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September 21, 2016

Suites in the Sky: Top Ten Airlines Revealed

By Zahra Al-Kateb

Be it caviar, fizz on tap or showers at 40,000ft – flying first class is truly fabulous.

Lavish amenities include double beds, plush bedding and Savoy-trained butlers, allowing passengers to truly kick back, relax and enjoy their flight.

With Gulf carriers introducing showers and bedroom suites at the pointy end of their jets, they have begun to establish an enviable reputation exuding innovation and luxury.  But other airlines are far from complacent, with Virgin Atlantic offering some of the longest fully flat beds available, while Lufthansa offers an award-winning wine program.

Below we take a look at what’s on offer. Have a look to see who has made our top ten.

Emirates A380 First-Class Suite

emirates-oco-first-class-private-suite

Image Credit: Emirates

The private suite aboard the A380 allows guests to slide the privacy doors close and enjoy a moment of solitude on Dubai’s flagship airline. Passengers can turn down the ambient lighting and immerse themselves in all things luxury, while the sumptuous a la carte menu allows travelers to enjoy a bite of the regionally inspired dishes, which can be accompanied by a selection of fine wines selected by the in-flight sommeliers.

The comfortable seats convert into a fully flat bed and mattress, allowing guests to feel fully rested upon arrival, while the personal mini bar and entertainment system provides an exclusive private cinema.

After you’ve enjoyed a good night’s sleep, guests can freshen up with a rejuvenating shower at 40,000ft using a selection of Bvlgari toiletries and signature Timeless Spa products.

Etihad

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etihad-oco-the-residence

Image Credit: Etihad

The only three-bedroom suite available on a commercial airline, flying from Abu Dhabi to New York in Etihad’s The Residence is priced from $64,000.

Designed for two people travelling together, the suite promises complete privacy, discretion and limitless hospitality.

The living room boasts a comfortable leather double-seat sofa and a 32-inch flat-screen TV complete with noise-cancelling headsets, while the bedroom features a 6-foot 10-inch double bed with designer Italian bed linen, ensuring passengers will get a comfortable night’s sleep among the clouds.

Guests can freshen up before landing in the full-height en-suite shower, complete with luxury amenities and bathrobes.

Qatar Airways

Image Credit: Qatar Airways

Image Credit: Qatar Airways

Giorgio Armani amenities, celebrity chef signature dishes and unparalleled privacy await guests in Qatar Airway’s first class suites.

On board the Airbus A380 jet, the ultra-wide leather seats measure 23 inches in width and are trimmed in copper.

Once guests are settled into their seat, they can benefit from unrivaled comfort through converting their chair into a flat bed, accompanied with Frette linen and a duvet. Alternatively, they can relax and unwind while choosing from thousands of options available through the innovative in-flight entertainment system.

Passengers can indulge in one of many signature dishes by world-renowned chefs, before enjoying an array of beverages and signature drinks or a freshly-brewed cup of coffee.

Korean Air

Image Credit: Korean Air

Image Credit: Korean Air

The Kosmo suite is described as a five-star hotel at 40,000 feet, and it’s easy to see why – at 26.5 inches wide, it is 5.9 inches wider than a regular first class suite, while the 79” seat mat ensures maximum comfort, helping to reduce fatigue during long flights. The fully adjustable back support and foot rest offers the freedom and convenience to change seating positions from the push of a button.

Travelers can enjoy a private office in the sky, thanks to the large screen positioned around the bed, providing a secluded and comfortable workspace.

Should they choose to relax instead, they can experience the advanced audio and video on demand thanks to the 23-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with Bose noise-cancelling headphones.

Virgin Atlantic

Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

Located within Business Class, the Upper Class suites from Virgin Active ensure travelling is a pleasure. Guests are welcomed with a preflight class of Gardet Brut Premier Cru Champagne or Bucks Fizz.

During the flight, passengers can enjoy one of the longest fully flat beds in business class – measuring 33” wide and 6’6” long – at the touch of a button.

Guests can enjoy meals from the new redeveloped Upper Class menu, or alternatively they can enjoy a selection of hot and cold snacks from Graze, available to order to their seat at any time.

Finally, if passengers choose to work, they can stay connected on board with the in seat power socket and live news feed, while downtime can be enjoyed with a drink from the bar and the 10.4” TV with over 300 hours of entertainment to choose from.

Singapore Airlines

Image Credit: Singapore Airlines

Image Credit: Singapore Airlines

Designed by French luxury yacht designer Jean-Jacques Coste and situated within individual cabins, Singapore Airline’s suites offer the utmost privacy and a cozy, homely atmosphere.

Each cabin features sliding doors and window blinds, a chaise lounge, a large table and a separate bed. Adjacent suites can even be converted into a double room, making it ideal for travelling with a partner. The spacious chairs are 35 inches wide and are upholstered in high-quality full grain leather from Aeristo.

There are over 1,000 entertainment options available on a 23 –inch personal LCD TV, completed with Bose noise-cancelling headphones,  while the separate bed – not one converted from a regular seat – comes complete with turndown service and sleeping essentials, ensuring a good night’s sleep.

Lufthansa

Image Credit: Lufthansa

Image Credit: Lufthansa

Lufthansa First Class offers a luxurious flying experience .Passengers are greeted by a personal assistant before being escorted to the exclusive surroundings of the First Class Lounge for relaxation before being chauffeur driven directly to the aircraft by their limousine service.

Above the clouds, passengers can expect fine dining that competes with leading hotels and restaurants on ground level as Lufthansa collaborates with luxury hotel chains and renowned top chefs for delicious dishes.

To complete the optimal dining experience on board, Lufthansa offers its award-winning wine program, Vinothek. Guests can enjoy outstanding wines which have been selected especially for first class passengers with the help of Sommelier World Champion and Master of Wine Markus Del Monego.

British Airways

Image Credit: British Airways

Image Credit: British Airways

From your very own private, spacious suite to exclusive access to lounges and spa treatments to indulge in at the airport, British Airways is a world of calm and tranquility and offers an elegant and comfortable experience for its First Class passengers, on and off board.

The suite is a haven of style and comfort where sophisticated and contemporary British design meets impeccable service and attention to detail. Passengers can rest at 35,000 feet with a seat that can turn into fully flat bed with a luxurious quilted mattress and a crisp white cotton duvet and pillow. For extra comfort, passengers are provided with a pair of wonderfully soft cotton pajamas.

Travelers can expect delicious and indulgent dining from some of the world’s top chefs and are able to choose from a wide selection of fine Champagnes, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks to savor throughout the flight.

Swiss

Image Credit: Swiss

Image Credit: Swiss

Offering the highest possible level of comfort, the first class suite from Swiss is considered to be a “home above the clouds”. Swiss travelers can enjoy first class exclusivity throughout their trip, thanks to the topflight individual service.

Passengers get off to a pleasant start with a separate check-in desk at the terminal and continue their trip in a private sphere. The Boeing 777-300ER first seat can be converted into a private suite, while the Airbus A330 first class seat can be turned into a lounge armchair, a table for two or a bed with a mattress and privacy walls.

Taking individual service to new heights, the exclusive dining service is tailored exactly to each passenger’s requirements, from picking your own menu to choosing when to eat.

Providing an award-winning gastronomy concept, top chefs from Switzerland provide culinary highlights with their creations; every three months, a new Maître de Cuisine creates the first class menus.

Air France 

capture

Image Credit: Air France

Air France first class represents the pinnacle of personalized air service where passengers are individually taken care of, allowing them to indulge in the La Première travel experience.

Offering exclusive access and a luxurious stress-free service, Air France takes care of its first class passengers from the minute they arrive at the airport.

Upon arrival, a porter handles their baggage as they proceed to a private check-in lounge, as well as priority access at security checkpoints.

After proceeding through security, travelers are taken to their aircraft in a prestigious car provided by Air France partner Sixt.

Once on board, first class passengers are personally introduced to the crew. All throughout the trip, including upon arrival and during connections, an Air France team member is available at every turn.

Priority access is given when exiting the aircraft, while staff accompany guests to the baggage claim area.

 

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