BAKED salmon fillet first up, or should I go the lobster medallions instead?
Another chilled glass of Dom Perignon, or should I make the switch to the bottle of 2006 Meursault Bochard Pere and Fils?
I’m only a couple of minutes into the 11-hour flight from Perth to Dubai, and already my mind is struggling to make sense of the world of choices available in my first-class seat aboard an Emirates A340.
When you’ve racked up a few transcontinental miles in the cramped confines of an economy seat, it’s pretty hard to take in the sheer opulence, the sophistication, the old-world charm of travel at the pointy end of a modern aircraft.
Lounging back in my first class private suite, I take in my surrounds, hardly believing it’s real at all.
My sumptuous white leather seat is an engineering marvel which can be transformed into a 180-degree flat bed with the press of a button.
As it reclines, sliding doors that double as an elegant privacy screen motor effortlessly to a close.
Once closed, I feel cocooned in a world far away from the stresses and strains of life at sea level.
I think it’s time for another champers. Having already changed into my travel pyjamas and explored the contents of my first class toiletries pack, I fumble with the control of my in-flight entertainment module, and start surveying the movie options.
An Australian classic or a latest box office release? What about Coldplay’s latest album, or a quick round of roulette on the virtual casino game? I am overwhelmed by yet more choices.
Our picture-perfect cabin crew return to remind me that dining on board our flight today is whatever I want, and whenever I want it. You’ve got to love this.
And surely that is what you really are paying for when you opt for a first class travel experience.
The only trouble with flying first class from Perth to Dubai with Emirates is that the experience is over far too quickly.
With a five-hour difference in time zones, an early morning departure from Perth has you arriving on the other side of the world in Dubai in the evening, wondering if and when jet lag will ever set in.
Luckily for me, there is no ugly downside after a day in the air – only the dread that comes with knowing that it’s back to economy class next time I travel.
If money and time, however, are no object, first class air travel between Australia and Europe becomes part of a real airline adventure, and not just a means to an end.
And with most of the world’s airlines struggling amid the global financial crisis, there has never been a better time to snap up discounted luxury travel between Australia, Europe and the United States.
Airline web sites and travel agents are battling to keep up with the latest fare offerings, but you can probably expect to pay a lot less than the $14,000 round trip quote for an Emirates first class flight from Perth to the United Kingdom or Europe.
It’s only your children’s inheritance money, so why not go out and splurge?
If first class travel is beyond your budget, Emirates business class offers wonderful cabin service in slightly less expansive, but equally opulent surroundings from $7295 per person, plus taxes.
Economy travel from Perth starts at $1729 per person, plus taxes.
- The writer travelled as a guest of Emirates.