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When I discovered America, it was from the window of an ageing Northwest DC-10 when I was 38. I'd had a front row (in Economy class) seat over the starboard wing and reassuringly right next to the emergency escape door. The only problem with this was that the door leaked. Icy cold air shot in from around the seals and dealt my feet a dose of frostbite. Even wrapped up in two blankets, the very localised jetstream threatened to immobilise me before I'd got started on my American adventure. But that was five years earlier and on this occasion Pat and I got lucky.

The American Airlines check in girl at Glasgow airport upgraded us to Business Class for our flight to Chicago. We were first in line so maybe there was no policy other than to spread the passenger load from back to front as soon as possible. I like to think that she liked our winning smiles though. Whatever, we were going to fly up front this time and believe me there is no better feeling than to be given a luxury handout worth the best part of 1000 before you even start your trip. What's more, American were flying almost new Boeing 767s on this route. We went off to the departure lounge with big smiles on our faces - winning ones.

Separate doors for special passengers like us. The process of disembarking from most BA flights involves walking through the expensive section at the front, which I've noticed over the years doesn't appear to be worth the extra. All you seem to get is a curtain dividing you off from the plebs at the back. On American Airlines it's different. The whole effect is one of luxury and it's a lounge, not a cabin. Spacious, commodious leather seats, each placed directly next to a window, not half way between them. Flight attendants with big smiles to match our own and in a significantly higher ratio to the passengers than seems necessary - but all the better to attend to you, sir. Mr. Haynes, Mrs. Haynes, my name is Barbarella. Here are your seats. I hope you'll be comfortable.' Oh yes. Please accept these warm, freshly roasted nuts to go with your Champagne. I'll be back to fill your glasses soon.' Oh boy. We were still on the ground at Glasgow. It was also great to see the sun again, two minutes after launch, which happened bang on time. N327AA had suddenly become my all time favourite plane. More Champagne, sir?' Oh, all right then, but only if you come and sit down here and have one yourself.'

We chose the destination menu' for lunch. It was a deep pan Chicago pizza. I blame the

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