Fancy flights

An increasing number of international airlines are combining luxuries for an irresistible flying experience.

The Wright brothers could have never imagined what their flying machine would finally evolve into. From spartan machines to contraptions for on-demand movies, adjustable sleeper seats, wines served with care, special chef-prepared cuisines and a flight experience that extends to even after the aircraft has landed, the repercussions of flying have certainly come a long way. It is sheer luxury "" but only if you're the envied business-class traveller.

With the lure of extravagance, leading airlines are hoping to seduce passengers and grab a large slice of loyalty share from them. If you are still wondering why men and women in business suits have all the fun, remember this golden rule: business class is primarily the domain of the rich and the brief-cased.

Though online booking has made business class a little more accessible, it has certainly not made it more affordable. But for those who want to travel in style, airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Jet Airways, KLM NorthWest Airlines and Continental Airlines are pampering passengers like never before.

Ground experience begins from world-class lounges that have wireless Internet access to gourmet food served by equally good-looking hostesses.

Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines have lounges which include similar concepts and are expected to entice high-yield customers. Limousines, BMWs, Mercedes' or even a simple taxi services to the airport are commonplace for most airlines today.

Richard Branson's Virgin even provides on-board masseuses. Virgin is constantly trying to outdo its arch-rival British Airways and recently introduced a new first-class cabin called the Upper Class Suite complete with seats that are 80 inches long and 33 inches wide. No chances of complaints about seat room in this first-class section.

Food is also a major on-board attraction. Take American Airlines for instance, where no beef or pork is served on the flights operating to and from New Delhi.

Instead, the airline with assistance from American Airlines Indian Employee Resource Group and in conjunction with Indian chefs based in the US and India, has structured a special menu for New Delhi flights that feature vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal selections with only chicken, lamb and seafood dishes featured on the menu.

Gulf Air has installed a chef to ensure a first-class menu. The airline has newly refurbished cabins (on the A-330s and A-340s) and houses a dedicated chef in the first class who in turn caters to not just meat preferences but also dietary or health requirements of the passengers.

To ensure that passengers enjoy their sleep, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic have ensured that plush seats evolve into lie-down-flat beds, complete with a mattress, duvet and a large pillow.

What's more, passengers get a pair of designer pyjamas, a toiletry kit complete with body lotion, lip balm and towels. British Airways even operates a spa out of its first-class lounge in London. An answer to Virgin's on-board masseuse?

The airline stocks an excellent on-board wine cellar with some of the finest wines, champagnes and spirits. Pity the airline hasn't thought of an individual bar.

Lumbar comfort tops Continental Airlines list which promises a 'BusinessFirst' seat that reclines to a near-flat 170º. Besides, it also operates concierge services and complementary airport transfers from the domestic to international terminal (in New Delhi) for its privileged class passengers.

"The aircrafts are equipped with an Empower laptop power system that provides a laptop power port in each BusinessFirst seat," confirms a Continental Airlines spokesperson.

On the other hand, for KLM North West Airlines, comfort also means a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. "Our representatives assist passengers with luggage and through other check-in procedures after leading them to luxury lounge access at KLM Crown where they can unwind," notes the spokesperson for KLM.

In addition KLM, over the last 40 years, has been gifting every passenger in its World Business Class a Delft Blue or a miniature of a traditional Dutch house containing Jenever (Dutch gin).

For those travelling with kids, Gulf Air offers a special Sky Nanny service to its premium travellers. "It's a big hit with passengers and since it's a unique concept, it has proved successful with both businessmen and families alike," notes a Gulf Air spokesperson.

The experience of flying also includes fancy fare with a 10-course meal including Swiss chocolates, fine wines that can go well with caviar, after which one can hit the flat-bed pod swathed in designer pyjamas.

Of course, that's after you have lathered yourself with Bvlgari lotion and flipped through at least 500 channels on a personal 15-inch television screen. This is what you get when you pay to fly business class. Bewitching, isn't it?

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Travel tags

Shorter lines at check-in and personal attention of the ground staff

Comfortable lounge areas with good food

Larger luggage allowance

Greater seating comfort, more leg-room and entertainment (think long-haul)

Special cuisine tailor-made to suit individual preferences

Luggage among the first on the conveyor belt

Quicker service

Designer night-suits and other knick-knacks