No.1 - Swiss International Air Lines
Fare from New York to Zurich: $5,000
Among the amenities: Sprüngli chocolates, duty-free onboard shopping and La Prairie toiletries.
Plush perk: Dining options galore — from light fare to seven-course meals.
Business takeovers are always a huge roll of the dice, but we suspect it will ultimately be successful between Lufthansa and Swiss. The latter was taken over in 2005, but Lufthansa press releases emphasize “partnership.” We shall see. Swiss has a longstanding reputation for courtesy and efficiency, and so far their reputation remains solid. All the expected luxury appointments and services are present. But for the techno-geek that lurks in all of us, a few too-cool features are too entertaining to ignore. For one, your video monitor can display flight data, such as air speed, distance flown and distance remaining. That technology has been around for years, maybe not on my own screen and at my command, but Swiss has upped the ante: two onboard cameras let you watch the world in front of the aircraft as well as below it.
No.2 - Singapore Airlines
Fare from Los Angeles to Singapore: $5,100
Among the amenities: Bvlgari toiletry kits and Givenchy-designed sleeper suits on select flights.
Plush perk: “Book the Cook” service allows meal selection in advance. Be sure to specify Dom Perignon with dinner. To paraphrase the Lone Star State’s saying, everything’s big in first class. Singapore Airlines, however, can soon claim to have the biggest plane in the air. As of 2006 they are the first carrier to fly the new Airbus A380, which is capable of carrying up to 555 passengers in all. Even without the A380, the first class experience is amazing. Their SkySuites are appropriately named, and there are only 12 of them in first class, which should strongly allude to the allure. In addition, the seats cradle you in Connolly leather. One gets the feeling of being in a big Bentley with wings rather than a plane.
No.3 - Lufthansa Airlines
Fare from New York to Frankfurt: $4,970
Among the amenities: Adjustable privacy screens between seats, generous room to stretch.
Plush perk: Chefs and sommeliers continuously update their onboard cuisine and wine selection. Any first-class passenger can chill in their carrier’s airport lounge, but if you’re a Lufthansa first-class passenger in Frankfurt, you get your own terminal. It’s one example of how this carrier caters to its elite. First-class flyers are now enjoying Lufthansa Media World on board, too. Essentially, it’s a multimedia system with enough audio, video and games to keep you occupied for a few trips around the globe. As much as everyone loves to fly first class, accommodations can still be smallish aboard certain carriers. Lufthansa would rather not fall into that category. Their sleeper seats are spaced up to 92 inches apart and extend six feet, six inches (or nearly the length of two rock stars laid end-to-end).
No.4 - Japan Airlines
Fare from Tokyo to New York: $7,000 Among the amenities: Adjustable headrests and side cushions, down pillows and comforters. Plush perk: The built-in massage feature in the seats. Since 1951, JAL has been a leader in first-class comfort, and apparently they intend to keep a good thing going. Select flights now feature their Skysleeper Solo. No, it isn’t a narcoleptic Star Wars character; it’s the airline’s interpretation of coddling. The seat’s leather upholstery is by sofa manufacturer Poltrona Frau, ensuring your comfort whether awake or asleep in the chair’s flat-bed configuration. Whether your palate yearns for traditional Kyoto cuisine or you crave Western food, JAL has you covered; both styles are offered. Both are so delicious that you’ll swear an Iron Chef is on board.
No.5 - Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
Fare from Los Angeles to Hong Kong: About $7,500
Among the amenities: Five-course meals, dozens of audio and video options.
Plush perk: Elemis amenity kits and Shanghai Tang-designed sleepwear. If you’re flying first-class on Cathay Pacific you’ll surely wish the flight was longer. Trust me, as much as I fly, I wouldn’t casually throw out such a statement unless it held water. I’m not alone in my belief; In 2006 Air Transport World magazine’s Airline of the Year honors went to Cathay. 2006 also marked the airline’s 60th year of operation. Based in Hong Kong, Cathay doesn’t have as strong a presence in the minds of U.S. travelers as other carriers. But if you’re flying that long stretch to Asia, your investment in the several thousand-dollar ticket definitely returns its dividends.
