Flight time: 17 hours and 40 minutes can actually fly by! A welcome glass of Taittinger rosé certainly put me in good spirits for take-off. Two movies, dinner and some sleep and you're almost there. By the time I woke up there was time for breakfast and a refresh in the spacious and forgiving warmly lit bathroom.
How full: A subtle full circle of the cabin revealed people are willing to splash out on luxury and comfort. They can't all be lucky journalists like me.
Fellow passengers: Mostly men and at a glance a mix of those travelling for business and pleasure. Those with laptops and spreadsheets out were still enjoying a glass of Champagne before take-off. Some passengers were dressed quite casually in jeans and sneakers. A few hours into the flight it didn't matter - we were all in our uniform airline pyjamas made byThe White Company - 100 percent cotton heaven.
Food and drink: Dinner can be eaten at any time and some tucked straight in on the afternoon flight. I decided on a dry martini with lemon, served in a cute and practical stemless glass, and roasted nuts to tide me over. Then it was smoked duck with heirloom tomatoes to start and for the main, salmon and crushed potatoes with dill. I bypassed dessert for a cognac to send me off to dreamland, but there was a cobbler and fresh berries and gourmet icecream on offer. Wine drinkers could choose from Australian and Chilean reds and whites, or a Pomerol 2013 Bordeaux.
Service: A dedicated crew member takes care of all your needs and the little extras — from the snug White Company pyjamas and Bric's toiletry kit, to the tiny fake candle on my dinner table and the surprise chocolates I was supposed to save for my son.
Luggage: A very generous 40kg, which may come in handy on my return.
Final word: You only live once.
