We’re off to a great start today. My two-month experiment in travel hacking as a digital nomad has begun, and I’m sipping on my second glass of complimentary champagne as I write. Upon boarding, I immediately gave myself an upgrade to Business Class, at no additional cost.
24-hours ago I checked-in via the airlines’ mobile app to select my seat. I set an alarm to remind myself so I could get first choice of remaining seats at the moment they became available. I’ve always been a window-seat guy, but I read a travel blogger recently who flies aisle all the way, so I figured I’d give it a try. I chose the first open seat closest to the front of the plane, so I could be first off. Today it’s 4D. It just so happened to be directly behind the “first class” seats, rows 1-3.
On the plane, a large couple had folded themselves into the fourth row ahead of me. The blonde man with a crew cut must have stood 6’4”. I’m silently applauding myself for selecting the aisle seat already, when I notice something…
All of the seats directly in front of me, the last row of first class seats, were empty. I boarded late to avoid the line and crowds, and was pretty much the last person get on. With no one behind me, there was slim chance these seats would be claimed. I safely stowed my carry-on in the overhead compartment, and took the open seat.
Instead of being asked to move, I was offered a hot towel. AAaaahhhh. Ok then, I guess it’s settled. If the flight attendant knew, she didn’t let on. I’m the only person who knows I’m not supposed to be here, and I’m not about to out myself. Behind me, I overhear a woman requesting to move up to an open seat. Her request is denied and she is informed of the premiums that passengers pay for these exclusive seats. My lips struggle to barely contain the smirk that’s bubbling up onto my face. Good thing I didn’t ask. 😉
Here are some of the things you can expect when you sneak into first class, er, I mean sit in the wrong seat by mistake. Bottled water waiting in your seats – which I promptly dumped into my empty Nalgene for later. Complementary food and drinks. Real glasses, dishware and cutlery. A tray liner! (To keep things from sliding around on the fold-down tray) Ample legroom. Space to stretch out. Space to work.
Lesson? Ask forgiveness, not permission. My original seat was directly behind my upgrade, so I was prepared to feign ignorance if questioned. “4D? Oops! I must have misread the ticket, I thought I was in 3D.” 😏