In the continual push to make flying more comfortable, many airlines have struck partnerships with leading luxury brands to offer exclusive products for their premium passengers.
These luxury brands are glamourising Business and First Class travel, in an homage perhaps to the Golden Age of Travel where glamour and luxury were all part of the flying experience.
True, flying Economy Class could never be described as “glamorous” as yet, but for those prepared to pay a little extra for a more comfortable passage on intercontinental flights, then you may want to read on.
Here are four airlines around the world that are taking luxury to the sky.
1. Etihad’s Emirati heritage
At the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Etihad took home a string of First Class cabin awards, including World’s Best First Class Airline, World’s Best First Class Onboard Catering, and World’s Best First Class Airline Seat for its First Apartments and Suites. And with accolades like these, you just know they’re looking after their passengers in the air.
First Class passengers onboard Etihad are gifted beautifully designed amenity bags that are inspired by the rich heritage and artistry of the Emirati people. The bags feature the patterns of Sadou, which is a colourful, centuries-old Abu Dhabi weaving craft.
Inside the bag passengers will find luxurious fragrances from New York brand Le Labo, including hand balm, lip balm, facial moisturiser and a refreshing towelette, as well as dental kits, socks, eyeshades, earplugs, mints, pillow mist and pulse point oil.
2. Qatar Airway’s Italian sophistication
Fly Business or First Class with Qatar Airways, and you’ll receive a Giorgio Armani toiletry bag containing Acqua di Gio perfume, Crema Nera Extrema Supreme Reviving cream, and Armani Pour Homme aftershave.
To sweeten the pot and ensure an even more comfortable sleep on Qatar’s legendary flatbed seats, your seat will be fitted with luxury Italian Frette linen and you’ll also receive a pair of special pyjamas.
Qatar Airways was named the World’s Best Business Class by Skytrax earlier this year.
3. Qantas’ tantalising treats
The Flying Kangaroo dishes out some real luxury in the air with Business Class passenger receiving newly designed Kate Spade and Jack Spade amenity kits which feature ASPAR by Aurora Spa products exclusive to Qantas, such as ASPAR Sweet Orange & Shea Hand Cream, Vanilla & Orange Lip Moisturiser and an Ultra Hydrating Face Moisturiser.
These amenity kits are available on A380 services between Australia, London, Dubai, Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth.
4. Emirates’ dashing style
Onboard with Emirates, both Business and First Class passengers are given a little extra comfort to make their flights a luxurious affair. Passengers in these premium cabin classes are given either a leather (First Class) or satin-finish (Business Class) amenity kit designed in partnership with luxury Italian brand Bvlgari.
Inside each kit, you’ll find a range of Bvlgari products exclusive to Emirates, including body lotion, the brand’s signature Red Tea miniature spray, After Shave Balm (men’s kit), and Nourishing Face Emulsion (women’s kit).
There are currently 16 different designs circulating Emirate’s route network, and the airline plans on introducing more products into its range in the coming collections, such as Black Tea, White Tea and Green Tea fragrances, all launched to represent the colours of the United Arab Emirates flag.