For a girl who hates to fly, I’m writing this on my third cross-country trip in less than three months. This time, I’’m doing at least one leg of it in style.

That’s right, I’m writing this from the roomy comfort of business class. First off, how I got here. This wonderful low cost carrier, AirTran, has this wonderful deal. Buy a coach seat and there is a chance to upgrade for a small fee, per leg based on distance. For instance, on this trip, I’m flying from Vegas to Atlanta and then to Rochester. To upgrade would cost me $75 for the first leg and $35 for the second. Still making my one-way cost over $100 cheaper than buying business class outright.

Unfortunately, my flight to Atlanta was over-booked, so no chance of an upgrade. But completely making it better, I was able to get a complimentary upgrade from Atlanta to Rochester. On top of that, being a member of AirTran’’s rewards program, my round trip flight to Rochester and back has earned me a free upgrade. Woo hoo.

And what have I gotten out of business glass, you ask? Well, first off, I have actual room to cross my legs. Or lean back and sleep. Or use both armrests without stealing any space from my seatmate. And instead of stale pretzels, I get yummy chips. I got to board first and had a (complementary) drink prior to take off and another while in flight.

But there is one thing I’’ve gotten out of business class that makes everything else just icing on the cake. This one thing makes me willing to spend the money on business class. For the first time, I was able to make it through take-off without panicking, without help from my seatmate and without white knuckling the armrests.

There are other things I could contribute this to. For one, I’’ve been taking Vicodan all day to relax me for flying (and it’’s definitely working). Also, this is my second flight of the day (and it usually gets easier after the first one). But I think finally being comfortable in an airplane has greatly increased my flying experience.

Too bad Jeremy will never go for always flying business class. And I don’t blame him, it does get expensive. But you can bet I’’ll be trying for the upgrade whenever I fly.

Oh, and how did I get my free upgrade you ask? I just asked for one. Simple as that.