I already had a glass of champagne in my hand before the passengers of the economy class even sat.
If that was how my first business class flight would start, I knew I was for a treat.
I was traveling with Air New Zealand from Los Angeles, California, Auckland, New Zealand, and a long-haul flight melined by plane meals-something I was looking forward to in business class. Tender seafood to a chocolate pie, the meal met my wildest dreams.
Six months later, I took a long-haul flight from Denver to Tokyo on United Airlines, where I ate food like a vegetarian junction and a milk cookie on a tray.
By traveling on another airline, experience showed me how the dining room can differ considerably between the economy and business class.
Before even considering food, the meal service in the commercial cabin of Air New Zealand and the Economic Board of United began with a drink.
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In business class, I had what looked like unlimited choices. The options included wine, beer, champagne, soda and various liqueurs.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
In United Economy, the options were limited. Wine, beer and soda were complementary, but a gin and a tonic or any other alcoholic drink cost a cost.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
He described a choice between two entries, three main lessons and two desserts.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
In economics, the on -board agents shared the main offers of course while they were pushing a meal trolley at my headquarters.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
The options on my flight New Zealand were descriptive. I could choose between the “beef cooked slowly with polenta, orange and lemon Gremolata” or “Alaska cod with saffron sauce”.
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In economics, there were two options: “chicken” or “vegetarian sautéed”. I was wondering what vegetables, what type of chicken and what else would happen on my plate.
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But it was not time to ask questions. Instead, I blindly picked up the vegetarian sautéed and I received a food set.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
Meanwhile, in business class, the meal was an experience. Before delivering my first course, a on -board agent placed a fabric towel, salt and pepper, silverware and an individual olive oil on my table.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
All the food in the economy has come at a time.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
Meanwhile, each business class has been served separately.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
The first thing I ate was bread. A on -board agent came to offer three types: leaven, garlic and olive. Naturally, I tried one of everyone.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
I also had bread on my economic set. While the bread was not as fresh as the business class leaves, a butter tap added a flavor.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
My first business class course was a salad with stuffed vine leaves, quinoa, tomatoes, olives and lettuce.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
In economics, I had a salad with cereals, raisins and lettuce.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
For my main business course, I opted for the cod of Alaska. It was buttered, scaly and incredibly delicious for plane food.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
For my main economy course, a label stressed that my jumped has seven types of vegetables. Although it is not as good as cod, I easily devoured the whole noodle tray.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
The best part of the two meals was undoubtedly dessert. In business, I had a rich chocolate pie served with a strawberry garnish.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
In economics, I had a cookie filled with frosting from the famous New York bakery milk bar.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
Beyond food, other details distinguish the meal service. In business, the cutlery was made of metal, the towels were made of fabric and the plates were in ceramic. It was like gastronomy.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
In economics, my food came out on a plastic tray with all wrapped in plastic.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
When I was sitting in the economy, the on -board agents told me that the pasta dish had exhausted when they reached my seat on the back of the plane. Later, they also lacked coke.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
Of course, if I was sitting in business class in United in the direction of Tokyo, I would have had several of the same advantages that I do on Air New Zealand.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
According to the United website, the meal service in commercial class includes a welcome glass of bubbles, alcohol, a meal with three dishes and snacks.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider
While the two meals were surprisingly different, I devoured them both and I was fortunately full – with a lot of time for a nap after dinner.
Monica Humphries / Business Insider