When we got married in 1999, our 20th anniversary seemed so far way. But time has a way of going very quickly and just like that...20 years have gone by. We had always talked about going to Hawaii for our 20th anniversary, and flying first class. When you are married 20 years you celebrate BIG!
We used a combination of miles and money to purchase our first class tickets. We both have a Hawaiian Airlines credit card and earn miles on purchases. We flew to Maui last year with our entire family (of 6) and pooled all of those miles together. We flew direct from PDX (Portland) to OGG (Kahului) on an Airbus 321neo like the one pictured below.
It is a single aisle aircraft; however, it feels bigger inside than a 737. I also have flown coach on the 321neo last year and was very comfortable in economy with my kiddos...in the back (seriously like row 42).
I have to tell you we had so much fun flying first class! The minute we sat down the flight attendant was handing out drinks. We had our pick of a Mai Tai, guava juice and water. I picked the guava juice, as 6:45am was a bit too early for a Mai tai. Haha. We relaxed back into our comfy seats (complete with pillow and a nice blanket) and listened to the Hawaiian music.
Every passenger was handed a menu of the flight's food selection. We would be served brunch since it was an early morning flight.
Seriously...you all...the food NEVER stopped. And it was all REALLY good!
Mark and I had plenty of room both in our leather seats and ample leg room. My feet barely touched the floor (I am 5'6"). Each first class seat was equipped with a foot rest, and we both had our seats reclined the entire flight after take off.
(This is what the first class cabin looks like aboard the Airbus 321neo). Our seats were on the right hand side (4H & 4J).
As soon as we were above 10,000 feet, the flight attendants were up and handing out iPad minis and noise cancelling headphones. I have never worn noise cancelling headphones before...they were AMAZING!!! I need some for around the house sometimes...LOL. We had access to all the entertainment on the app. I actually watched 2 movies back to back. Instant family and Crazy Rich Asians. I can't remember the last time I actually watched two movies in a row!
The service was incredible. I felt like the flight attendants were attentive but they didn't hover. It was a good balance. After the Ipads and headsets were passed out, they came around with hot towels and cloth napkins to cover our tables. The first course was drinks with a bowl of macadamia nuts. They were crunchy, salty and perfect!
Next was the fruit course. We were given real silverware and salt and pepper shakers. The fruit was ripe and sweet.
The main course was a cheese and tomato quiche with sausage. It was hot and flavorful. The sausage was a bit spicy, but I like it. I did not need to add salt or pepper to either.
The last course was a chocolate hazelnut cheesecake. I requested hot tea and they were more than happy to fulfil my wish.
Throughout the entire flight, our cups were always full of whatever we wanted. I loved the etching of the Hawaiian Airlines logo on the glasses. Not having to wait in a long line for a restroom was nice as only 16 of us had to share the one up front.
Before I knew it, they were coming by with a bag of Maui chips, more Mai Tais and our declaration forms. We arrived in Maui relaxed, well fed and ready to continue our vacation.
Flying first class was a treat. And even though I realize this was more like business class, I enjoyed every minute of it, and to me, it was worth it. I will never forget holding hands with my cute husband at 38,000 feet. It was an incredible experience, amazing to celebrate, and one I would love to have again.
