I flew first class with Delta for the first time, and 10 things surprised me

I've been seeing Sky Priority signs in Delta terminals for years, but I never stopped to read them before flying first class.

Sky Priority is essentially a fast lane through check-in and security for Delta Medallion Members and premium-class passengers. Although not all of these perks are available at every airport, both were present at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where I flew out of. My first-class ticket also included two checked bags, but I didn't have any.

I have TSA PreCheck, which was faster than the Sky Priority security lane, according to the airline employee I spoke with. Still, I thought this was a nice perk for travelers who aren't enrolled in the program.

Being among the first to board the aircraft was a completely new experience for me. Once inside the first-class cabin, I spotted a mini water bottle at every seat. As I was settling in, a flight attendant came by to take our beverage orders.

I wasn't expecting such quick service, and I hadn't considered what other drink I'd want. I was also nervous as a first-timer in the cabin, so I just blurted out "no, thank you" without thinking. The attendant handed me another bottle of water anyway.

As the economy passengers began filtering in, many passengers in my cabin were already sipping on coffee or soda.

I figured first-class would have larger seats with more legroom, and it did, but I wasn't expecting to find two additional storage compartments.

I put my water bottles in a small nook between the two chairs in front of me. My camera and headphones fit snugly inside the console, separating the window and aisle seats.

With more legroom, I knew first-class seats were bound to be farther apart, but I didn't realize I'd have twice as many windows as a result. I imagine this would be especially cool for scenic flights.

I'm used to finding power outlets, USB ports, and audio jacks on the seat in front of me. In first class, all of these amenities were above my armrest.

Before meal service, flight attendants asked us to pull out our tray tables. This is when I realized there was no tray table on the seat in front of me. Confused, I observed the passenger beside me pull theirs out from the armrest and unfold it. It was bigger than any tray table I'd ever used.

The flight included complimentary breakfast, and a flight attendant came around with a basket of snacks before and after meal service. There seemed to be no limit on how many we could take.

I thought the complimentary breakfast menu would be basic — maybe an egg sandwich or oatmeal. So I was surprised when the flight attendant listed the options: a potato and bacon frittata, Greek yogurt with chia pudding, or a dark chocolate pistachio bread pudding.

Craving a balanced meal, I ordered the frittata, and I'm glad I did. Unlike most airplane food I've tried, the dish was well seasoned with a variety of textures and flavors. There was a side of bacon with a sweet maple glaze, sautéed spinach, and cherry tomatoes that paired well with the potato-filled frittata.

The meal also came with two sides I didn't anticipate — yogurt and a croissant.

I didn't even need to use the bathroom during the short flight, but I had to see if it was any different from the ones in economy class.

It had the same small size and layout, but there was one key difference — the products. The hand soap and lotion were from Grown Alchemist, a luxury skincare brand. These products are exclusive to first class, a Delta representative told Business Insider.

Typically, I consider the start of a vacation to be when I arrive at my destination. The flight is nothing more than a means to an end.

However, with VIP treatment, flying first class made me feel like I was on vacation from the moment I stepped on board. And to me, that was the biggest surprise of all.