Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
What major airlines offer in first class
TRAVELLING first class is an experience one should have at least once in their lifetime. Airlines make their passengers feel special by offering luxury amenities, fine dining and state of the art facilities. Here is a list of what First Class passengers can expect on flights with these major airlines:
Travel and dine in style while en route to your destination,
writes Clinton Moodley
and can be placed in a “zerogravity” position inspired by
Nasa technology. The suites also have ample space for passengers to change in the privacy of their suites.
Amenities: Each suite is fitted with an inspiration kit, which includes a luxury Byredo skincare collection, Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas, and Bulgari amenity kits.
Dining: Emirate creates meals that showcase the destinations they travel too. The meals are created using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Travellers can match their meal with a glass of wine selected by sommeliers, or choose from the list of complimentary cocktails, champagne, beers, spirits, and hot and cold drinks.
Entertainment: Passengers can view over 2 500 channels of on-demand entertainment on a 32-inch Full HD LCD TV screen, or project content from their own devices. The viewing experience is now enhanced with brand new Bowers & Wilkins Active Noise Cancelling E1 headphones.
Seating: Qatar prides themselves in comfort. The spacious first class aims to create a relaxing atmosphere for travellers. The seat converts into a bed with Frette linen and a duvet provided.
Dining: Passengers can enjoy an à la carte menu during their flight. Each seat has a spacious dining area, and a range of refreshments including mocktails and fruit juices are provided.
Entertainment: The airline offers up to 4 000 entertainment options.
Seating: They have the first apartment on the A380 flights and the First Suites on the 787 Dreamliner.
The first apartment has a large leather armchair and separate bed that is 6 feet and 10 inches, while the first suite, offers a leather seat that converts to a fully flat bed.
Each First Suite also has a personal wardrobe and refreshments cabinet.
Amenities: Passengers get to enjoy all the first class amenities, including an on- board shower, turn- down service, premium in- flight entertainment, and a personal vanity unit.
Dining: A special 5 star meal is prepared by the in- flight chef.
Entertainment: Among the entertainment offerings include access to over 140 movies, more than 350 popular TV Shows, full box sets of your favourite dramas, 60 interactive games and 16 radio channels.
Seating: There are controls at the end of the armrest that can move the seat, leg rest and lumbar positioning from a relaxed reading position, to a fully flat bed of up to 212cm on our A380 and 200cm on our B747s. The bedding down service features luxurious pillows, blankets, a duvet as well as a sheepskin mattress. The space has an ottoman to entertain guests.
Amenities: Martin Grant designed sleepwear and amenity kits for customers travelling in First offer luxury and comfort. Included in the kits are a range of bespoke hydrating Aspar by Aurora Spa products, travel socks, dental kit, ear plugs and deodorant. Amenity kits also feature a Martin Grant designed eye mask.
Dining: Travellers have the opportunity to indulge in an eightcourse tasting menu or an a la carte menu offering signature dishes. All meals are designed by Neil Perry, prepared on board.
Having won Best First Class Sparkling, Best Presented First Class Wine List and Best Overall Cellar at the Cellars in the Sky Awards 2012, the airline offers snacks, light meals and an array of prestige wines, spirits, beers, tea and espresso coffee.
Entertainment: The in flight entertainment system features 17 inch touch screens on the A380 and 10.4in touch screens on our B747 aircraft, with noise-cancelling headsets.