What it's really like in business class

Champagne, lie-flat seats, space to work and personalized service make up this luxury experience. But is it worth it?

I have to start by saying I did not pay for this seat. As an affordable luxury gal, $6,000 for business class isn't in my budget, but if you've got connections -- aka POINTS -- sometimes luxury isn't that far off.

I've heard all the rage over business class for many years. And I've always wondered if it was really worth it.

Earlier this month, I found out when I flew long-haul business class (6+ hours).

And it was absolutely worth the hype.

Boarding the flight

At 11am, I boarded the flight and found my window seat near the back of business class. Rather than hurrying to sit down and trying to consolidate my purse or travel pillow to fit under the seat, I had more than enough space to get settled. I sat my bag in a cubby near the foot rest and put my charger, headphones, and other small items in the cabinet -- yes, an actual cabinet -- inside my seating area.

11:05am - The flight attendant came and greeted me by name. "Hello, Ms. Holly; pleasure to have you on board today. Can I get you something to drink? Wine? Water? Sparkling?" I happily accepted water. Before takeoff, she returned to ensure I was buckled in, took the empty glass and reminded me about the menu for the first meal.

11:30 - Takeoff.

11:45am - The flight attendant returned to bring me a warm towel. The damp-but-not-dripping towel had some sort of essential oil scent coming from it, and it was lovely.

11:50am -The flight attendant came back, collected the towel, asked me if I needed anything, and took my order. I decided on the vegetarian option - sweet potato tika masala with basmati rice and coconut spinach.

12:20pm - She came back to set my table. She pulled out the tray, laid down a United-branded cloth to cover it. She offered me a drink -- I chose a mimosa -- and sat down a small cup of warm mixed nuts. I'm not usually, but why not? I wanted every part of the business class experience, so I did. And honestly? Warm cashews are pretty good.

Cruising through

12:30pm - Lunch was served, on actual dishes and with actual silverware. I even got a cloth napkin for my lap. Overall, the food was pretty good. It was cooked through and tasted fine.

1:15pm - I was full, my glass was empty, and my tray had been taken away, but the napkin remained. Then, the flight attendant came around with the dessert tray. And there were options -- a made-to-order sundae, a chocolate mousse tart, a mini fruit-and-cheese tray, cookies. I chose the sundae with whipped cream, caramel and cherries; and the chocolate mousse just to try. I loved the sundae. The mousse was okay.

1:45pm - Tray was cleared. I got another glass of water.

3:00pm - I started watching a tv show, but was feeling a little tired, so I decided to set up my "bed." The flight attendant brought me a mattress pad to make the seat even more comfy.

I laid the seat flat, topped it with a mattress topper, the thick Saks Fifth Avenue blanket I was given, and then laid my back and neck over the two pillows that came with my seat -- one was really soft, the other was memory foam.

Nearing the landing

5:00pm - I woke up from the deep sleep I was in. I mean, mouth open, probably snoring sleep. I had forgotten I was on a plane. The flight attendant brought me a bottle of water and some chips.

6:30pm - Dinner was served. I chose the pasta, and it was pretty good. It was a simple cheese and meatless pasta, but I enjoyed it.

Over the next two hours before we landed, the flight attendant came by twice to check on me, see if I needed anything, and help however I needed.

It was magical. I didn't want it to end.

But it did.

We landed, and I returned to life as normal. United Polaris was an amazing experience. I felt so relaxed and rested by the time we landed.

Hopefully, I'll find a way to fly business class again soon.