Top Five Airline Perks

Great Futures takes a look at five of the most luxurious first-class airline cabins and perks that passengers can experience today.

The only way to fly Singapore Airlines is in your own suite. Each one comes complete with sliding doors, leather and wood finishes, and a 23-inch-wide LCD screen for entertainment. While many luxury airline seats now convert into flat beds, Singapore Airlines offers a turn-down service, full-sized pillows and bedding that was exclusively designed for the airline by French fashion house Givenchy. Singapore Airlines spares no expense.
 

Refreshing isn’t an adjective usually used to describe air travel, but each Emirates A380 plane earns it by featuring two on-board spas as part of the first class experience. These luxury spas include state-of-the-art shower systems, walnut and marble design, fine linens, and the airline’s signature “Timeless Spa” all-natural shower kits. And if you’re staying in one of the First Class Private Suites, you can also enjoy your very own vanity table, mirror, and wardrobe so you can look as refreshed as you feel.
 

If you like to control and customize your air travel experience, a first class flight on the Qantas A380 really can’t be beat. Each suite comes with a touch-screen tablet controller that lets you completely control your surroundings — the on-demand entertainment, seat positions, window shades, lights, and more — all without leaving the comfort of your seat.
 

If you’re sick of eating pre-packaged, plastic-sealed food on airplanes, you may want to consider travelling first class with Malaysia Airlines. The exclusive Chef-on-Call-First program gives passengers the chance to dine like royalty during their flight. Passengers get to choose from over 45 dishes before they board, and their meal is then prepared specially by a chef and served mid-flight. With signature dishes like jumbo prawn curry kandar and grilled beef fillet medallion, passengers always arrive with a full stomach.
 

For Qatar Airways, the entire flying experience is streamlined for first class passengers, even before they lift off. In Doha, they have access to a private, $90 million premium airport terminal. This exclusive area features marble floors, fine dining, private shopping, cascading waterfalls, private lounges, and a spa. With more than 150 specially trained staff working in the terminal, passengers are well taken care of before they ever step foot on a plane.