I'm a budget traveler who flew first class using airline miles. It was amazing but I wouldn't spend money on it.

29.02.2024 - 17:27 / insider.com / Dom Pérignon

After years of low-budget traveling, my fiancé and I decided to use airline points and flew in Emirates first class from the Maldives to Dubai. 

Without miles, this first-class flight is usually about $3,000. 

As a traveler who frequents economy and has never flown first class, the seat upgrade was a highlight of the entire trip.

Though we used to think that only frequent fliers who are loyal to an airline can accumulate loads of miles, we earned the bulk of our points through sign-on bonuses with credits we patiently accumulated points with over the years.

We used a combination of Citi ThankYou and American Express points, both of which offer partnered programs with Emirates Skywards at a 1:1 transfer ratio.

Originally, we purchased our multi-city return flights in business class for 127,000 miles combined. At first, only one of our seats could be upgraded for 24,000 miles. However, the day before our flight, thanks to a bit of luck and persistence, another upgrade opened up for the same amount.

Upon boarding, we were greeted by our assigned flight attendant, guided to our seats, and offered water and a hot towel to freshen up.

The flight attendant soon returned with Arabic dates and coffee poured from a traditional pot called a dallah.

The first-class cabin held eight seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement and was not fully booked during our flight.

The suite had plenty of storage and outlets, and though I'm only 5-foot-3, I'm confident someone tall would have enough legroom and find it comfortable.

Each suite contains a large, fully-adjustable leather seat, added privacy from a sliding door, and a small closet that opens from the aisle and contains hangers for your coat.

Once the plane doors closed for boarding, we were served 2003 Dom Pérignon champagne — and the flight attendant ensured my glass remained full. 

Each suite features a 32-inch screen for the entertainment system that can be controlled either by a remote in the armrest or a tablet next to the seat.

With so much leg space, it was physically impossible for me to touch the screen while seated like you can in economy.

From the tablet, you can also control your seat settings, the blinds for the windows within your suite, or request service from the flight attendants.

We were also given Byredo skin-care products and an Emirates-embossed leather notebook and pen, which were placed in a pop-up vanity mirror.

Bulgari cologne and perfume, dental kits, and even hand cream were also available to passengers.

Emirates made sure no space was wasted in the suite and paid attention to the little details — there was even a fresh orchid in a vase and a small table lamp in the corner.

First-class passengers receive complimentary WiFi for the entire flight, which