Suite 3A

And so it ends as it began - a long flight complemented with First Class service. I knew it was going to be different when I was escorted to the front of both the security and customs lines and onto the VIP lounge area. Since I was early, they opened up early.

The lounge’s full-service restaurant provided a cooked to order breakfast. I had to have a Bloody Mary while waiting for the kitchen to finish setting up. While waiting, I discovered my computer was receiving a healthy Wi-Fi signal (no need to ask for it, they just knew). After breakfast, I moved into the Business Center and printed boarding passes for LAX and my final leg home. New arrivals were heading to showers. All this was complementary; and this was all before boarding the flight.

Once on the plane, it was Dom Perignon again to start, this time with warm nuts and olives. There was an eight course tasting menu with a special wine pairing with each course. Or there was rack of lamb, or beef wellington, or seared blue-eye fillet, or free-range chicken, or all of the above if you were so inclined along with canapés and salads and soups and desserts and petits. And I didn’t have a seat number for this flight; I had a suite number. Suite 3A.

Needs were anticipated. Would you like some jammies Mr. Odom? I brought you extra large. Here’s a lambskin cover for your bed tonight Mr. Odom. Never been on an A380 Airbus before, Mr. Odom? Would you like a tour of the flight deck once we land? No need to decide now; I’ll ask the Captain anyway.

With wealth comes privilege. Some people come from lucky sperm; others earn their way. I Forrest Gumpped my way in with air miles and I make no more apologies for my place than those who acquired it through inheritance or determination. Care for another Bailey’s Mr. Odom? It will help you sleep.