"The woman did something outrageous and the hubby succeeded in persuading the airline and the FBI to hush it up, is the cat's theory."
Yuppers. It's some really ugly folks in First Class at times. Lots of 'em are influential.
I hate boarding planes where you have to walk through First Class. There's always some suit standing in the aisle chatting it up with another passenger and blocking the aisle, while everyone is trying to make their way to the cattle car section.
I'm afraid I bumped one of those guys a little on the knee with my briefcase. He winced a bit, then sat down and let me pass. Creep!
I always try to upgrade to First or Business class when I fly to Europe, though. I've used my frequent flyer miles to do that several times, even though I've paid for a coach seat. Lots more comfortable, and the food's actually edible.