When I entered the cabin, my first impression was that it felt a little dated. Parts of my seat looked worn, which made me feel like the cabin could have used a cosmetic update.

Some seats in the cabin also faced opposite directions. This seating arrangement would probably be great for couples traveling together, as it makes socializing easy. But staring at a stranger for hours isn't ideal for people traveling alone.

Luckily, my window seat didn't face another passenger. It also had high walls and a screen, so I had ample privacy during the flight.

Aside from an under-seat drawer and the fold-out tray in front of me, I didn't see much storage space for my belongings. I found it difficult to empty my purse, as there didn't seem to be a good spot for in-flight essentials, such as water or a phone charger.

My seat also had all the classic airplane nooks and crannies, including a USB port and headphone jack. When I went to charge my phone, however, the USB port wasn't working. 

When I boarded, everything I needed to enjoy a restful sleep — pillows, a comforter, and sheets — was in a bag under the seat. 

About halfway through the flight, I decided to take a nap. To turn my seat into a lie-flat bed, all I had to do was press a labeled button on the wall. My chair lowered until it aligned with the fold-down footrest on the back of the seat in front of me.

The bed was very cozy, and I ended up falling asleep for a few hours.

Business-class passengers were also served lunch inspired by British cuisine.

For a starter, I chose the poached-prawn salad with crushed avocado and horseradish ketchup, which was light and flavorful.

Next, I opted for mushroom-and-kale-stuffed British chicken, served with spring greens and creamed potatoes. The chicken was tender, the stuffing was well-seasoned, and the herb jus was perfectly salty and hearty.

For dessert, I chose the chocolate, walnut, and orange cake — it was one of the most incredible things I've eaten on an airplane. 

About an hour before the plane landed, the flight attendants served afternoon tea — something I welcomed as a Brit.

The meal came with mini sandwiches, cakes, and a warm scone with jelly and clotted cream.

I also received a beautiful amenities kit filled with products from The White Company, an English home, clothing, and accessories brand.

Along with the usual eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush set, and socks, the leather bag contained a few miniature skincare products: a moisturizer, lip balm, and pulse-point oil.

When I researched the products online, I saw the bag alone cost $55.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience flying with British Airways in the Club World cabin. As someone who has flown both economy and business class with the airline, I'd happily pay for an upgrade if I could get a discount.

After looking on the British Airways website and playing around with various dates and flight routes, I saw that a business-class seat booked during the same week of my flight cost about £9,000, or $11,680. I had a good experience but wouldn't book a flight that cost that much.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed my business-class experience. The upgrade was a great way to travel back to Seattle in style.

"I think the etiquette is that first class is about indulgence," Ott told Business Insider.

Ott doesn't recommend asking flight attendants whether each bonus offering is free because everything is complimentary, from meals to sparkling wine.

And there's nothing wrong with "filling your boots" to make the most of the perks, he added.

While first-class passengers often get personalized experiences and are greeted by name, business-class flyers shouldn't expect the same level of attention.

"Business class is about efficiency. It's a comfortable seat where you can sleep or work," Ott said.

Staff members serve dozens of people in business class, while first-class cabins typically seat fewer than 10 passengers, he added.

"There's a lot of work that goes into all those meals and drinks," Ott said. "So if you're looking for an over-the-top experience, then first class is where you can expect staff to make the flight awesome. And that's what you're paying for."

If you've flown recently, you may have noticed that many business- and first-class cabins have added doors to each seat to give passengers more privacy.

Ott said you shouldn't infringe on another traveler's space to fetch items from overhead bins.

"Don't awkwardly hover over the person because the whole idea of doors is that people can't look in on you," Ott said. "So when you wake up and someone is looking over your space, it's odd."

BI previously reported that premium-cabin passengers are often entitled to overhead-bin space, and according to Ott, the bins are usually not too crowded. But that doesn't mean you should bring extra bags and put them wherever you want, as Ott has seen many passengers do.

Instead, Ott suggests keeping your limited belongings in the space above your seat.