Kristi's First Time in First Class & Your Multi-Country Trip Tips

Hey there, Travellers!

This week's edition of The Detour comes to you from sunny Mallorca, where most of the Jack's Flight Club team have gathered for our second company meet-up. 

The island remains an incredibly popular summer destination with tourists from across Europe, and landing at Palma Airport towards the beginning of their summer season gave me a glimpse into what their next few months will look like—hectic! Little wonder, then, that this giant billboard outside the airport terminal has caused a bit of controversy.

"What happens in Mallorca, stays in Mallorca," according to a German bank. While tourism is the island's biggest industry, locals also struggle with the effects of overtourism on the island. And as several rowdy groups of German stag/bachelor parties (wearing t-shirts brandishing phrases I couldn't possibly share in polite company) passed me at Arrivals, I couldn't help but think this advertising was very much aimed at them.

While the billboard will soon be removed, the lives of islanders continue to be affected. They don't want people not to visit; they just want them to visit in a better way. So if you're heading to Mallorca, or any other incredibly popular destination this summer, here are some tips on how to be a conscious traveller.

Happy travels and safe landings,

I am not, by any stretch, a first class traveller.

I am an economy pleb. A pack-my-own-snacks, celebrate-a-free-drink, quietly-accept-that-my-knees-are-now-armrests kind of flyer. So when I stumbled across a deal that landed me in United’s First Class from Calgary to Honolulu, I felt like I snuck into a whole new tax bracket.

Spoiler alert: I did not.

What I’d actually booked was "domestic first class" (with that pesky little stopover in SFO), something I would come to understand as a very specific (but also slightly humbling) tier of luxury. Sure, you’re absolutely doing better than most… but you’re also reminded to not get carried away.

There were lie-flat seats involved. There was champagne. There were, at times, fluffy duvets. You won’t hear this economy-dweller do much complaining.

And yet, from the moment I tried (and failed) to access a lounge during my stopover in San Francisco, it dawned on me that this experience would be less “unbridled luxury” and more “a fascinating lesson in airline hierarchy.”

Don’t get me wrong—I felt incredibly lucky to be there. This isn’t a complaint-filled rant from a seasoned first class connoisseur. It was more like an economy flyer who’d slipped into the front of the plane on a technicality: wide-eyed, slightly out of place, and nervous that at any moment someone might tap me on the shoulder and gesture for me to head further back.

What followed was a mix of true comfort, subtle reality checks, and enough champagne to keep my sense of humour.

I’ll get into the details—but first, a quick look at my specific flights:

Flight Details:

— The overnight flight was veeerrrrry short, running from 11pm to 5am. So yes, it was super comfy, but just when you set down your cutlery, closed your eyes, and snuggled up under the glorious clouds of duvet… it was time to land. Would it have been too much to ask that they just circle the skies a bit so I could sleep in?!

— The lie-flat seat was genuinely comfortable, with more storage than I knew what to do with. I brought my laptop on board (the daytime flight), and the placement of the mini desk meant I could work while simultaneously eating from my tray table. The plane felt new and fresh, and the bathroom had nice amenities (I used the refreshing facial spray about 8 times).

General Facilities

This is where things started to feel properly first class.

Waiting at my seat was a heavenly plush blanket and pillow. It was even paired with a surprisingly cute little Reyn Spooner (aka designer of the world’s most collected Hawaiian shirts!) amenity kit—including a sleeping mask, dental kit, lotions, lip balm, facial spray, and earplugs! And that lie-flat seat? Glorious.

Noise-cancelling headphones were also provided—and not the flimsy, pathetic kind. These were solid, and they did an admirable job of blocking out both engine noise and the piercing wails of nearby children.

The screen was large, touch-sensitive, and gave serious Big Plane energy. That said, I barely used it—partly because I’d brought my own devices, partly because I was too busy intermittently lying flat and reminding myself this was, in fact, real life.

In terms of power, everything you’d expect was there: a universal plug, plus USB-A and USB-C ports, all conveniently within reach. Functional, no complaints.

Now, onto the slightly less glamorous reality check: Wi-Fi. Or more specifically, the lack of free Wi-Fi. Even in first class, this will cost you—$8.99 USD, to be exact. Not outrageous, but just enough to snap you out of your luxury-induced haze.

Thankfully, that blow is somewhat softened by the flow of sparkling wine (not quite champagne but still pretty tasty). It was free, it was frequent, and it definitely made me happier. And touches like a hot, moisturized towel upon arrival? Much appreciated.

Food

By long-haul standards, this was… surprisingly tasty.

Before takeoff, the crew came around to each first class passenger to confirm meal choices and take orders for anyone who hadn’t pre-selected (United had sent out their extensive menu in advance).

I went for the poached peach, caramelized almond, and mascarpone crêpes—which arrived hot, fresh, and delicious. Easily the best thing I’ve ever eaten on a plane, and I don’t say that lightly.

Service was consistent and attentive throughout, with frequent drink rounds (I lost count around six). And yes, I requested sparkling wine every single time. For research purposes, obviously.

Entertainment

Exactly what I would have expected: a strong lineup of new releases and blockbusters, alongside a huge catalogue of movies spanning genres and eras. Add in TV shows, music, and some games, and there was more than enough to keep everyone happily occupied.

Keep reading Kristi's full review on United's (domestic) First Class experience...

Doubling your passport stamps without doubling your flight budget? As if we have to ask you twice! 

Combining two (or more) countries in a single trip is one of the smartest ways to travel, squeezing in as much culture with your PTO. 

Granted, it’s hardly reinventing the wheel. Europe offers the most seamless, high-speed rail network from west to east. But there are always some underrated combos we’re surprised don’t get more love. 

Like sailing out of Bari’s golden port on an overnight ferry to Durrës. You’ll be waving arrivederci to Italy’s piazzas and porticoes for Albania’s mosques and minarets in under 10 hours. 

Or, across the pond, a short ferry from Newfoundland, Canada, gets you to...France. 

The tiny archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a self-governing overseas territory, meaning you’re technically crossing an international border. In 90 minutes you’re swapping toonies for two euro coins and back bacon for baguettes. 

We asked our Facebook community for their tried and tested country pairings, here’s the round up.

“One of my favourite combinations was Ukraine and Egypt in February 2019. Went from snowy Kyiv and Chernobyl at around -10°C to Egyptian sunshine pushing 30°C a couple of days later.  Found the deal through Jack’s Flight Club and loved every second of it. Some other great combinations I’ve done are Armenia/ Georgia, North Macedonia/Serbia and Romania/Moldova, all by train.” - Iwona

You’re speaking our language, Iwona. Roaming Eastern Europe and the Caucasus is a firm favourite at Jack's—what with Katy practically being the unofficial mascot of Georgia and all.

"Iguazu falls: Argentina, Brazil and bonus Paraguay. Or Langawi (Malaysia) and then a trip to Koh Lipe (Thailand) funniest border crossing where passports get handed out on boat" - Jo

The definition of underrated, combining Malaysia’s high-rise cities and melting pot of culinary flavors with Thailand’s golden temples and beaches, is a combo you didn’t know you needed. 

As for Brazil, it can be hard to plan what to do beyond Rio; we’ve got you covered, though ;-)

"In South Korea at the moment and going to Japan in two days. Loving it!" - Alena

Alena, we’re gonna require more deets. Flights or ferry? How long in each? And most importantly, does Korean BBQ really live up to the hype? 

"South Africa, tons to see, then short flight to Zimbabwe or Zambia (to see the amazing Victoria Falls)" - Mel

Ah yes, the Zim-Zam border. You can easily cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia by Victoria Falls Bridge on foot. Although ending your escapades in cosmopolitan Cape Town after spotting the Big 5 in Kruger National Park? 10/10. 

That’s only a glimpse of some country combinations members like you recommend; now’s your chance to add. What’s your perfect pairing? Let us know in the comments, and we might just go test it for ourselves… 

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel chatter from around the Jack's Community this month.

• Three clues about Britain’s fastest growing holiday spot: It’s near London, it’s known for its historic markets, and it’s kind of the ultimate commuter hub.
  
  
• Given the current travel climate, it's nice to see Canadian airline WestJet offering increased flexibility with their new cancellation policy.
  
  
• Just in case you booked a flight to Manitoba expecting a polar bear-free holiday...
  
  
• TimeOut selected their 14 best burgers in the world, and it almost seems controversial that none of them are American.
  
  
• And finally, as the Northern Hemisphere warms up for the summer, here are some tips on beating that nasty heatwave, courtesy of an Egyptian local. The good news? You now have a brilliant excuse for that midday siesta.