While most of us are cramped, hot, and angry in coach, the lucky ones have the opportunity to sit on the front of the aircraft. Nestling into full size seats with ample leg room and sipping on champagne at 10,000 feet. But that's only the beginning. A few choice airlines take first class to an entirely different level.
From eight course tasting menus to down-filled mattresses, you won't believe how the upper crust gets to travel. Don't believe me? Read on and see which airlines make the flight the destination and not just a mode to get there.
1. Qantas A380 Luxury Aircraft
It's luxury travel at its absolute finest. Australian airline Qantas takes the cake with its A380 Luxury Aircraft. The first class section of the aircraft is made up of 14 private suites. According to Today Luxury Travel, "[e]ach suite has a large swivel chair that converts into a bed; a dining table; an extra guest seat; a 17-inch LCD screen loaded with movies, TV shows, music and games; an eight-course tasting menu from Australian chef Neil Perry. Payot skincare products for men and women; and Akira Isogawa pajamas, slippers and socks."
2. Singapore Airlines Sky Suites
Singapore Airlines doesn't even call it first class, but rather refers to its 12 seat section as Sky Suites and this is no understatement. Each seat is its own private room. According to Gadling, seats are leather-upholstered, Burrwood-trimmed, and they fully recline. Your meal is served on fine china and you can spend the entire evening sipping on Dom Perignon and Krug. And when it's time to nod off, enjoy a turn down service and get a full night's rest atop your down-filled mattress and duvet.
3. Etihad Airway's Diamond First Class
They call it an "inspired first class" seat and you'll no doubt feel inspired on their luxurious fully flat bed and 600 thread count sheets. You also get everything that you need for bed including Ferragamo valise, slippers, and sleeper suit. Each seat has a 23-inch personal LCD television with E-BOX in-flight system that includes the latest movies and interactive games. Each seat is equipped with its own minibar as well as an "anytime kitchen menu" and a la carte menu.
Photo: Digital Vision/Thinkstock
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