For frequent first class passengers, choosing to fly commercial does not mean sacrificing all the luxe comforts they are accustomed to, and airlines do not hold back in providing all the premium benefits that keep them coming back. But sometimes, premium can be quirky, and some airlines have proven that even this is not a challenge with their unusual first class souvenirs which they sometimes extend to their business class cabins.

KLM’s Delft Blue House

No story of unusual first class souvenirs would be complete without the mention of KLM’s gin-filled ceramic delft blue houses, a truly collectible item that manages to give physical and psychological benefits all at once.

Since 1952, KLM Dutch Airlines has remained consistent in giving out these miniature gin-filled houses to passengers in its premium cabins. Although the houses have retained their blue-and-white signature colourway as well as the Delftware pottery style associated with the eponymous Dutch city since the mid-17th century, production times and the manner of obtaining them have evolved.

“Production was random until 1994,” explains a KLM representative. “[Back then] a number of houses were produced one after another, then none for several years. An extra 15 houses were produced in 1994 in honour of KLM’s 75th anniversary. This brought the number to exactly 75 and the number of houses in the series has kept pace with KLM’s age ever since.”

Today, there are a total of 103 houses, which are now released on October 7 each year to mark the airline’s birthday. Each house has a unique story: for example, house 103 is a miniature of the Ecury House in Oranjestad, Aruba, the family home of the Ecury family that contributed significantly to the development of aviation in Aruba.

How do modern-day collectors grow their stash? In a nod to the times, passengers in the airline’s business cabin visit the dedicated Delft Blue Houses app once the flight attendants come out with the ceramic souvenirs on trays. There, they will cross-reference the numbers on the back of the houses on display to ensure that they’re only adding a fresh model to their collection.

It is not certain who has the most houses in their collection, but, per KLM, houses No 76, 48, and the earliest houses 1-10 are some of the most sought-after pieces among collectors.

Lufthansa’s Rubber Ducks

Lufthansa may not have the storied history of KLM’s Delft houses, but its rubber ducks are certainly more unusual than gin-filled ceramic replicas of historic homes.

According to the word flying around, it all started around 2004 when the airline opened its first class terminal in Frankfurt. One of the perks was the shower suites, and in the one with a bathtub, someone had thought it wise to place a rubber deck there. But then it was taken, and the airline replaced it. And then it got taken again and was replaced again, until the airline realised that passengers really love their rubber ducks, and so they turned it into a souvenir first class passengers could take home with them from the lounge.

So far, Lufthansa has decked its first class terminal with different types of ducks. There have been Christmas ducks, Oktoberfest ducks, FIFA World Cup ducks and even coronavirus ducks!

If you would love to start your own Lufthansa duck collection, the process is rather simple. Just visit the airline’s first class lounges in Munich or Frankfurt, and request your own squishy gift from the assistants. They would be more than happy to grant your request.

Emirates’ collectable toys and bags for young flyers

Emirates’ offering isn’t so quirky, but their latest first class souvenirs are not so common, and so they deserve a spot on this list.

Unlike the other two airlines on this list, their collectible amenity kits are not for all passengers flying premium but are reserved for their young passengers only, up until the age of 12.

Made from sustainable materials, the kits are grouped into three: the first is for babies 0-2 years and is geared more towards the parents than the child. It includes a reusable changing mat, diaper cream and cleansing wipes, a keepsake wipe-clean bib, a soothing vibrating plush toy and collectable ‘blanket buddies’, where an Emirates character soft toy representing a pilot or cabin crew is offered alongside a soft blanket to ensure a sweet night’s sleep. All these are in a colourful bag with hand-drawn artwork representing “the people, places, and cultures that Emirates airline serves in its global route network of 140 destinations.”

The kit for kids aged 3-6 years is way different. They are given a multi-use belt bag, larger backpack, or generous duffle bag that contain an engaging ‘Fly with Me’ activity pack with its colouring pencils, kid-friendly world maps, puzzles, drawing tutorials, colouring pages, educational activities about Dubai and protecting the environment.

For children between the ages of 7 to 12, they would be walking off the flight with reusable belt bags, larger backpacks, or generous duffle bags – designed with subtle and cool graphics that appeal to their age group.

The next time you’re on any one of these flights, look out – you just might be walking off with a quirky, lifelong artefact that might become a family heirloom. And if you would not be flying with any one of these anytime soon? Ask the attendants at the first class lounge or those in-flight. Who knows? You just might be walking off the flight with your own unusual, collectible souvenir.

The post Here Are Some Unusual Souvenirs from Airlines’ First Class Cabins. Do You Own One? first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Here Are Some Unusual Souvenirs from Airlines’ First Class Cabins. Do You Own One? appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

In reality, commercial airlines are nowhere near retiring their most premium cabin even though most are now choosing to focus on other classes that are guaranteed to bring in profits without sacrificing their premium passengers. Which is precisely what the Lufthansa Allegris is about and its products offer some insight into the future of first-class and premium cabins in commercial flights.

But first, a history of the first-class cabin

Although commercial flights took off in 1914, the first class concept did not take root until well after WWII, and even then, it was not so much about the seats as it was about flying uninterrupted (which is what was regarded as first class) or having frequent stops along the way (coach flights).

At this point in the history of aviation, space was regarded more as a necessity than a luxury, since the costs of tickets were high and only the really could afford them. It was only after 1955 when standardised fares were abolished and the first aircraft with separate coaches launched that first class began to be associated with more space, better service and exclusive amenities.

And this is how it has been ever since. Although first-class cabins industry-wide are not as spacious as they used to be back in the 30s, 40s and 50s, the amenities, level of service and other perks they come with make them more sophisticated than their predecessors.

However, in spite of the many benefits they offer, it appears as though more premium passengers would rather fly private, or go with other cheaper – but just as impressive – superior cabins.

Lufthansa Allegris and the revamped first class

Back in February, the German airline announced new changes to its long-distance aircraft dubbed the Lufthansa Allegris. While this product includes modifications to all its cabins – like increased flexibility in its business class that would allow passengers enjoy more space with the possibility of combining two suites; and, seats with fold-out leg rests that can recline in premium economy without disturbing passengers behind – it is the changes in its first class that seem to have garnered the most attention.

From promotional videos, the new first-class cabin aboard Lufthansa’s long-haul aircraft is a single row in a 1-1-1 layout. Amenities include temperature-controlled seats, spacious wardrobes and entertainment screens that span the width of the suites. Guests in this cabin would also have access to a specially put-together gourmet menu that they can order from at any time.

Impressive changes, but nothing compared to the introduction of ‘Suite Plus,’ a double suite in the middle aisle. Decked out with all the features in the neighbouring ‘rooms’, Suite Plus has, in addition, high-ceiling walls and a door that can close completely, as well as two seats that can be combined to form a large bed for two, almost like what can be found in a hotel room.

The future of first-class and premium cabins

Every time a global event negatively affects the economies of rich countries, the aviation industry suffers, and almost every time – in recent years at least – first-class is always almost the first to be scrapped or modified for less-pricey seats and cabins.

The 2008 financial crisis saw the rise of business class and a steady decline of first class, while the global coronavirus pandemic that restricted travel between 2020 and 2021 almost killed the premium cabin for good.

But, as Lufthansa and other airlines are showing, first class is going nowhere. For now at least. It is true that the Coronavirus increased demand for private jets, aided in no small part by new initiatives that make this uber-luxe method of flying more accessible. However, with concerns about carbon emissions and making our planet more sustainable, it would be quite a reach to say that first-class travel is dead.

As long as commercial flights are still in operation, airlines will always have to create a space for premium passengers willing to spend more for their comfort. The only changes the immediate future seems to be ready to offer in this regard are reduced seats as in Lufthansa’s single row of 3 first-class suites, reduced suite sizes like Emirates’ A380 first-class suites or making first-class cabins available only on select long-haul flights, as most airlines are doing currently.

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Only recently, Emirates obtained exclusive rights to serve top champagne on its flights; specifically bubblies from Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Dom Pérignon. This contract means that from 2023 to 2024, Emirates would be the only commercial airline offering champagnes from these brands. Dom Perignon will be served in first class across all routes globally; Veuve Clicquot will be served in business class on routes to the Americas and Europe, and, Moët & Chandon will be offered in business class on routes to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, including Australasia. Passengers in economy would also be able to purchase Moët & Chandon champagnes if they want.

No doubt, being the only airline to serve these top champagnes would increase the value of Emirates’ premium cabin. So far, Emirates has worked hard to ensure that its premium passengers enjoy the best bubblies: its Business Lounge in Dubai boasts a special Moet & Chandon bar and its unique wine cellar in France reportedly houses up to 6.5 million bottles that has allowed it to serve rare wines such as the Dom Pérignon Vintage 2003 Plenitude 2 on select routes.

For now, other airlines would have to contend with serving premium champagnes from other houses onboard while they work to include attractive luxury options in other categories like onboard amenity kits and even the meals served in-flight. Their wine list is no less remarkable — Qatar Airways serves Krug 2004 champagne in its first class while Etihad offers Champagne Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des Millénaires 2004 in its own first class. Air France serves passengers Piper-Heidsieck 2006 Rare Millésime Champagne in its premier cabin while those in economy can enjoy a drink from the Fleur de Champagne Brut 1er Cru, the signature cuvée of a family-owned and independent wine producer since 1859.

But in the end, none of these champagnes are a Dom Pérignon or a Veuve Clicquot or even a Moët & Chandon. And having exclusive rights to serve them onboard has definitely put Emirates ahead. For now at least.

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The ‘little something’ is none other than SIA’s first-ever amenity kit for individual passengers in its business cabin. Made in collaboration with British perfumer Penhaligon’s, the kit is a skincare and wellness affair consisting of a hand lotion, a facial mist, a balm and while stocks last, a 5ml roll-on perfume oil Luna, all infused with Quercus, a refreshing and citrus and basil scent.

Yet, Singapore Airlines is hardly the only carrier offering amenity kits filled with skincare and wellness products to premium passengers, nor does it have the most extravagant offering.

Awards in this category will perhaps go to Taiwan’s Eva Air who in the past used to offer Rimowa-branded amenity kits but now gives its premium cabin guests Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits when the former was discontinued, and Emirates Airlines whose partnerships with Byredo and Bulgari since 2018 has seen them produce some of the most luxurious kits above ground level, including a pair of pyjamas designed to hydrate the skin.

But amenity kits are not the only options airlines offer their premium passengers in their quest to ensure that their journey across the sky is as comfortable as possible. Emirates, for example, has a ‘shower spa’ for its first-class passengers travelling aboard their A380 Airbus.

As it is above, so it is below

The skincare and wellness trend is not just restricted to the skies. Last year, British Airways launched the Forty Winks Lounge with sleep pods designed to help premium passengers nap properly ahead of their flight.

Air France’s business lounge in the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris features a wellness area, a rest area with lounge chairs, a detox bar, and saunas with facial treatments from Clarins Spa. Just last month, the airline opened a new airport spa with luxury French beauty brand Sisley. The spa, called La Première Sisley Beauty Institute, offers skin rehydration treatments for men and women.

At the Madrid airport, the SHA Wellness Clinic has erected an outpost where travellers seeking better options can go for spa treatments, healthy foods, and drinks.

With an ongoing global health challenge courtesy of the Coronavirus, and with the Ukraine-Russia situation, international travel has become rather daunting. If you’re going to be moving in between countries and regions, it only makes sense to seek out airlines that will offer you the best services all around, including in the skincare and wellness categories.

Source: Barrons

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Where are the first-class seats going to?

Giving way to premium economy and business class.

Ever since British Airways successfully introduced lie-flat seats in business class, almost all long-haul airlines have followed suit without any decline in revenue and customer base, and with both passengers and airlines fully satisfied.

Why, you may ask? Don’t passengers want to be comfortable anymore?

Let’s start with all the reasons you may want to fly first-class. This premium cabin gives passengers an opportunity to sleep on long flights without having to break their trips and take a much-needed rest in hotels. You can also not deny the privacy you enjoy in first-class. Lie-flat seats in business class changed the game, however, and employees going on business trips are finding it increasingly difficult to justify purchasing a first-class seat to their bosses.

In addition, airlines are changing the design of business-class seats to include more privacy for their customers in addition to making other perks like private lounges open to travellers on business-class, all at a cost cheaper than first-class. Who pays more for more when you can get more for less?

Lastly, airlines are phasing out double-decker jumbo jets that consume more fuel for smaller aircraft. With less space to work with, it only makes economic sense to maximise the little one available.

How has the pandemic accelerated the decline of first-class?

For months, no one travelled, except it was highly essential and linked to stemming the Coronavirus tide. Businesses however had to go on, and that was how we all took up residence online.

And then, everyone had a light bulb moment. All those thousands of annual business trips we took pre-COVID were in fact quite unnecessary. A decline in business trips automatically meant a decline in the use of the first-class cabin, since it was mostly occupied by business persons, politicians, HNIs and celebrities.

But we travel for purposes other than business, right? And reports show that if anything, the pandemic increased our travel lust. So why are we still shunning first-class?

We may want to travel now more than ever, but we want to do it in relative safety and the utmost comfort. Which is why private jet travel is on the rise, made even more accessible by subscription services, charter open market places, traditional charter services, fly-sharing and fractional ownership. As more people explore private travel via these options, the need for ultra-private spaces on commercial planes is on the decline.

Instead of wasting space with first-class seats that are no longer as popular as they used to be, it only makes sense to offer people what they want: economy seats that the masses can afford, and business class seats or premium economy seats that deliver the first-class experience sans the cost.

What if you’re flying commercial but still want first-class?

Simply because the rest of the world is pivoting away from first-class does not mean you have to follow suit. If you still want to fly first-class, this tip from CNN just might get you what you want.

Business-class seats are usually staggered so that they can recline without disturbing the next passenger. But the front row seats will almost always have a bigger space with only the wall to contend with.

CNN dubs them the ‘front-row business-plus’ seats, and some airlines are beginning to repurpose them into pseudo-first class seats, complete with bigger seats, bigger screens and in some cases, an extra seat. Other design options include “mini-wardrobes so that you can slip out of your suit and into your airline-offered pyjamas, leaving your clothes clean and uncrumpled for when you arrive,” or a romantic spot with a table between seats complete with “low lighting options, flowers and even an electronic candle.”

If you want to know if your preferred carrier is offering this service, there are two ways to find out. One, look out for words like ‘business plus’ or ‘business suite’ while booking. Or just go snooping onboard: if the front or even back row seats look a bit different from the others in the business class cabin, and come with extra pillows and blankets that look extra plush, then the airline is most likely offering this service and you could ask for that seat on your next travel.

The post No First Class Seats? No Problem: Look out for These Instead first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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The airline, which has since the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns offered different packages to attract passengers, announced recently that it is giving out a complimentary two-night stay with an upgrade to the next room category if you book in Business Class or First Class. You would also benefit from 24-hour check-in and checkout so you can make the most of your trip.

Emirates is not the first airline to provide this offer. In 2019, Qatar Airways offered its passengers making a stopover in Qatar the opportunity to stay in a 4- or 5-star hotel for up to 4 nights. Although this was a paid offer to be covered by passengers, it had earlier given a complimentary offer to stay up to 4 nights at the Ritz Carlton in Doha for passengers who would be visiting the city. Etihad also had a similar offer in the past.

To enjoy the complimentary hotel stay from Emirates, you would have to book and pay in full by 28 March 2021 and travel from 15 March until 30 June 2021. Once payment has been made, you would also need to send a mail to EmiratesOffer@emirates.com with your booking reference, arrival date in Dubai, passenger names (only passengers in the mentioned PNR will be booked), contact phone number and contact email address that will receive the hotel confirmation.

The airline is also offering an additional one-piece baggage allowance on return tickets to Dubai. So, if you would be planning to do some serious shopping during your vacation, this is one offer you may not want to miss out on.

Source: Emirates

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But with the threat of the virus still in the background, the introduction of the Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa has been designed around additional health and safety measures. The A380 Onboard Lounge, which serves First and Business Class customers, will transform into a take-away bar with limited seating capacity and social distancing protocols in place. The bar continues to serve wines, spirits, soft drinks and pre-packaged lounge bites, but passengers will enjoy these dietary delights in the comfort of their seats. If they like, orders can be made from their seats. The social areas in Business Class on select Boeing 777 aircraft and in First Class have also reopened with pre-packed snacks for customers to grab and go.

Additionally, First Class customers can once again have a shower at 40,000 feet. Luxury spa products will be provided in individual amenity bags to each customer. The sets include pamper essentials from organic and sustainable Irish brand VOYA, a disposable bath towel and a menu to choose additional amenities.

From November 1, Emirates’ onboard dining experience will return to its signature service while observing strict hygiene protocols. Customers in all classes will enjoy multi-course meals and choose from a complementary selection of beverages, including wine and beer, as well as juices and soft drinks. Cocktails will also be served in premium classes. In Economy Class, customers can choose from two wines; in Business Class, customers can choose from six wines, including port and champagne, while in First Class, customers will have a selection of 11 wines including dessert wine, port and Dom Perignon champagne. The Emirates app has also been enhanced to allow customers on board to browse the menus on their personal devices both online and offline with the latest app update.

In addition to all these perks, Emirates will soon launch a welcome drink in premium classes called Vitality Boost. The airline’s chefs and nutritionists have created a refreshing blend of apple, ginger and hibiscus to give customers a health kick on their journey. The vegan, nutrient-rich drink is packed with antioxidants and is free from gluten and added sugar.

Source: Luxury Travel Advisor

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Earlier reports had predicted that businesses that would survive post-pandemic are those which can adequately assure consumers that they are committed to their health and safety. In line with this recommendation, Qatar airlines recently released a new Diamond Agreement that offers maximum flexibility at industry leading pricing, meaning that customers are now able to pre-purchase flight time at fixed-hourly rates on state-of-the-art long-range and ultra-long-range private jets. This is in addition to the Hazmat suits it has introduced to its commercial flights to assure safety.

Emirates has decided to try a different approach.

In an official press release on the 23^rd of July, 2020, it announced that it would cover medical expenses of its passengers of up to EUR 150,000 and quarantine costs of EUR 100 per day for 14 days, “should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel, while they are away from home” free-of-charge and at no additional costs to the passenger.”

Speaking on the decision, Emirates Group Chairman and Chief Executive, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, “Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Emirates is proud to lead the way in boosting confidence for international travel. We know people are yearning to fly as borders around the world gradually re-open, but they are seeking flexibility and assurances should something unforeseen happen during their travel.”

“Emirates has worked hard to put in place measures at every step of the customer journey to mitigate risk of infection, and we have also revamped our booking policies to offer flexibility. We are now taking it to the next level, by being the first in the industry to offer our customers free global cover for COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs should they incur these costs during their travel. It is an investment on our part, but we are putting our customers first, and we believe they will welcome this initiative,” he explained further.

This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until 31 October 2020 (first flight to be completed on or before 31 October 2020). It is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey. This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination. There will be no special forms; all customers need to do is call a dedicated hotline for assistance.

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