone fall over whilst they walk down the aisle next to you? And being able to lie down horizontally and snuggle up in your own cocoon during your naps?
Besides the great comfort and versatility of the chair, the surrounding features are also great. There is plenty of storage space to store your belongings in the easy-access compartment next to you, the TV screen is adjustable to your preferred distance, and the tray table is big enough for an elevated dining experience (but more on that later).
And to top it off, you still get to enjoy sky-high views through your aisle-seat window.
2) The Food
Here’s where we start to disagree.
For context: Mike started off in the fancy-upper-class-cool-kid-seat whilst Hannah started off in economy.
Once you’re in Business Class, you receive a 6-course menu, complete with a wine list, allowing you to choose your preferred in-flight refreshments.
For lunch, Mike opted for the tournedos with rosemary sauce and a must-have glass of champagne alongside it. It was very tasty and Mike might have asked for a few more top-ups of those bubbles to tie it all together.
When it was Hannah’s turn, she chose the goat’s cheese ravioli with pesto sauce and a lovely glass of merlot. The wine was great, but the pasta was… okay?
This is the fate of having to opt for the only vegetarian option instead of getting to choose what tickles your fancy. Even Business Class has a lot to learn in that respect.
Also, the Business Class bread isn’t any less firm and tough to eat than its economy counterpart? Why is that? And will this ever not be the case on airlines?
Luckily, the always-available drinks, fruit, and snacks in the Business Class kitchen area were great and Hannah enjoyed those to the max.
3) The Service
In Business Class, the Air France cabin crew pleasantly surprised us (a contrast to our previously disappointing experience as you might recall).
While we initially lacked the miles for an extra Business Class seat for Hannah, the crew's great service made up for it. One crew member in particular went out of his way to give Hannah a taste of the Business Class experience all the way in the back of the plane by bringing her a glass of champagne and a dessert to enjoy. He did this with lots of humor by repeatedly teasing Mike about leaving Hannah all the way in the back.
The airline crew member bridged the cabin divide and made our Business Class experience even more memorable.
How To Get an Upgraded Seat
To close things off, let's delve into the world of upgrades and how you might score one for yourself on your next international flight.
Typically, there are three types of upgrades:
1. Paid for Upgrades:
For those seeking a touch of luxury, this is the straightforward route.
After booking your Economy ticket, you might want to treat yourself to some luxury. You can find this option on your airline's website directly after or during the booking process.
If the urge doesn’t occur during the booking stage, the airline might offer you a last-minute upgrade during various stages:
During online or in-person check-in.
Just before boarding.
Occasionally, even after boarding has commenced.
These last-minute upgrades are often more affordable, as airlines aim to fill empty Business Class seats, ensuring they don't lose revenue on the entire flight.
2. Courtesy Upgrades:
The second option for receiving an upgrade to Business Class is a courtesy upgrade.
This happens when the airline has seats available shortly before departure, and they decide to upgrade passengers with a high loyalty status. Not only does this show appreciation to the customer, but it also fosters loyalty to the airline.
3. Operational Upgrades:
The last option of receiving an upgrade to Business Class, and the way we got it, is an operational upgrade.
This usually happens when there is a switch between airplanes, and there is not enough room in Economy Class to accommodate all the passengers. Deciding who gets the lucky upgrade usually happens based on loyalty status. In our case, Mike had a high enough status to be chosen.
These operational situations don’t guarantee an upgrade and you don’t know when they might even happen in the first place, but with a higher loyalty status, your chances will increase!
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Our unexpected Business Class upgrade turned a regular travel day into a core travel memory.
From sipping champagne at 9 AM to enjoying delicious meals high above the clouds, we savored every moment of this premium experience.
Now, we want to hear from you! Have you ever received a surprise upgrade, or do you dream of enjoying the luxury of Business Class in the future? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below. We're looking forward to hearing about your stylish travel adventures, where ordinary trips become extraordinary.
Thank you for joining us on this flight of luxury, and until next time, safe travels!
Always great to score an upgrade on a long haul flight - it makes such a difference!
Now you have to start comparing business class service across airlines- next goal!