Perhaps it was only to be expected; some airlines have started to introduce private cabins, upping the ante on ‘first class’ by providing full-size beds, bathrooms, room service and - perhaps the greatest luxury of all on the long-haul flight - privacy.
So far its only Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Etihad (another Middle East carrier) that has taken the plunge, but I am sure their initiative will set a trend. The truth is that over the years first class and business class facilities have been getting more and more
elaborate. One of the first to recognize the fact that continent-hopping executives were prepared to pay for a little pampering was Virgin Atlantic. Their ‘Upper Class’ offers one of the largest flat beds around and an onboard bar for socializing with fellow passengers. Gourmet in-flight meals are another way airlines are competing with each other.
Qantas Airlines offers an eight course tasting menu designed by Rockpool, one of Sydney’s top restaurants whilst Cathay Pacific has a rice cooker, toaster and skillet in the galley, ready to whip up any food whims on request. Airlines also use amenities to vie for the luxury dollar. Here, Qantas come up trumps again with products from the French company Payot and toiletry bags and complimentary pajamas created by two top Australian designers; Colette Dinnigan for women and Akira Isogawa for men.
Of course, the question remains is whether these ‘little extras’ are worth the (often) 150 percent more that First Class airfares cost over economy ones. But with long-haul travel on the rise again (up 13 percent from 2009 figures) it seems that some people will always be prepared to pay for a comfortable night’s sleep.
So far its only Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Etihad (another Middle East carrier) that has taken the plunge, but I am sure their initiative will set a trend. The truth is that over the years first class and business class facilities have been getting more and more
elaborate. One of the first to recognize the fact that continent-hopping executives were prepared to pay for a little pampering was Virgin Atlantic. Their ‘Upper Class’ offers one of the largest flat beds around and an onboard bar for socializing with fellow passengers. Gourmet in-flight meals are another way airlines are competing with each other.Qantas Airlines offers an eight course tasting menu designed by Rockpool, one of Sydney’s top restaurants whilst Cathay Pacific has a rice cooker, toaster and skillet in the galley, ready to whip up any food whims on request. Airlines also use amenities to vie for the luxury dollar. Here, Qantas come up trumps again with products from the French company Payot and toiletry bags and complimentary pajamas created by two top Australian designers; Colette Dinnigan for women and Akira Isogawa for men.
Of course, the question remains is whether these ‘little extras’ are worth the (often) 150 percent more that First Class airfares cost over economy ones. But with long-haul travel on the rise again (up 13 percent from 2009 figures) it seems that some people will always be prepared to pay for a comfortable night’s sleep.
