business class

Fly in Qantas Business Class Pajamas

What good is a lie-flat seat if you're going to muss your outfit as you slumber? That, at least, is the thinking behind international airlines that distribute pajamas to their upper class passengers, and, it's good thinking -- I've noted before that flying business class is like having the best sick day ever, and where would a sick day be without great pjs?

The last time I flew Qantas three years ago, they weren't on the pajama bandwagon, but it's now a standard in-flight amenity in Business and in First. (There are different pajamas by class, naturally, differences I shall delve into after the jump, so come along.) I was in business so the pjs I received were grey cotton, with the Qantas kangaroo logo on the shirt. They come with a little cotton pouch to store the jammies in post-flight, and the inside of the shirt bears this handwritten phrase: "I wish you wonderful travels to dream land - Morrissey, x. " (The x is a goodnight kiss.) I was a little confused about why the one time lead vocalist from The Smiths was involved with Qantas pajamas -- and isn't he a Brit? I've since learned that this Morrissey's first name is Peter, the Australian fashion designer who also handles Qantas uniforms, which makes much more sense.

Tags: airlines, australia, business class, pajamas, pajamas in public, PajamasInPublic, peter morrissey, qantas, toiletries

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The Best Sick Day Ever: Flying Air Tahiti Nui's Business Class

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

It's a long flight from LAX to Papeete, Tahiti -- about eight and a half hours -- and somewhere over the Pacific, as the Air Tahiti Nui steward kneeled down beside my reclined chair and murmured if he could bring me anything to drink. I said no thank you and pulled the turquoise fleece blanket around me a little closer snuggling down into the bright yellow pillow. I realized that flying business class is a lot like having a fantastic sick day.

Think about it. You lie down, watch movie after movie, and burrow in soft blankets and pillows while someone brings you food on a tray. Only without the inconvenient illness part. Which is a plus in most ways, but also a minus, since I wasn't sick and therefore restless. So I walked to the back of the cabin and stood in the snack bar area that was set up with cup of soup and had some apple juice, which is something I drink exclusively when I'm sick.

Anyway, as Business Classes go, Air Tahiti Nui's is a nice one. I've written previously about their mid-flight wardrobe change and it was pleasing to see the ladies in their red or pink dresses splashed with white flowers during the flight, and it brought the proper sobriety to the occasion when we landed and everyone was back in their suits. The condition of the cabin itself was a bit shabby -- the seats not the newest, the fabric worn in spots, particularly around the bolts, and stained in others, particularly visible with the bright blue and green color scheme throughout the cabin.

The food was solid, especially the dishes served cold, a box of nuts from Fauchon with pre-meal cocktails, a choice of lobster with caviar or a duck salad for starters, both delicious. The warm dish was pretty much horrible. I had a chicken pot au feu which lacked anything resembling pleasing flavor or texture, but I heard murmurs of discontent from people who made the other entree choices. The after meal choices made amends, with a very thoughtfully selected cheese plate and a dessert course with three flavors of sorbet (framboise, coconut and mango) and other pastries.

I usually hesitate to comment on the service level I experience in an airplane since crews change and personalities are so variable, but this was all unfailingly pleasant and seemed actually caring. When I disembarked into the humid Papeete night, I felt that I'd actually been slowly acclimating to French Polynesia while I was in the air.

Tags: airplanes, business class, BusinessClass, tahiti

Qantas Business Class on Sale

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Wings

One good definition of hell: flying 16+ hours in coach. And it's antipodean opposite: flying that long in Qantas business class, which I did a couple of years ago, LAX to Auckland. Not only was I totally comfy in my near lie-flat seat with privacy screen, not only did I totally dig the mood lighting that changed as the trip went on (meant, I think to bring the body clock into some semblance of sync), but I boarded the plane with a bad cold, and I disembarked without it.

Okay, I can't credit the flight with that, per se, but I can almost promise you I wouldn't have been in any kind of reasonable condition had I flown the distance in economy.

From now until October 29th, 2009, you can get into the Qantas business class cabin to Sydney and Brisbane from LAX or SFO for $4,439, and fares from New York (JFK) starting at $4,943. (Travel from 330 days on from the reservation date.) That's about 40% off the regular fair, so if you know you've got travel Down Under up coming in 2010, this is a deal you won't want to miss.

Tags: business class, businessclass, businessclassflight, qantas, travel, travel deals, TravelDeals

British Airways To Launch Luxury NYC-London Flights

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

It was an idea that flopped phenomenally in the past (see Silverjet, MaxJet and EOS, three business-only London to NYC flight companies which all folded) but now British Airways is giving luxury all-business service between London and New York a shot. However the fact that the airline will fly just 32 passengers on an aircraft normally fitted for 100 people doesn't sit well with some environmental groups. The Guardian reports that environmental group Plane Stupid will stage a protest at London City Airport tomorrow as the maiden flight launches, angered by the fact that recently British Airways CEO Willie Walsh had pledged that the airline would do its part to fight climate change. The layout of the plane means that each passenger is basically responsible for three times the emissions of a regular flight.

British Airways will offer twice daily service on Airbus A318s with flat beds and access to the internet. Round-trip fares will start at around $3,00 but go up to nearly $8,000 for more flexible tickets. Flights leaving from London will be forced to make a brief refuelling stop at Shannon airport in the west of Ireland because the London City airport's runway is too short to handle an A318 aircraft with a full fuel load. In order to ease the journey, BA is arranging for passengers to use the Shannon stop to clear US customs and immigration.

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Tags: airlines, british airways, BritishAirways, business class, BusinessClass, flights

US Airways Unveils Envoy Suite

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

This week USA Airways unveiled the latest seating option for business class travelers on trans-Atlantic flights. The Envoy Suite offers four abreast seating in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone design in a business class cabin. The redesigned cabin layout allows each customer to face forward and away from the aisle in a lie-flat, 180° recline seat with direct aisle access. The seats offer a panel that includes a 110-volt universal power outlet, satellite telephone and USB port as well as an entertainment system with a 12.1" adjustable touch-screen. The Envoy Suite will make its debut on one of US Airways` Airbus A330-200 aircraft in December 2009 with the remainder of the A330-200 fleet installation completed by summer 2011 for a total of 15 aircraft. Each A330-200 will offer 20 Envoy Suites.

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Tags: business class, BusinessClass, envoy, plane, seat options, SeatOptions, travel, us airways, UsAirways

Woman Pays $32,000 to Fly Her Dog in Business Class

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Pets

The harsh realities of life in the Middle East has left Israelis with a reputation for no nonsense, but as one of the world's busiest economies, some exceptions were bound to pop up. Take this report, for example, of an Israeli woman who insisted her dog had to fly with her. In business class. And she paid a whopping $32,000 to make it happen.

According to reports, the 60-year-old woman identified as Rivkah (a not uncommon Israeli name) rented out the entire business class section of an El Al jet flying just four hours from Paris to Tel Aviv just for herself, her dog and a veterinarian. The process involved removing several seats to make room for the giant cage, but for Rivkah, who identifies with her dog – a boxer named Orchuk – as a child and not a pet, the cargo hold was not an option, and cost was no object.

[Source: Telegraph]

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Tags: business class, BusinessClass, dog carrier, dog travel, DogCarrier, DogTravel, el al, ElAl

Virgin Atlantic And British Airways In Price Wars

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

The heat is on between rival European airlines Virgin Atlantic and British Airways and it's the business class passenger who is benefiting. Virgin Atlantic has reduced business class fares by as much as 40% from London to destinations like New York, Dubai, Tokyo and Washington D.C. from now until the end of January on flights as far ahead as September. British Airways is also cutting their prices to keep pace. Both are hoping for a temporary boost to help prop up what have been some dismal travel statistics that have been eating away at the lucrative premium market. The discounts are aimed at the business travelers who may be paring back their travel budgets.

Other companies are also offering deals. US Airways has a January fare sale going on that offers deep discounts on some international travel. And Portfolio's Joe Brancatelli reports on deals from Jet Blue, Virgin America, Quantas and more. If you are interested in traveling, especially internationally, any time soon now is the time to book.

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Tags: british airways, BritishAirways, business class, BusinessClass, virgin atlantic, VirginAtlantic

Continental Unveils New Business Class Seats

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

New seats have been announced by Continental Airlines for their BusinessFirst cabin on Boeing 787, 777 and 757 aircraft that serve mostly trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes. The 180-degree lie-flat seat provides 6 1/2 feet of sleeping space in the extended position. It measures up to 25 inches wide when the the adjustable armrest is positioned flush with the seat cushion. Electronic controls enable customers to move the seats to pre-set upright, cradle and fully extended sleep positions and adjust the seat back, lumbar support and leg and foot rests. The lie-flat seats also offer individual storage space for personal items. Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are tucked above the customer's shoulder and there is additional storage under the ottoman, on a shelf under the monitor and on an amenity storage alcove. BusinessFirst seats on the 787 and 777 aircraft will have a 15.4-inch video monitor while seats on the 757 aircraft will feature 10.6-inch monitors. The seats also have a six-way adjustable head rest and an individual overhead reading light and an adjustable seat light allowing a customer to read in bed without bothering the person next to them. The new seats should start appearing in the fall of 2009.

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Tags: airline, business class, BusinessClass, continental, seats

Silverjet Permanently Grounded

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

Looks like those reports of Silverjet's resurgence were a false alarm. The Telegraph spoke with chief executive Lawrence Hunt who said the business-class-only airline is permanently grounded. There had been hopes that the company Kingplace would be able to bail out Silverjet but they were not able to raise sufficient cash to meet the capital requirements from the Civil Aviation Authority. After that we heard that Middle East carrier Arabjet might take over but Hunt calls them "timewasters" who were not even able to " raise the £125,000 needed to secure negotiations with the administrators." It looks like Silverjet will not be sold off as a going concern but will likely be dismantled with the assets sold off piece by piece.

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Tags: airline, business class, silverjet

British Airways Announces London to New York Business Class Flights

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

British Airways has made some big moves lately. They have created a new airline, OpenSkies, which will begin service to either Brussels or Paris using a single Boeing 757 in June with plans to have a second aircraft will start flying to the other European city later this year. The carrier has also announced that they are launching a new business-class service from London to New York. The airline has two Airbus A318 to service the new route, fitting them with lie flat beds for 31 passengers.

The move isn't entirely unexpected. When MAXJet, one of three airlines specializing in the London to New York business-class flight, folded in December it was mentioned that the remaining smaller airlines, Eos and SIlverjet would be competing with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Now with these new dedicated planes, the battle is about to get serious.

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Tags: british airways, BritishAirways, business class, london, new york

United Announces New Seats For International Business Class

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

Following on the heels of American Airlines and others, United Airlines is announcing an overhaul of their business class cabins. The new international United Business cabin will have a seat that reclines to a 6-foot, 4-inch lie-flat bed. Each seat offers audio and video on-demand and a video screen for viewing more than 150 hours of movies and TV programs. Seats are in pairs of two facing both forward and backward. Other onboard enhancements, include new menu selections developed by Chef Charlie Trotter and fine wine offerings from Master Sommelier and Master of Wine Doug Frost. The modification of the carrier's entire international fleet should be finished in 2009.

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Tags: ariline, business class, business travel, international flight, lie-flat seats, travel, united airlines, UnitedAirlines, vacation

New Massage Seats For Emirates Flights

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

We've mentioned before that the Emirates airlines had some deluxe plans for their Boeing 777 planes. Their first class suites are like tiny hotel suites. Now we learn that the airline's Business Class service between New York and Dubai will feature flat bed massage seats. Business class on Emirates also includes fine dining, wine and your own 19" entertainment screen. The massage seats are available on flights starting October 1.

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Tags: boeing 777, business class, emirates, massage seats

American Airline's Next Generation Business Class

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

American Airlines has created a new version of business class for their customers. Their Next Generation Business Class has new lie-flat seats that can be moved forward, a personal in-flight entertainment system with audio and video on demand and ergonomically-designed overhead bins. The new tray table design has two tables one on the seat back and one in the console, which can be used separately or together to create one larger area. The new business class will be installed on their Boeing 777 fleet beginning in 2007. Enhancements to American's Boeing 767-300 Business Class are already underway and should be ready in 2007. The press release also promises that they are working on that whole internet in the sky issue as well.

[via Airline Travel News]

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Tags: american airlines, AmericanAirlines, business class

Eos Airlines Offers Curb-To-Plane Service

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

Eos Airlines has a new plan to make their customers feel a little more like they are on a private jet rather than a business jet. The airline will greet each guest curbside at both JFK and Stansted Airport in London and stay with them through check-in and a fast-track security. Eos already offers a similar service for travelers who are running late and this is just an expanded version of that. The service means that you can arrive 45 minutes before your flight. Eos uses Boeing 757 airlines configured for only 48 passengers so that each person has their own pod space which can extend to a full six and a half feet for napping your way overseas. Their larger overhead compartments also mean that most luggage can be carried on. Eos also offers concierge service from Quintessentially. With many other New York-to-London airline options now crowding the field, Eos is working to make their service more appealing. Managing to shave off how much time you need to wait at the airport is a pretty good place to start.

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Tags: airlines, business class, eos airlines, EosAirlines, flight, jfk airport, new york airport, wings

Silverjet, Another London to New York Flight Option

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

The already competitive London to New York flight market is about to get a bit tighter. We've already covered Eos and MAXjet which both offer the same route. Silverjet Limited will offer low fare, all business class flights. CNN reports that Silverjet is currently raising money to get on London's Alternative Investment Market in May. They expect to start business class service from Luton to Newark within six to nine months after getting on the market. They eventually plan to run ten aircraft to a variety of destinations. Like MAXjet, Silverjet will offer around 100 seats which are flatbeds. The average roundtrip is expected to be $1,700.

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Tags: airline, airline industry, aviation, business class, eos, flight, london, maxjet, new york, planes, silverjet

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