I got a free first-class upgrade on my flight from New York to London. The luxurious perks were absurd.

• I flew with British Airways from New York to London and got a free first-class upgrade. 
• With the upgrade, I could access the newly renovated exclusive Chelsea Lounge in JFK's Terminal 8.
• I was surprised by some of the luxurious perks like a personal closet and pre-flight hot towels. 

I live in London but grew up in Bermuda, where my parents still live. I'm a frequent flyer, and a Silver British Airways member to get double air miles to use toward my regular flights.

After a trip home over Christmas, and from there a trip to New York in the first week of January, I was due to fly back to London with British Airways' Club World class on a return ticket. This return ticket from London to NYC usually costs £1,700, or around $2,000.