Disappointing photos show what flying first class is really like
Despite its reputation, flyingfirst class isn't always what it's cracked up to be.
Advertisements for first-class accommodations - and even our own imaginations - can look vastly different from the true experience.
Take a look at what the full experience of flying first-class - from check-in to the exclusive lounges to the seats and meals on the flights themselves - can really look like.
Flying first-class can sometimes feel like an unattainable luxury.
And if you've ever had to pass by those lucky few first-class passengers on your way to coach, you probably recognise those feelings of curiosity and pangs of jealousy you get seeing them already seated in their wide, plush seats with extra legroom and a 15-inch TV.
But first class isn't always what it's cracked up to be.
Yes, first-class seats are larger than those on the rest of the aeroplane, but only by a few inches. And, at the end of the day, aeroplane food is still aeroplane food, and flying is still flying.
What's more, while the first-class experience on international flights, with all of its amenities, will always hold an allure to travellers, flying domestic first class is an entirely different experience.
Here's a look at what it's really like to fly first class.
You might think check-in is all smiles for people who purchase first-class tickets.
But in reality, travel is always hectic, and there's bound to be some confusion at some point.
Before arriving at your gate, your security screening may be seamless and easy.
But you could still get stuck in long lines.
Thankfully, the airline club lounges once you get through security look to be rather luxurious — a welcoming respite from the huge crowds.
That is, until they're overcrowded with a ton of other passengers who paid for the same "luxury."
Even if you think the lounge food spread looks appetizing ...
... it may be just picked-over cheese.
If you're flying international first class, you may expect to find your lounge to look like the halls of a palace.
But even for international flights, your lounge may very well just look like the lobby of a Holiday Inn.
On the surface, boarding the plane into first class should be an orderly process. You're likely one of the first groups to board, after all.
But boarding can still be completely chaotic, even if you're allowed to board first.
One-touch boarding would seem to solve this problem.
Unfortunately boarding a plane is usually much harder than it appears.
On the plane, those international first class seats are advertised as luxurious and spacious.
Yet the reality of domestic first class is typically only a large leather chair.
On some international flights, first class accommodations are the size of a room, and they may come with various toiletries for your convenience.
Other first-class accommodations include seats that allow you to fully recline.
But on domestic first class, your seat may look more like this, with little space to spread out.
From the advertisements alone, the idea of fully reclining in your first-class seat looks so nice and roomy.
But take it from me, sitting in a first-class seat isn't all it's been cracked up to be.
These first-class seats look so clean, orderly, and luxurious in the advertisements.
But, in reality, you could get stuck with a disgusting stain on the armrest that won't come out no matter how many times you try to clean it, like I did.
Aeroplanes are still aeroplanes after all — not the most cleanly environment.
Source: Business Insider