flying business class for the first time, need tips please

[mysistersimone]

I've decided to blow a chunk of my savings and fly business class with Air New Zealand to L.A.
I'm really nervous as I'm worried it's something for the rich and beautiful (of which I'm neither) I swing between excited and overwhelmed.
Has anyone who's flown business please tell me if there's an etiquette for it? Dress code, behaviour? I'm not a drunk who swears or anything, just a polite person. Is there anything you would advise to take advantage of? Is the business class lounge intimidating? I'm flying alone, my sister is taking care of my kids.
I want to make the most of it just not make a tit of myself. Thanks

Air NZ has fab business class service. Hope you've got the lie flat bed (check seatguru if you're not sure), as the older planes still have the old style recliner which is not as comfortable. The food is great and they have a quite extensive wine selection on board too! And the lounge should also be great! The United lounge in heathrow has awesome food - so if you're in that terminal you should be allowed to access it too as its star alliance. Agree you should dress comfy - that flight (I'm in Asia right now and did NZ/oz earlier this year) is long, and comfort is more important than looks imo. Have a fantastic time! I'm always so happy when I get to fly business :)

I flew business class recently and it was lovely.

I got there especially early to get some work done but also to take advantage of the lounge. The check in was so quick compared to economy as was the security checks.

As Expat has said, check out seatguru to find a great seat and book it as far in advance as you can as the good seats go quickly.

I loved the lounge. There was a free bar so I had a nice glass of wine (or two!) but there was anything you could want to drink including soft drinks if you don't drink alcohol.

The food on the plane was good and the service was lovely. I did get some sleep but also watched some great films.

Everyone was in casual dress. The little bag they give you helps as some people do snore so the ear plugs are helpful when you want to sleep.

Let us know how you find it!

It is the BEST. The check in, the fast track security, the lounge, the easy boarding, the champagne on the Tarmac, the food, the fact you're allowed nuts just because you're a certain side of a curtain, the fast track customs on arrival. It's so much easier to be charming when you're not being herded.

You can wear what you like and they give you free stuff to make it better. BA used to give BC Molton Brown flights packs!!

The hardest thing is next time you fly having to turn right

Have a fab time, I flew business with Emirates from Manchester to Bangkok ....amazing experience from chauffeur driven car from home to business class lounge at Manchester and Dubai ....great food and wine and actually slept for 6 hrs and no jet lag!.... Flew on an A 380 which had a cocktail bar....nothing beats flying over India at sunrise sipping champagne...

Hello Op what a lovely treat for you to those saying there is no difference I doubt they fly business very often as transatlantic it makes a huge difference time especially to how you feel when you arrive at your destination and get home.

I am not aure where tou are flying from but some airports even jave pre us custom clearance. You definitely get a fast track que when you land for customs its mich quicker !

I dont have experience pf air New Zealand for quite a few year but regularly fly Aerlingus, Emirates and Virgin.

You need to pack far less stuff as hand luggage for a start. Everything is provided from food drink reading material on board wash kit tooth brush to freshen up etc. On emirates is bvulgari!

Check in is dedicated normally no que.
fast track security
Lounge will have food soup etc rather than just snacks and fully stocked bar
Glass of champagne when you get on board
Your coat is taken from you and hung up
Your bed lies flat
You get a duvet and a pillow
There is a fine dining menu for you to choose from the food is delicious and comes on china plates with linen and metal cutlery (the knife is still rubbish) and salt and pepper shakers.
Real coffee in a china mug with real not uht milk
Belgian chocolates

You can board whenever you like in business the earlier the better to get settled!
You normally have one steward per ten people and nothing is too much trouble. They definitely seem to enjpy theor job more than in economy!
You have a big touch screen
A reading light that is adjustable and you can read with.
A partition to stopp you even being able to see the passenger next to you. Most airlines you are totally 'alone' now.

Ive tried tp think pf all the dofferences for you to savour and make the most pf your trip.
Now i have 2 children (2.5 and 5 months) the idea a business class flight would be my idea of pure heaven! No one can contact you and you get to sleep and pick whats on tv whilst someone brings you everything you desire!!!

On Emirates a chauffeur driven merc takes you to your hotel from the airport and also collects you from your home to the airport.

I will say things are slightly ruined now you can make phone calls on board Emirates and there is free wifi for the whole flight apart from take off and landing

Sorry op cant edit my typos whilst feeding!

Check the ANZ site to make sure you get everything that comes with the ticket: some airlines offer complimentary travel to / from the airport, for example.

Make good use of the lounge! If there are a pile of magazines, you are allowed to take one with you. If there is only one of each leave them there (but if you pick up one by accident, don't worry - no one will chase you down and take it off you!). Remember to get your coat from the cloakroom if they check it in when you get to the lounge

If you need anything on board, don't be afraid to ask! More water / wine / beer / snacks; pen and paper; information on the flight....

Wear whatever you need to be comfortable. You will probably get a little comfort pack with socks, eye mask etc. You will also get a decent pillow and blanket.

As long as you have your ticket and passport, you don't need to think - someone else does all that for you. I love flying business class because everything and everyone is super-nice. You may even be able to sleep!

Have a wonderful flight :)

I'm a bit obsessed with the different bc seats, cabins and lounges, so had a quick look on the anz site - the lounge at la looks amazing!!! Excited for you

See if there are any business class videos of ANZ on you tube. I did that for the airlines I have been fortunate enough to fly business class with.

A website called flyertalk will answer any questions and also take a look at a website called Head For Points to see if there is a review of your aircraft and your lounge.

Your money is as good as anyone's - don't be afraid!

Enjoy every second! If there is anything you can't work out in or around your seat/bed call the attendant straight away to explain it- don't spend hours wondering how to recline etc.

You'll love it. We are now lucky enough to be able to fly business and it means the journey is really enjoyable rather than something to be endured to get to your destination. We always make sure we are at the airport in plenty of time so we get to enjoy the lounge as well.

Thanks all. I've booked my flight now for January and bought luggage (thanks Sports Direct sale 😆) and got travel insurance. I'm staying with a friend so no accommodation worries.

Thanks all for your help. I've roped my Dad into doing the airport runs. I'm looking forward to my break, I'm blowing some inheritance but it's a big birthday soon and i deserve it. Fortunately the inheritance is also helping me make other big changes in my life but that's another thread 😉