From “holy water” skin fresheners to embroidered pjs, some
airlines have perfected the art of coddling passengers.
airlines have perfected the art of coddling passengers.
From March
2014 By Katrina Brown Hunt Travel + Liesure
2014 By Katrina Brown Hunt Travel + Liesure
Ana
Silva O’Reilly gets almost misty-eyed when she thinks about a souvenir from her
trip to New York several years ago: an Anya Hindmarch bag, featuring a black-and-white
photo of London Bridge, which she received while flying first class on British
Airways.
Silva O’Reilly gets almost misty-eyed when she thinks about a souvenir from her
trip to New York several years ago: an Anya Hindmarch bag, featuring a black-and-white
photo of London Bridge, which she received while flying first class on British
Airways.
“There
was something special about the bags,” says the U.K.-based luxury-travel
blogger. “They were quite exclusive but, more than anything, very usable. To
this day, you see quite a few on security queues—and people smile at each
other.”
was something special about the bags,” says the U.K.-based luxury-travel
blogger. “They were quite exclusive but, more than anything, very usable. To
this day, you see quite a few on security queues—and people smile at each
other.”
Even
for travelers who embrace all manner of egalitarianism on the ground, it’s hard
to argue with the VIP treatment you get while riding in business or first class
on long-haul flights. Of course, there’s the legroom and the increasing number
of flatbed seats. But for some passengers, the little creature comforts that
many airlines offer—like a set of cozy loungewear, or a live orchid blooming
over your seat—elevate the front-of-plane experience. “Although it’s not the
main reason why I select which premium class I fly to a particular
destination,” admits Brian Kelly, founder of frequent-flyer site ThePointsGuy,
“a great amenity kit can definitely make a difference to the in-flight
experience.”
for travelers who embrace all manner of egalitarianism on the ground, it’s hard
to argue with the VIP treatment you get while riding in business or first class
on long-haul flights. Of course, there’s the legroom and the increasing number
of flatbed seats. But for some passengers, the little creature comforts that
many airlines offer—like a set of cozy loungewear, or a live orchid blooming
over your seat—elevate the front-of-plane experience. “Although it’s not the
main reason why I select which premium class I fly to a particular
destination,” admits Brian Kelly, founder of frequent-flyer site ThePointsGuy,
“a great amenity kit can definitely make a difference to the in-flight
experience.”
The
airlines are paying attention. According to the International Air Transport
Association, “upper-class passengers” account for about a third of airline
revenues, even though they occupy a small piece of the plane’s real estate.
airlines are paying attention. According to the International Air Transport
Association, “upper-class passengers” account for about a third of airline
revenues, even though they occupy a small piece of the plane’s real estate.
When
we looked around the world, we found several airlines (most, strikingly, based
outside the U.S.) that butter up their first-class passengers with high-end
goodie bags and instant-souvenir embroidered pajamas, along with fabulous
front-of-the-cabin perks (hot shower before landing, anyone?) that can mitigate
even the worst case of jet lag.
we looked around the world, we found several airlines (most, strikingly, based
outside the U.S.) that butter up their first-class passengers with high-end
goodie bags and instant-souvenir embroidered pajamas, along with fabulous
front-of-the-cabin perks (hot shower before landing, anyone?) that can mitigate
even the worst case of jet lag.
Almost
maddeningly, too, those perks are not always easily re-created on the ground.
Those BA amenity kits, for instance, have an “amazing lip balm that you can’t
buy anywhere yet,” says O’Reilly. “I have asked the brand and was told that I
would have to fly BA First again—and I could be tempted.”
maddeningly, too, those perks are not always easily re-created on the ground.
Those BA amenity kits, for instance, have an “amazing lip balm that you can’t
buy anywhere yet,” says O’Reilly. “I have asked the brand and was told that I
would have to fly BA First again—and I could be tempted.”
Air New Zealand
Any airline that uses
characters from The Hobbit
for its safety video clearly doesn’t feel the need to embrace pretension.
Perhaps that’s why the amenity kit in Air New Zealand’s Business Premier Class
(the airline doesn’t even offer a first class) is a nice blend of luxe and
quirky. You get Clarins skin-care products, a pair of hipsterish striped socks
and eye masks with cheeky messages—such as “Beware I Sleep Walk”—written across
the front.
characters from The Hobbit
for its safety video clearly doesn’t feel the need to embrace pretension.
Perhaps that’s why the amenity kit in Air New Zealand’s Business Premier Class
(the airline doesn’t even offer a first class) is a nice blend of luxe and
quirky. You get Clarins skin-care products, a pair of hipsterish striped socks
and eye masks with cheeky messages—such as “Beware I Sleep Walk”—written across
the front.
British Airways
The former home of the Concorde
has inspired a loyal following for its high-tone, cool-Britannia amenity kits.
The centerpiece these days is a Gladstone-style bag by Sloane Street retailer
Anya Hindmarch—marked with BA’s traditional seal—filled with eye gel, lip balm
and moisturizer by all-natural skin-care maker Ren, and accented with a
toothbrush set by D. R. Harris (a company that dates back to Victorian times). britishairways.com
has inspired a loyal following for its high-tone, cool-Britannia amenity kits.
The centerpiece these days is a Gladstone-style bag by Sloane Street retailer
Anya Hindmarch—marked with BA’s traditional seal—filled with eye gel, lip balm
and moisturizer by all-natural skin-care maker Ren, and accented with a
toothbrush set by D. R. Harris (a company that dates back to Victorian times). britishairways.com
Cathay Pacific
On this Hong Kong–based
airline, men get a dash of Milan style with a bag by Ermenegildo Zegna filled
with Acca Kappa toiletries, while ladies receive a clutch by Trussardi (once
the bag maker to the British royal family) stocked with products from Australian
brand Aesop. Everyone, meanwhile, can channel some classic Oriental style in
the airline’s heather-shaded sleep suits, featuring a traditional mandarin
collar, made by Hong Kong designer PYE. (Coordinate with matching sleep masks
and slippers.) To boost the good feng shui, first-class cabins even feature
wall-mounted vases with fresh orchids.
wDelta Air Lines
Thanks to the recently
refreshed BusinessElite class, Delta is one of two U.S.-based airlines to make
our list. Its anti-ballistic Tumi amenity bag features a Tumi eye mask as well
as lotion and lip balm by sensitive-skin-friendly New York apothecary
Malin+Goetz. The kit also comes with such essentials as socks, a comb, a dental
kit and, for the traveling germaphobe, antibacterial wipes.
El Al
Israel’s national airline goes Italiano for its
gender-specific first-class bags by Salvatore Ferragamo. The luxury brand’s
goodies are inside too: Ladies receive hand cream, body lotion, facial mist and
face cream, while men get shaving gel, aftershave, lip balm and their own
refreshing mist. First-class passengers also receive generous perks on the
ground such as complimentary chauffeur service from your house to the airport
and, once at your destination, from the airport to your hotel (within 62
miles).
gender-specific first-class bags by Salvatore Ferragamo. The luxury brand’s
goodies are inside too: Ladies receive hand cream, body lotion, facial mist and
face cream, while men get shaving gel, aftershave, lip balm and their own
refreshing mist. First-class passengers also receive generous perks on the
ground such as complimentary chauffeur service from your house to the airport
and, once at your destination, from the airport to your hotel (within 62
miles).
Etihad Airways
The national airline of the
United Arab Emirates offers first-class amenity bags so personal that they
almost seem like bride-and-groom gifts. Gentlemen are presented with a leather
cuff-link box, while ladies get a Swarovski crystal–studded clutch—and both
include lotions and toiletries from Swiss-made La Prairie. The flat beds are
topped with glossy, dupioni-silk-and-cotton duvets, and you can slip into your
cozies in the luxury changing room, which has a full-length mirror. There’s
also no need to push the flight-attendant call button when you’re parched:
First-class suites come with their own mini-bars
United Arab Emirates offers first-class amenity bags so personal that they
almost seem like bride-and-groom gifts. Gentlemen are presented with a leather
cuff-link box, while ladies get a Swarovski crystal–studded clutch—and both
include lotions and toiletries from Swiss-made La Prairie. The flat beds are
topped with glossy, dupioni-silk-and-cotton duvets, and you can slip into your
cozies in the luxury changing room, which has a full-length mirror. There’s
also no need to push the flight-attendant call button when you’re parched:
First-class suites come with their own mini-bars
JetBlue
JetBlue’s new Premium service,
called Mint—on flights between New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco,
starting June 2014—promises seriously Gotham City–style perks at the front of
the plane. Passengers will get tapas and specialty cocktails created by NoHo
bar and grill Saxon + Parole, as well as an amenity kit with a rotating
selection of toiletries from Birchbox, a NYC-based company known for its luxe
travel-size goodies, such as Cartier deodorant, eucalyptus towelettes and even
Italian-made “strong mint” Marvis toothpaste (which also used to be a staple of
the esteemed BA amenity kit)
called Mint—on flights between New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco,
starting June 2014—promises seriously Gotham City–style perks at the front of
the plane. Passengers will get tapas and specialty cocktails created by NoHo
bar and grill Saxon + Parole, as well as an amenity kit with a rotating
selection of toiletries from Birchbox, a NYC-based company known for its luxe
travel-size goodies, such as Cartier deodorant, eucalyptus towelettes and even
Italian-made “strong mint” Marvis toothpaste (which also used to be a staple of
the esteemed BA amenity kit)
Swiss International Airlines
You’ll feel like a native in
first class with your medley of Swiss-made products: eye cream, hand cream and
lip balm by La Prairie; reusable earplugs by Phonak; and navy-blue, polo-collar
cotton pajamas by legendary underwear-maker Zimmerli. A spokesperson for Swiss
also says that flight attendants take notes on your druthers. If, say, you
request a medium pj top combined with a small size of pants during your flight,
they’ll keep that information on file for your next trip. In keeping with
Switzerland’s model of diplomatic neutrality, first-class passengers also get
an adjustable wall for privacy.
first class with your medley of Swiss-made products: eye cream, hand cream and
lip balm by La Prairie; reusable earplugs by Phonak; and navy-blue, polo-collar
cotton pajamas by legendary underwear-maker Zimmerli. A spokesperson for Swiss
also says that flight attendants take notes on your druthers. If, say, you
request a medium pj top combined with a small size of pants during your flight,
they’ll keep that information on file for your next trip. In keeping with
Switzerland’s model of diplomatic neutrality, first-class passengers also get
an adjustable wall for privacy.
Singapore Airlines
The Asian airline dazzles its
first-class passengers with top-drawer Parisian brand names. On flights to and
from the U.S., the toiletry kit is stocked with lotion, facial cream and lip
balm by Sothys. Come bedtime, you get turndown service at your flat bed with
Givenchy-made linens, a duvet and even zippered Givenchy pajamas. To shut out
any racket while you watch your movie, you can use anti-noise headsets by
Phitek.Looking for even more creature comforts? On the airline’s A380 flights,
you can book a suite with a true flat bed—not just a seat that folds out.
Couples can even opt for middle cabin suites with double beds (two twins pushed
together).
first-class passengers with top-drawer Parisian brand names. On flights to and
from the U.S., the toiletry kit is stocked with lotion, facial cream and lip
balm by Sothys. Come bedtime, you get turndown service at your flat bed with
Givenchy-made linens, a duvet and even zippered Givenchy pajamas. To shut out
any racket while you watch your movie, you can use anti-noise headsets by
Phitek.Looking for even more creature comforts? On the airline’s A380 flights,
you can book a suite with a true flat bed—not just a seat that folds out.
Couples can even opt for middle cabin suites with double beds (two twins pushed
together).
Turkish Airlines
Like many airlines, Turkish
offers slightly different amenity kits in business and first class. First-class
passengers these days are given a Porsche Design hard case filled with Acca
Kappa toiletries—fabulous, no doubt, but business class is no downgrade. The
toiletries are by old-school Crabtree & Evelyn, while the 21st-century bag,
not so coincidentally, perfectly fits your iPad. Turkish Airlines also
distinguishes itself by offering a hajj amenity kit for pilgrims (riding in any
class) en route to Mecca. The bag includes a prayer mat, prayer counter, hip
bag, unscented liquid soap and fresh socks
offers slightly different amenity kits in business and first class. First-class
passengers these days are given a Porsche Design hard case filled with Acca
Kappa toiletries—fabulous, no doubt, but business class is no downgrade. The
toiletries are by old-school Crabtree & Evelyn, while the 21st-century bag,
not so coincidentally, perfectly fits your iPad. Turkish Airlines also
distinguishes itself by offering a hajj amenity kit for pilgrims (riding in any
class) en route to Mecca. The bag includes a prayer mat, prayer counter, hip
bag, unscented liquid soap and fresh socks
Qantas
The Australian airline’s
his-and-her kits offer skin care by über-luxe global brand SK-II; dedicated
users have described the facial essence treatment ($100 for 2.5 oz.) as “holy
water.” For a little down-under protection, Qantas bags also include Rexona deodorant
(the Aussie cousin of Degree). Come bedtime, first-class passengers can put on
cotton-jersey pjs in charcoal gray, featuring an embroidered kangaroo.
his-and-her kits offer skin care by über-luxe global brand SK-II; dedicated
users have described the facial essence treatment ($100 for 2.5 oz.) as “holy
water.” For a little down-under protection, Qantas bags also include Rexona deodorant
(the Aussie cousin of Degree). Come bedtime, first-class passengers can put on
cotton-jersey pjs in charcoal gray, featuring an embroidered kangaroo.
Emirates
The
Dubai-based airline was already worthy of the first-class big leagues thanks to
its Bulgari amenity bags: Men score aftershave and cologne, and a razor from
Taylor of Old Bond Street, based in London, while ladies get Bulgari face
lotion, nourishing hand cream and Thé Rouge eau
parfumée. But the airline put itself in a different stratosphere
with one addition to its double-decker A380 (which flies to 21 cities,
including Rome, Moscow, Hong Kong and Auckland, New Zealand). The plane has an
onboard hot shower stocked with fluffy towels. The only hitch? You’re limited
to a five-minute soak.
Dubai-based airline was already worthy of the first-class big leagues thanks to
its Bulgari amenity bags: Men score aftershave and cologne, and a razor from
Taylor of Old Bond Street, based in London, while ladies get Bulgari face
lotion, nourishing hand cream and Thé Rouge eau
parfumée. But the airline put itself in a different stratosphere
with one addition to its double-decker A380 (which flies to 21 cities,
including Rome, Moscow, Hong Kong and Auckland, New Zealand). The plane has an
onboard hot shower stocked with fluffy towels. The only hitch? You’re limited
to a five-minute soak.
At Excelsior Limousine we put
the “sure” in leisure. You’re always first class in our luxury town cars and
SUVs.
the “sure” in leisure. You’re always first class in our luxury town cars and
SUVs.
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