I'm a budget traveler who splurged on a $754 business-class upgrade. Sometimes, money really can buy happiness.
I spent $754 to upgrade to business class on a flight from Amsterdam to Tokyo.
As someone who usually flies coach, I was amazed by the luxurious experience.
From the incredible food to the comfy seat, the upgrade was worth every penny.
I'm so stranger to flying — last year, I traveled to 26 countries and four continents. However, after six months of traveling, I dreaded my nearly 10-hour flight from Amsterdam to Tokyo.
When I checked in for my KLM flight, though, I was pleasantly surprised by a $754 offer to upgrade to business class.
At first, it almost felt wrong to consider the upgrade, since I was so used to budget traveling. However, it turned out to be the best decision I made.
Here's what my business-class experience was like.
The perks started before I even boarded the plane
By upgrading to business class, I was given access to the KLM Crown Lounge in Amsterdam.
Since this was my first time experiencing an airport lounge, I made sure to stop in to enjoy the goodies from the all-you-can-eat buffet.
For the first time in my life, I was actually excited to spend time in the airport.
The boarding process was seamless
After loading up on an assortment of chocolate and ice cream, I walked to my gate and was in the first group to board.
When I arrived at my seat, there was a mini memory foam pillow and a cosmetics case filled with toothpaste, an eye mask, a blanket, socks, hand cream, and slippers.
I sat down in my roomy seat and tried to contain my excitement. Before takeoff, I was offered the option of sparkling wine or a mimosa. A few glasses of bubbly later, I felt relaxed enough for the flight.
The food I had was pretty incredible
Until I experienced it for myself, I never realized how much better the food in business class is. When flying in coach, I was used to having two choices for dinner and one for breakfast — simple meals at best.
This time, however, I had three dinner options to choose from. I chose the three-course meat-focused meal, which started with a bowl of tomato soup, some bread, and a salad.
Next, I had a chicken and pasta entrée, and for dessert, I enjoyed an ice cream sundae. However, my favorite part of the service was the extensive two-page wine menu.
I was shocked to see how many good wines were offered on the flight. After all, I was used to the generic options offered in coach. I also loved that the wine was unlimited during the flight.
I got plenty of sleep during the flight
After eating my delicious three-course meal, it was time to relax.
To be honest, I was so excited to experience the amenities of business class that I almost didn't want to go to sleep. As an anxiety-prone flyer, this was huge. I was actually enjoying myself on a flight.
Once I started feeling sleepy, I reclined my seat to the bed setting. With comfortable cushion padding throughout, I fell right to sleep.
Seven hours later, I woke up feeling refreshed. As a person who typically falls in and out of sleep in coach, I felt like a new person with a full seven hours of sleep behind me.
The $754 business-class upgrade was worth every penny
To me, this $754 upgrade felt priceless. I was able to get a good night's sleep and had an incredible and luxurious experience. Honestly, my only problem was going back to coach for future flights.
I've since taken four international flights and have flown business class for three of them by using upgrades.
Although my flying style has changed from budget to luxury, I can honestly say I wouldn't trade the experience for the money any day.
When I met my jet-lagged friends in Tokyo, I was able to explore right away, sans nap. Looking back at this experience, I can safely say that sometimes, money can buy happiness — or at least a good night's sleep.
Read the original article on Business Insider
