Top In-Flight Perks!
By Guest Blogger Charlotte McCulloch
In today’s struggling economic climate receiving In-Flight perks seem like a thing of the past, on some more budget airlines using the bathroom isn’t possible without paying an extra fee. However with the ever increasing fares and taxes not to mention the ever increasing queues at airport security, the large airliners are providing perks to keep us happy about traveling. Here are a selection of some of the best in-flight perks the airlines currently have to offer.
Virgin America
The trend of high-end in-flight amenities began with Virgin, there carriers encompass style and luxury with chic interiors and high-tech features. Virgin Americas entertainment service – Red, operates from a screen in the back of the seat in front, available to all; this function includes over 20 of the latest movies, along with countless games, satellite TV channels and music videos. Red also allows you to use Google maps to track the progress on your journey and uses Google Terrain View so you can view the landscapes you are above. And if a follow passenger takes your fancy why not strike up a conversation?! Red’s chat facility means you can instant messenger people via their seat number– a sure fire why to make that long flight a little less boring! In the future industry insiders say there may be plans for on board gyms and casinos, but we’ll just have to watch this space for that at the moment!
Air France
France’s national airline promises to deliver quality service to all its passengers irrespective of what class they are travelling in. Air France uncorks over one million bottles of champagne for its passengers annually, the symbol of French luxury it’s fitting that Air France is the only airline to offer complimentary champagne on its long-haul international flights to all of its passengers. It’s also fitting that each of the airlines cabin crew receive training on all of the different wines and champagnes including how to serve the wine, how each bottle must be presented and learn information relating to the precise origin of each bottle which must be given to the passenger when served. All very nice, but as long as it tastes good that’s all that matters to me!
Lufthansa
Whilst it might not strictly be classed as an in-flight perk, the pre-flight perks available to first class travellers on German carrier Lufthansa are second to none. For those lucky enough to be travelling in such luxury will be greeted by their very own personal assistant who will ensure they have any help they require with checking in and going through airport security. But by far the best part for me instead of slumming it like everyone else and having to (God forbid!) walk through the terminal, Lufthansa showcases more of its prided German engineering and provides its first class passengers with a chauffeur driven ride in a BMW, Porsche or Mercedes to the aircraft. Onboard guests enjoy an abundance of space and privacy, with only 8 large seats in the first class area.
Etihad
Etihad Airways, the national carrier for Abu Dhabi is the very epitome of luxury. The airline offers passengers their very own private suites in Diamond First Class with full beds, 23inch TV screens, the option of 2 people dining, your own personal wardrobe and mini bar. Etihad specialise is fine dining with an extensive A la carte menu for its passengers to choose from at any time. They even have a food and beverage manager which is on hand to help you find the right dish to suit your mood and the perfect wine to accompany your meal if you can’t quite decide what you would like to eat during your flight. In Diamond First Class your seat folds down to become a full bed and you are provided with 600 thread Egyptian cotton sheets, blankets and pillows and if you have forgotten to pack your P.J’s they have even thought to provide you with a sleeper suit and slippers.
Charlotte writes for new travel site Simonseeks where you can find inspirational travel guides and expert advice from cheap London hotels to luxury hotels in Dubai.
Steele Luxury Gay Travel www.SteeleTravel.com