I have been on quite a few planes in this lifetime: for volleyball tournaments, trips to journalism conventions, and those eternal study abroad flights that send your internal clock spinning with confusion. However, my socioeconomic status and frugal nature leave me blessed to have flights at all, but with coach as the unsaid, practical option.

That is, until I flew to first class. My life has been changed.

When I booked my flight to make my way back to Omaha, I found a flight on Delta that was cheaper than most coach seats, which is too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Not only that, I was seat A1, which means I boarded the plane first. For someone who has sat between a couple arguing on a four-hour trek before, this was the sky opening up and giving me Wonka's golden ticket.

I boarded, sat my 5'11" frame down in a seat with miles of leg room, and asked for a glass of wine which I got IN AN ACTUAL GLASS. They then served me fresh fruit and salmon salad, as well as a charcuterie plate with Italian breadsticks and chocolate cake. And glasses and glasses of free wine. I do not normally condone alcohol consumption in my travels, but nobody should turn down free wine.

My only regret is that I did not have coffee, because it was Coffee Bean coffee direct from California and it looked delicious.

The best part about all this whole ordeal is that I saw a family of six getting on the plane, all with children under the age of seven, complete with child leashes. I did not have to sit with that family.

All luxuries aside, I did miss sitting in the back a bit. There's a phrase associated with talking to fellow travelers called "single-serving friends." These are people you meet once, have a meaningful conversation with (or not) and part ways.

I always enjoy making those friends, and there are less opportunities to do so in first class. Getting pampered was fun, but next time I will stick to my cramped leg room, tiny bag of peanuts and fun talks, to prepare for more life experiences.