MORE AT CONDE NAST TRAVELER
Courtesy of Asiana AirlinesSommelier Service on Asiana AirlinesOnce a month, three flight-attendants-turned-sommeliers describe, pair, and decant wines for business and first-class passengers flying from Frankfurt and Los Angeles. Asiana foots the bill for its flight attendants to secure the sommelier licenses from international schools, such as the Wine, Spirit, & Education Trust. Call reservations (800-227-4262) to find out which flights will offer this service.
Courtesy of Roslan Rahman/AFP/GettyDouble Beds on Singapore AirlinesThere's been some chatter about whether first class suites are overkill, but we still think this is pretty fabulous. Couples in Singapore Airlines’ suites cabins (exclusively on the airline's 16 A380 planes) can get cozy by booking two middle-aisle rooms and transforming them into a double bed—the first such service in the industry.
Courtesy of Virgin AmericaFree Chromebooks on Virgin AmericaThe benefit of Virgin America’s free, Chromebook lending system is twofold. Skip the hassle of schlepping a laptop through security, and spend travel time zipping through work thanks to free in-flight Wi-Fi (only for Chromebook users). Through January 15, pick up Chromebooks on a first-come first-served basis at the gate for flights from San Francisco, Dallas–Fort Worth, Boston, Chicago, and New York (JFK); return the computers at your destination.
Courtesy of EmiratesShower on the Emirates A380Fresh towels, Bulgari cologne, and the world’s only in-flight shower await first class passengers on Emirates A380 planes. The planes carry an extra 500 kg of water, enough for each flyer to refresh with a hot, five-minute shower. Emirates' A380s currently fly from Dubai to Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Kuala Lampur, London Heathrow, Manchester, New York, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, and Toronto.
Courtesy of Virgin AtlanicComplimentary Welcome Cocktails on Virgin AtlanticVirgin Atlantic introduced revamped economy class meals on all of its flights November 1, complete with free welcome cocktails. The signature drink is a seasonal blend of fruit juices (cran-orange is currently on tap), served virgin or vodka-spiked, but the regular stable of beers, wines, and sodas are also on offer.
Courtesy of Asiana AirlinesPre-mom Service on Asiana AirlinesThird trimester travel sounds downright comfortable on Asiana Airlines, where expectant mothers in all classes enjoy warm socks, seats near the lavs, and high-priority luggage delivery at their destination. The service is available on all flights, but women who are at least 32 weeks pregnant must get written permission from their ob-gyn to fly.
Courtesy of Air New ZealandSkycouch on Air New ZealandConsider this the poor-man’s suite. On Air New Zealand flights from Auckland to Los Angeles and London, economy passengers who book a SkyCouch row—otherwise known as "Cuddle Class"—can lift the oversized footrests to transform the three seats into a slender couch.
Courtesy of Steven Mark Needham/GettyDom Pérignon And Krüg On Singapore AirlinesOne fancy-schmancy bubbly would surely satisfy, but Singapore pours both Dom and Krüg Champagnes in all of its suites and first-class cabins—the perfect excuse to sip one of each.
In Pictures: In-Flight Amenities that Make Us Hope for Tarmac Delays
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